What to expect from Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16?

The upcoming update, Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16, will be released soon. The patch will introduce the Winter season/weather, which will cover the entire Tarkov territory with snow. When the update drops, players will be able to access all the new items and features the developers have prepared. A wipe is expected with the update, as most players already know their character's progress gets wiped with the release of a major patch.

We look at the brand-new features and tweaks players can expect from Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16.

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All changes, features, and items players can expect from Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16

Similar to most major updates, several new features and weapons will be making their debut with the Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16. The changes and new features that are expected to be released alongside the update are:

Character progression wipe

Your character progression will be wiped when Patch 0.16 releases (Image via Battlestate Games)

Similar to all major patches, all players’ character progression will be wiped with the release of the update 0.16. This means all the gear players have worked to unlock in the last four months will be completed reset, and they have to start from the beginning. Everything, including the Hideout progression, will be wiped.

After launching the game, when Patch 0.16 maintenance ends, players will be greeted by the character creation screen and will be able to select either the USEC or BEAR faction for their PMC. From the customization screen, players will get to choose what voice and character model they will be rocking for the whole wipe.

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New weapons

Several weapons are set to be released with the Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16. Game director Nikita Buyanov previously shared a picture on X that resembles the AK50. While it is not confirmed, the aforementioned weapon will likely debut in the patch alongside new types of ammunition.

Apart from that, in the previous TarkovTV livestream, the devs revealed some pictures of various weapons they were working on, with the Rocket Launcher catching everyone's attention. Furthermore, various attachments, such as a 100-round drum magazine for various calibers, will be added to the game.

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Character prestige system

The character prestige system levels and dog tags (Image via Battlestate Games)

One of the most-hyped features Battlestate Games will introduce in Patch 0.16 is the character prestige system. Players will be able to reset their character level after completing various quests and reaching some conditions.

The system will grant several rewards to the players, such as collectibles, figurines, armbands, voice lines, secure containers, melee weapons, dog tags, and, most importantly, achievements. However, keep in mind that this system will only be available in the PvP.

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Customs rework

Nikita Buyanov, the title’s game director also confirmed that the Customs rework will debut with the Escape from Tarkov Patch 0.16. Similar to Factory’s rework, the devs are reworking Customs to match the former’s vibe. Several new spots will likely be added to the map with a complete overhaul of the lighting system.

Additionally, the map’s boss, Reshala’s model, will be tweaked a little. Although it’s not something major, the model’s quality will likely be higher compared to the other bosses.