Escape From Tarkov is coming to Steam. After nearly eight years locked behind Battlestate Games’ proprietary launcher, the hardcore extraction shooter will soon appear on Valve’s storefront. The studio hasn’t announced an exact date yet, but sources indicate the launch is happening “imminently.”
This marks a massive shift for one of the most successful games to never touch Steam. Since entering closed beta in 2016, Tarkov has built its reputation as a punishing PvPvE experience where death means losing everything you brought into a raid. Players navigate the fictional Norvinsk region, completing quests, fighting AI scavengers and other players, and trying to extract with valuable loot intact.
The game’s exclusive distribution through Battlestate’s website has been both a blessing and a curse. It allowed the developers complete control over sales, updates, and player data. But it also created barriers for potential players who prefer Steam’s ecosystem and security. Many players have been asking for a Steam release for years.
What remains unclear is how Battlestate will handle the transition. The studio hasn’t confirmed whether existing players will receive Steam keys or if they’ll need to stick with the standalone launcher. Cross-progression between platforms seems likely through Battlestate accounts, but nothing’s official yet.
The edition situation adds another layer of complexity. Tarkov currently sells in multiple tiers—Standard, Left Behind, Prepare for Escape, Edge of Darkness, and the controversial Unheard edition. Each offers different stash sizes, secure containers, and starting gear. There’s also the PvE mode, sold separately as an add-on that lets players experience raids without human opponents.
Steam’s regional pricing could make the game more accessible in certain countries, though Battlestate might maintain their current pricing structure. The standard Steam refund policy poses interesting questions too—two hours isn’t enough time to understand Tarkov‘s brutal learning curve.
The timing might align with Tarkov‘s long-awaited 1.0 release. Battlestate has been talking about introducing both seasonal wipes and a persistent no-wipe mode for players who want permanent progression. A Steam launch would be the perfect moment to roll out these changes and attract fresh blood to Norvinsk’s unforgiving streets.
