Escape From Tarkov's expansive Interchange map is getting completely reworked in an upcoming patch. Given that the popular FPS/MMO has been in beta for the last three years, players should of course expect regular changes as par for the course. Even so, it looks like the overhauled version of Interchange will probably take some adjusting to for veteran players.
Developer Battlestate Games didn't elaborate on what changes exactly were coming to the map, which is essentially made up of one sprawling shopping centre, a nearby car park and some wooded areas. However, PCGamesN noticed that entirely new exfil points (extraction points) are being added to the map, which means an entirely new set string of escape routes for players to get used to.
Given that committing exits to memory is really rather important if you're banking on exploring Interchange and actually getting out with any loot you gather up, this is set to be a pretty big change for more seasoned players. Of course, I don't doubt that those who are really serious about Escape From Tarkov will have the new exits and strategies worked out in no time at all.
Beyond new exits to navigate, the Interchange rework also boasts new lighting and a series of new objects that can be interacted with. In addition to those map-specific changes, version 0.12.4 will also see a handful of new systems introduced to the game.
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For instance, a new debuff called fatigue will appear if you don't conserve your stamina well enough. When active, fatigue will see players consume energy faster than usual, and will be unable to run, climb, or jump quite as easily. A hardcore debuff for a hardcore game.
In an interesting move, Battlestate Games has also split the stamina system between the top and bottom halves of your character's body. Leg stamina will deplete while running and jumping, as you'd expect, while arm stamina can be depleted while aiming and climbing. I'm looking forward to seeing how these changes affect the game going forward, that's for sure.
Finally, and perhaps most controversially, Battlestate Games is bringing in an increased level requirement for Escape From Tarkov's in-game flea market. As it stands, players can get into the auction house as soon as they hit level 5. The upcoming patch will make it so that all players need to be level 15, regardless of whether or not they previously accessed the market.
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The idea behind this is to try and limit the amount of hackers, banned accounts, and cash farmers out there. So while it's obviously a bit of a blow for newer players, it should have a positive impact on the game in the long run. There's no launch date for the latest update just yet, but you can read up on the patch notes over on the Escape From Tarkov forums now.
Featured Image Credit: Battlestate GamesTopics: PC