The much-anticipated full launch of Escape from Tarkov 1.0 is finally upon us. The release date is officially set for November 15, 2025, marking a major milestone for developer Battlestate Games and the community of players who have waited years for this moment.
Latest Confirmed Details
- Escape from Tarkov 1.0 launches globally on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
- The official unlock time for U.S. (Pacific Time) is 3:00 a.m. PST on that date.
- For Eastern Time U.S., that corresponds to 6:00 a.m. EST.
- The version will be available via both Steam and the Battlestate Games client.
Why This Matters
After a protracted period of early access/beta — roughly eight years in development since its initial alpha stages — Escape from Tarkov moving to version 1.0 signals the transition to a “full release” state. For U.S. players, this means the title is marketed and timed with a global rollout, offering synchronized access across time zones.
Table of Contents
What’s New With 1.0?
While version 1.0 will build on the existing core of the extraction shooter, developer announcements highlight several major upgrades and logistical changes:
- Server capacity increased: Battlestate Games has reportedly tripled server capacity ahead of the 1.0 launch to accommodate higher concurrency and reduce queue times.
- Steam debut: Although Escape from Tarkov has been available via its own launcher for years, the 1.0 release coincides with its debut on the Steam platform, giving U.S. players familiar Steam-store access, community features, and friends support.
- No cross-platform yet: As of launch, no console versions (PlayStation or Xbox) have been confirmed. The focus remains PC for version 1.0.
Release Time Table for U.S. Players
| Time Zone | Launch Time |
|---|---|
| Pacific (PST) | 3:00 a.m. |
| Eastern (EST) | 6:00 a.m. |
| Central (CST) | 5:00 a.m. |
| Mountain (MST) | 4:00 a.m. |
Note: The times are based on the official 3 a.m. PST unlock. Always check your local launcher for confirmation.
What This Means for Existing Players
- Account linking: Players who already own Escape from Tarkov via the Battlestate launcher can link their account to Steam if they wish to play via Steam. Progress and characters remain intact.
- Steam purchase required: To access the game on Steam specifically, a new purchase is required—your existing launcher ownership does not automatically grant the Steam version.
- Single server pool: Regardless of whether you play via Steam or the Battlestate client, you will play on the same global servers.
Why U.S. Players Should Care
For players in the U.S., this launch presents a key moment. The extraction-shooter genre has seen booming interest in recent years, and Escape from Tarkov is considered one of its flagship titles. With this version 1.0 release:
- The game becomes more accessible to a wider audience thanks to the Steam platform.
- Performance improvements and infrastructure upgrades may reduce lag/queue issues — historically a concern for U.S. players.
- A fresh launch point may attract new players and enhance matchmaking availability in U.S. regions.
What to Do on Launch Day
- Ensure your system meets the updated PC requirements (check the launcher or Steam page).
- Pre-download the patch/update if possible once it goes live to avoid last-minute delays.
- Consider time zone: U.S. West Coast players should prepare for a 3:00 a.m. PST start.
- Join official Discord/Reddit or the in-game announcements for any last-minute server issues or patches.
- If you plan to play via Steam and previously used the Battlestate launcher, be prepared to purchase the game on Steam, link your account, and reinstall if needed.
In summary, the release date for Escape from Tarkov 1.0 is November 15, 2025, with launch times starting at 3:00 a.m. PST for the U.S. audience. This truly marks the full version of the game and a major step for Battlestate Games and its community.
Feel free to leave a comment below or check back for updates as the launch unfolds!