Battlestate Games released Escape from Tarkov patch 1.0.1.0 on December 24, 2025. The update introduces the Kolotun winter event, the M110 SASS marksman rifle, and a revamped matchmaking system with real-time queue information.
This marks the first major content patch since the game's official 1.0 launch in November 2025. Server installation began at 6:00 AM GMT (1:00 AM EST) and took roughly six hours to complete.
The rollout hit some turbulence. Players reported server availability issues shortly after the patch went live, though Battlestate Games resolved the technical problems relatively quickly.
Matchmaking Finally Shows Queue Times
The most celebrated change in patch 1.0.1.0 addresses something players have requested for years: visibility into the matchmaking process. A new progress bar now displays queue status, estimated wait time, and the current matchmaking stage.
Players can finally make informed decisions about their time. If a player scav queue shows 18 minutes for Streets but only 6 minutes for Shoreline, that information changes how people allocate their sessions.
Early reports suggest the estimates run conservative. One player noted a six-minute estimate that resulted in a three-minute actual wait.
Battlestate Games did add one restriction alongside these improvements. Canceling raid loading is now disabled during certain matchmaking stages. According to the patch notes, this prevents errors that occurred when players backed out during critical data loading phases.
Community reaction has been split on this tradeoff. The transparency upgrade earned widespread praise, but some players worry about losing control mid-queue. Forgetting essential gear after clicking deploy now means riding out the entire matching process.
There's also a mechanical reality the patch doesn't address. Matching often completes quickly. The real delays happen during "waiting for players" when someone's hardware struggles or a client crashes. Everyone waits regardless of how fast the algorithm worked.
M110 SASS Joins the Weapon Roster
The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System joins Tarkov's arsenal as a new marksman rifle option. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the weapon handles medium-range precision work with semi-automatic capability.
The rifle ships with full attachment support. Players can mount optics for ranged engagements or configure it for tighter accuracy at closer distances. The M110 SASS shares characteristics with the SR-25 system used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Army.
Kolotun Winter Event Goes Live
The Kolotun event brings winter-themed content to both PvP and PvE modes. Players gain access to a dedicated task chain with in-game rewards and a unique achievement for completion.
Christmas trees returned to the hideout, with additional trees appearing across maps. Players can collect decoration items as loot to unlock and upgrade the tree in their base, then craft rare items with enough materials gathered.
Ded Moroz (the Russian version of Santa, who wears blue rather than red) reportedly roams Tarkov during the event and hands out presents to players.
Pre-release information suggested the event might include survival mechanics requiring players to seek fire sources for warmth. The event may also feature the Atomic Icebreaker item that lead developer Nikita Buyanov teased previously.
Outdoor trader scenes got winter visual updates to match the seasonal theme.
New Clothing and Cosmetics
The USEC Gold Squadron and BEAR Senezh clothing sets are now available for purchase on the official Escape from Tarkov website. Gold Squadron features a hunting-inspired look, while Senezh gives BEAR faction players a distinct new appearance.
Previous Tarkov events have sometimes offered ways to unlock cosmetics through gameplay. Players may discover earning opportunities as Kolotun fully activates.
Additional winter-themed equipment items also entered the game with this patch.
Streamer Items Added
Patch 1.0.1.0 adds two new streamer items. The Nut Sack balaclava references content creator TheBurntPeanut, while the Tigzresq splint functions as a usable medical item. Both become requirements for the Collector task.
Balance Changes
Test Drive Quest Line
The Test Drive task line received adjustments that increase kill requirements while modifying weapon specifications. Reception has been mixed. Higher kill totals extend completion time, but weapon requirement changes may make certain objectives more achievable.
Forester's Duty
Battlestate Games adjusted Forester's Duty, a transit-dependent task requiring players to kill scavs on Lighthouse, transit to Shoreline, and kill more scavs at the village (all in one raid). Players previously reported spending hours transiting back and forth trying to find sufficient spawns. The adjustment should make completion more feasible.
Transition XP Modifier
Battlestate Games tweaked the experience modifier based on completed transitions. Players using the transit system between maps will see different XP rewards, potentially incentivizing multi-map raids during the Kolotun event period.
