After nearly nine years in early access, Battlestate Games is finally bringing Escape from Tarkov to its 1.0 release on Steam this November. However, the highly anticipated Steam launch comes with a controversial requirement that has sparked debate among the game's dedicated player base.
Key Release Information:
- Release Date: November 15, 2025
- Platform: Steam (in addition to existing Battlestate launcher)
- Development Time: 9 years in early access
- Cross-platform play: Unified servers across all platforms
Steam Release Demands Double Purchase
Battlestate Games has confirmed that existing Escape from Tarkov owners must purchase the game again to access it through Steam. This policy applies even to players who have invested thousands of hours and potentially hundreds of dollars in premium editions through the original Battlestate launcher. The company's FAQ explicitly states that purchasing any Steam edition is mandatory to play through Valve's platform, regardless of previous ownership status.
Account Linking Provides Limited Relief
While players must buy the game twice, Battlestate offers a silver lining through account linking functionality. Existing players can connect their Battlestate accounts to their Steam profiles, preserving their progress, items, and character development. The system automatically recognizes the higher-tier edition when players own different versions across platforms, ensuring premium content remains accessible.
Steam Features Come with Restrictions
The Steam version promises integration with Valve's ecosystem, including achievements, overlay functionality, and friends list synchronization. However, Battlestate has imposed significant limitations on the Steam release. Notable exclusions include Steam Deck verification, Workshop support, and family sharing capabilities. These restrictions suggest the Steam version serves primarily as an alternative storefront rather than a fully integrated Steam experience.
Steam Version Limitations:
- No Steam Deck verification
- No Steam Workshop support
- No family sharing functionality
- Requires separate purchase despite existing ownership
- Battlestate account linking still required
Cross-Platform Play Maintains Unity
Despite the dual-purchase requirement, all players will compete on the same servers regardless of their chosen platform. This decision ensures the player base remains unified, preventing fragmentation between Steam and Battlestate launcher users. Players who prefer to avoid the additional purchase can continue using the original launcher while still playing with Steam users.
Community Response and Industry Context
The repurchase requirement adds to Escape from Tarkov's history of controversial monetization decisions. Long-time players who have supported the game throughout its extended early access period now face an additional financial barrier to access Steam's convenience features. This policy particularly impacts content creators and reviewers who cannot leave Steam reviews without purchasing the game again, despite their extensive experience with the title.
Launch Timeline and Expectations
Escape from Tarkov's Steam release is scheduled for November 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone for one of the most prominent games to remain in perpetual early access. The Steam store page is now live for wishlisting, though the actual release date remains listed as coming soon. This launch represents Battlestate's attempt to reach Steam's massive user base while maintaining their existing revenue model.