For nearly a decade, Escape from Tarkov has existed in a strange spac hugely popular, constantly evolving, but never quite leaving its “beta” label behind. That long chapter is finally closing. Battlestate Games has confirmed that the hardcore shooter will launch version 1.0 on November 15, 2025, with a Steam release to follow shortly after.

This is a significant milestone for a project that first entered closed testing back in 2016. Over the years, Tarkov built a reputation as one of the most demanding first-person shooters on the market, known for its unforgiving gunplay, deep survival mechanics, and a punishing loot system where every mistake carries weight. Its steep learning curve didn’t stop it from building a passionate community, one that has weathered wipes, bugs, and long waits between major updates.

The decision to bring Tarkov to Steam marks a major shift for Battlestate. Up until now, the game has only been available through the developer’s own launcher. While that approach gave the studio full control, it also meant players had to manage updates and downloads outside of the platform where most of their PC libraries live. A Steam release opens Tarkov up to a wider audience, complete with features like automatic patching, community hubs, and broader visibility.

What’s less clear is the exact timing. Battlestate has stated that the Steam version will arrive after the 1.0 launch, but hasn’t pinned down whether that means days, weeks, or months later. Still, the confirmation alone is big news. Many fans have been asking about a Steam release for years, and with the 1.0 milestone finally in sight, the timing feels right.

The November update itself promises to be Tarkov’s most ambitious overhaul yet. In addition to long-awaited stability improvements, Battlestate is rolling out new quests, gear, and refinements to the scavenger and trader systems. The studio has also teased deeper story elements, suggesting that the full release will push Tarkov closer to its original vision of a survival shooter with RPG-style progression.

For a game that has always thrived on its mix of tension and realism, reaching 1.0 is more than just a version number. It’s a statement that Tarkov is no longer a perpetual work-in-progress it’s ready to stand alongside the biggest names in PC shooters. And when it lands on Steam, it will do so on the most visible stage in PC gaming.

After nearly a decade of grind, wipes, and nail-biting raids, Escape from Tarkov is finally ready to escape beta.