Headwear Compatibility
Restrictions on headwear compatibility with masks and headsets were loosened. This addresses frustration with certain combinations not working, like earbuds conflicting with some balaclavas. Community reports suggest the GSSH headset may work with the ushanka again.
Major Bug Fixes
Headshot Registration
A significant combat bug got squashed. Headshot damage registration failed when players crouched and leaned left because the hitbox stayed centered while the character model moved. This created situations where opponents could see an exposed head but couldn't land headshots. The exploit is now fixed.
Audio Improvements
Sound positioning saw improvements across all locations. Tarkov's audio has historically caused headaches, with previous patches claiming similar fixes to mixed results.
Specific audio issues addressed include:
Movement sounds from other players and bots sometimes went silent when observing them. Squad players occasionally noticed teammates producing no footstep audio despite visible movement.
Grenade impact sounds played incorrectly when thrown through doorways and windows (transition zones between outdoor and indoor areas). A single grenade sometimes produced duplicate impact sounds, one nearby and one distant.
Bot Behavior Fixes
Several AI issues got attention:
Bots no longer disappear in PvE mode when dying while healing. This bug was previously patched but apparently returned.
Bot behavior during the Terminal armory assault was corrected.
Kaban and Tagilla behavior during certain player encounters was fixed.
Bot vision distance calculations during fog now work properly. Previously, AI enemies seemed unaffected by fog that significantly limited player visibility.
Some causes of "flying bots" were addressed. This bug sent AI characters traversing the map through the air, sometimes killing players from impossible positions.
Inventory and Currency Fixes
Locked currency stacks now work correctly when buying PMC customization from Ragman. Previously, the game could spend locked currency anyway.
Currency crediting to locked stacks when selling to traders was fixed.
PMC inventory display during raids now works when receiving BTR Driver task rewards. This bug made items appear in backpacks but remain invisible and unusable, essentially breaking inventory until raid end. Other players could still loot the affected container.
Achievement and Task Fixes
Achievements now grant properly during raids when conditions are met, rather than sometimes failing until extraction.
The need to re-enter placement zones in tasks requiring multiple consecutive item placements was eliminated.
Other Technical Fixes
Hotkeys no longer reset on special slot items after death.
The missing player character model on the Overview screen was fixed.
The PM pistol reload animation with a sight rail installed now displays correctly.
Missing trader animations were restored.
Multiple collision, vaulting, shadow, and culling issues across all locations were fixed.
Story task note errors were corrected.
Quality of Life Tooltips
New informational messages appear in the settings menu explaining graphics and performance options. Players can now see how specific settings function and their impact on system components.
Twitch Drops Work for PvE Now
The current Twitch Drops campaign (running until January 4) now includes PvE players for the first time. PvE players can earn drops by watching enabled streams for the required duration, roughly 9 hours daily for all available drops.
Some players have reported claiming issues. Clicking the claim button doesn't always deliver items. Reports mention Prapor messages arriving without accompanying gifts, partial drops, or nothing at all. Battlestate Games acknowledged awareness of the problem but provided no resolution timeline.
Future Development
Beyond patch 1.0.1.0, Battlestate Games has outlined plans for Tarkov's continued development. Lead developer Nikita Buyanov has discussed several upcoming features through various media appearances:
Additional game endings beyond the four currently available, SCAV Life content, Woods map expansion, modding support for PvE, console version development, and a graphical overhaul.
The studio also maintains plans for Russia 2028, a single-player game set in the same universe. Concepts for this project date back roughly 11 years, though current development focus remains on Tarkov content.
Launch Day Stability
The patch deployment experienced the turbulence that has marked several recent Tarkov updates. Server issues hit shortly after installation completed, though fixes came relatively quickly. Holiday timing added pressure, as player populations typically peak during this period.
The rapid iteration from November's 1.0 launch to December's 1.0.1.0 shows Battlestate Games' commitment to supporting the full release. Addressing fundamental systems like matchmaking while delivering seasonal content aims to maintain player engagement during a critical window.
Patch 1.0.1.0 represents a solid first post-launch update for Tarkov's official release. The matchmaking transparency alone addresses years of community requests, while the Kolotun event and M110 SASS give players fresh content during the holiday season. Server stability hiccups aside, Battlestate Games appears committed to maintaining momentum after finally hitting 1.0.
