Battlestate Games has announced the launch of EFT Arena's Season 1, making it free to play over the weekend while offering discounts on the Epic Games Store. The promotion aims to attract players to the arena variant of the popular Escape From Tarkov, as the company tests new gameplay elements.
Season 1 Launch Details
EFT Arena adapts the tactical elements of Escape From Tarkov into a fast-paced arena-shooter, featuring elimination modes and the strategic blast-defusal mode called BlastGang. According to Nikita Buyanov, Director at Battlestate Games, the arena serves as a testing ground for potential gameplay improvements for their primary game, Tarkov. The first season began with a promotional free weekend from today until Monday, October 27, 2025.
Gameplay Changes and Updates
The recently released Patch 0.3.4 introduced several updates to EFT Arena, including class overhauls and increased team limits. The patch allows players to use up to three of the same class in a team, enhancing strategic flexibility. Additionally, animations have been optimized for smoother and faster gameplay, providing a more engaging experience.
Market Strategy and Offers
During this promotional period, a 15% discount is being offered for both EFT Arena and its bundle with Tarkov's PvE mode on the Epic Games Store. This strategic pricing initiative aligns with Battlestate's objectives to boost player numbers and integrate successful arena mechanics into future Tarkov updates.
