Escape from Tarkov: Arena (EFT: Arena) is free to play until September 27th, with discounts of up to 20% and Twitch Drops running alongside the event.
EFT: Arena is the PvP spin-off of Escape from Tarkov, the hardcore shooter from developer Battlestate Games (BSG). According to a release, players will have full access to all of the game's modes through the official launcher for the duration of the free weekend.
The event began on September 24th at 12:01 PM BST / 7:01 AM ET and will end on September 27th at 12:59 PM BST / 7:59 AM ET. Any progress players earn over the weekend will be kept if they go on to buy the game. The free weekend comes a week after the launch of Season 3. In the release, BSG described the event as 'the perfect opportunity to try out all the new features'.
Discounts and Twitch Drops
BSG's official store is running limited-time discounts until October 4th, a week after the free weekend ends. The full list of offers is below:
- EFT: Arena Standard Edition: 20% off
- EFT: Arena Standard Edition + all Tactical Maps: 20% off
- Customs Tactical Map: 20% off
- EFT: Arena Standard Edition + The Lab Tactical Map: 15% off
Viewers who watch streams in the EFT: Arena category on Twitch will also be able to earn in-game items through Twitch Drops. The release did not say which items will be available as drops. BSG will host community tournaments and broadcasts on its official Twitch channel throughout the weekend as well.
What's new in EFT: Arena Season 3
The biggest change in Season 3 is a rework of BlastGang, a 5v5 mode inspired by the Search & Destroy format. Attackers try to plant an explosive device, while defenders try to defuse it.
BSG has removed standard classes from the mode. Instead, every player starts a match with the same shared preset, then buys weapons, gear and consumables before each round.
According to the release, BlastGang still keeps the core features of Escape from Tarkov. These include realistic ballistics, an advanced armour system and detailed weapon customisation. Season 3 also added a new Battle Pass with more than 60 rewards, ranging from weapons and gear to tactical clothing. The DevTac Ronin, a modular helmet with replaceable protective plates, has joined the game's equipment list.
BSG said the update brought an improved progression system, alongside a reworked selection of items available from Ref, the game's in-game trader. Two new locations arrived with the season: Lab Replica and The Lab Tactical Map. The Lab Tactical Map has 56 points of interest, plus locations that give access to secret areas with extra rewards.
