Battlestate Games, the Russian developer behind Escape From Tarkov, announced that the closed beta test for the Arena mode began on December 17. A trailer for Escape From Tarkov Arena has been released via the official YouTube channel of Battlestate Games, inviting players to get a first look at this new competitive experience.
The beta invites a limited number of players, creating an exclusive testing window during which feedback will help shape Arena before a wider rollout. Participants will find Escape From Tarkov Arena operates as a distinct experience from the main game, featuring team-focused battles on maps designed specifically for this mode.
In Arena, the action leans toward a format similar to popular esports titles while retaining the core shooting mechanics that fans expect from Escape From Tarkov. The mode emphasizes coordinated team play, clear objectives, and fast-paced engagements across multiple arena-style maps, offering a fresh take on the familiar extraction shooter framework.
Escape From Tarkov is widely recognized in the extraction shooter subgenre. The game challenges players to explore expansive environments, locate valuable loot, and confront rival teams while managing inventory and tactical gear. The ultimate goal remains to extract safely from the map with the loot secured, but dangerous encounters and failed raids also carry the risk of losing everything carried into the danger zone.
For many players in Russia and around the world, Escape From Tarkov has become a standout title from local developers. The Arena mode represents a strategic expansion that complements the original game by offering a competitive, map-based experience while preserving the distinctive loot-driven mechanics that define Tarkov.