Escape from Tarkov Is Finally Releasing on Steam with Version 1.0 This November

After nearly a decade of standalone early access, the hardcore extraction shooter Escape from Tarkov is preparing for its biggest leap yet. Developer Battlestate Games has confirmed that version 1.0 launches on November 15, 2025, and for the first time, the game will be available on Steam.

Story Synopsis

Escape from Tarkov began its journey in 2016 as a closed alpha available only through Battlestate’s own launcher. Over nine years, it built a dedicated following with punishing gameplay, immersive gun mechanics, and frequent wipes that reset player progress.

Now, the studio is preparing to end the long-running early access period with a full release on Steam. Studio lead Nikita Buyanov noted that the Steam page will appear “very soon,” signaling a major shift in accessibility and visibility for the game.

What It Means

This is more than just a distribution change. Steam’s reach could bring in a wave of new players who previously avoided the game due to its clunky standalone launcher. For veterans, the big question is whether existing accounts will transfer seamlessly or if they’ll need to repurchase on Steam.

The move also represents Battlestate’s attempt to mainstream Tarkov, while still keeping its unique, hardcore DNA intact.

How It Works

Steam Listing: The Steam store page is expected to go live ahead of the November launch.
Version 1.0: Marks the official end of the game’s early access cycle, introducing final content refinements, balance changes, and new features.
Account Transfers: Details on ownership migration remain unclear, though the community is pressing for answers.

Why It Matters

Escape from Tarkov has been a cornerstone of the extraction shooter genre, influencing titles like Call of Duty: DMZ and The Cycle: Frontier. Its arrival on Steam is both a symbolic milestone and a practical one, opening the door to millions of new players.

However, it also comes at a sensitive time. Recent controversies around monetization, wipes, and premium editions have left parts of the community wary. The Steam launch will need to balance hype with reassurance.

What’s Next

Steam Page: Expected to appear in the coming weeks, allowing wishlisting and pre-orders.
Launch Day (Nov 15, 2025): Full version release with new quests, systems, and refinements.
Community Watch: Players will closely monitor how Battlestate handles migration, DLC, and future monetization.

Tech Tidbits

Escape from Tarkov has received over 400 updates since alpha.
Version 1.0 arrives nine years after the first closed tests.
Steam integration raises the possibility of review bombing if migration issues aren’t handled well.
Battlestate confirmed self-publishing the title on Steam.