Battlestate Games has released Escape From Tarkov's 1.2.0.0 update, introducing substantial changes to its Player versus Environment (PvE) experience. The centerpiece of this update is the new "EXFIL Brothers" program, designed to encourage veteran players to guide newcomers through the game's challenges. Under this system, experienced players, referred to as "operators," can team up with new players, known as "candidates" (accounts less than seven days old).
Both participants in a raid will receive a 5% experience bonus. As the candidate player progresses and reaches level 10, 20, and 30 milestones, both the operator and candidate will be granted in-game roubles, bitcoins, and various cases. Operators will also receive additional rewards based on the candidate's purchased game edition, which can include TarCoin, posters, specific operator gear, and hideout customization items.
PvE Prestige and Bot Reworks
The update also implements a prestige system for PvE mode, featuring six permanent levels that offer rewards such as TarCoin and unique melee weapons like the NKVD Finka knife and Akula dagger. The Gamma secure container is also available as a prestige reward.
Furthermore, the behavior of Player versus Player (PvP) bots has been comprehensively reworked. Bots are now deployed more logically across the maps, with a higher concentration in areas associated with quests. Their engagement patterns have also been adjusted; they will engage in firefights with each other less frequently, prioritizing scavs instead. Bot equipment and weapon loadouts will now vary based on their level and faction. New PMC bot spawns have been added to the Labyrinth location.
Players can also redeem a promotional code for a set of in-game items. Using the code POLYGON before its expiration on Monday, Oct. 19, grants access to a U.S. Ordnance M60E6 Light Machine Gun, an M60 7.62x51 Capco 100-round Assault Box, 200 rounds of 7.62x51mm M993 ammunition, a Peltor ComTac II Headset, an MSA Gallet TC 800 High Cut Combat Helmet, an Avon M53A1 Gas Mask, a Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack, and a Spiritus Systems LV-119 Plate Carrier. To redeem codes, players must launch the Escape From Tarkov launcher, navigate to the dropdown menu under their username in the top-right corner, select "activate code," and enter the desired code.