Escape From Tarkov’s New PvE Update Officially Makes the Game Easier for Newbies

Escape From Tarkov’s 1.2.0.0 update introduces the EXFIL Brothers program, designed to pair veteran players with newcomers. Operators, defined as players with a level 30 character, can team up with candidates—accounts no older than seven days—to earn shared rewards. Both players receive a 5% XP bonus for participating in raids together, with additional incentives as the candidate progresses to levels 10, 20, and 30.

The update also introduces a PvE prestige system featuring six levels, offering permanent rewards such as TarCoin and exclusive items like the NKVD Finka knife and Akula dagger. These rewards are retained even after game wipes, providing long-term incentives for PvE engagement. The prestige system aims to reward consistent play and exploration within the game’s PvE modes.

PMC bot behavior has been completely reworked, with bots now distributed more logically across maps and concentrated in quest areas. They engage in fewer firefights with each other, prioritizing attacks on scavs instead. Bot gear and weapon loadouts now vary based on their level and faction, and new spawns have been added to the Labyrinth location.

A promotional code, POLYGON, is available for redemption until Monday, Oct. 19. Players can activate the code through the Escape From Tarkov launcher by selecting the dropdown menu beneath their username and choosing the 'activate code' option. The code grants unspecified rewards upon successful redemption.