Escape From Tarkov’s New PvE Update Officially Makes the Game Easier for Newbies
Escape From Tarkov has released update 1.2.0.0 with a focus on making the extraction shooter more accessible to new players. The standout feature is the "EXFIL Brothers" programme, which rewards veteran players for mentoring newcomers through raids with both players earning bonuses and rewards as they progress together.
The programme pairs level 30+ "operators" with brand new accounts ("candidates") no more than seven days old, offering a 5% XP bonus to both players, with additional rewards at candidate milestones (levels 10, 20, 30). The update also introduces PvE prestige with six permanent levels offering exclusive rewards like TarCoin and unique equipment, whilst PMC bot behaviour has been completely reworked to be more intelligent and less predictable.
- New mentorship programme rewards veterans for helping newcomers level up
- Permanent PvE prestige system added with exclusive cosmetic rewards
- PMC bot behaviour redesigned to be more intelligent and logically distributed
New here? Start with this
Escape From Tarkov is an online multiplayer game where players enter dangerous combat zones to collect valuable equipment and must reach specific exit points to keep their loot. The game is deliberately very challenging and heavily punishes players who fail or are defeated, which appeals to experienced players but often discourages newcomers from playing for long.
The game's harsh difficulty has historically driven away new players before they can learn how to play effectively. With fewer fresh players entering the community, the developers recognised that making the early experience less punishing would help attract and retain new players.
The game has introduced features designed to reduce the barrier to entry for new players, including systems that encourage experienced players to mentor beginners through their early missions. The game's computer-controlled enemies have also been adjusted to provide a more manageable challenge for new players whilst remaining demanding for veterans.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The accessibility improvements represent sensible game design that strengthens the ecosystem. New players face an insurmountable learning curve in a game where a single death means losing all equipment, creating frustration rather than engagement. The mentoring programme and optional PvE prestige allow newcomers to learn mechanics without brutal punishment, whilst experienced players opt into these systems voluntarily. A sustainable player base requires fresh players entering the community, and these features help Tarkov retain its audience long-term without forcing changes on existing hardcore players.
The case against
Tarkov's identity and appeal derive from its unforgiving difficulty and high stakes—death carries real consequences and raids demand genuine risk assessment. These accessibility measures risk eroding what differentiates Tarkov from mainstream shooters and what attracted its dedicated audience in the first place. The mentoring bonuses and easier PvE content may fragment the player base into different experience tiers, and reducing friction contradicts the game's core design philosophy. For those who chose Tarkov precisely because it challenges players without coddling them, these changes feel like a departure from the vision that made the game compelling.