BattleState Games has opened the doors for players to join the new Season 3 launch of Escape from Tarkov: Arena for free with the announcement of its Free Weekend event. Taking place between September 24 (12:01 BST / 07:01 EST) and September 27 (12:59 BST / 07:59 EST), players can experience everything Season 3 has to offer, including the revamped BlastGang (5v5) mode, Battle Pass updates, and more.
In addition to the Free Weekend event, Twitch Drop Campaigns will run throughout the weekend, with discounts available to players and special tournament streams and broadcasts that players can catch on BattleState Games’ official Twitch account.
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Expected Discounts from the Official Store for Players
- 20% off: Escape from Tarkov: Arena Standard Edition.
- 20% off: Escape from Tarkov: Arena Standard Edition + all Tactical Maps.
- 20% off: Customs Tactical Map.
- 15% off: Escape from Tarkov: Arena Standard Edition + The Lab Tactical Map.
What can players expect from Season 3?
Season 3 recently launched on Escape from Tarkov: Arena with a massive update, and the BlastGang Mode (5v5) received a major revamp. This weekend, players can explore the new features. Here are the features that players will get to explore:
- BlastGang: A 5v5 mode played on medium and large EFT: Arena maps, inspired by the Search & Destroy format. Attackers must plant an explosive device, while defenders must prevent it from being planted or defuse it before it detonates. The key feature of the update is the removal of standard classes in favor of a flexible in-match economy, with all players starting with basic equipment and purchasing weapons, armor, and consumables before each round. The mode retains the core features of Escape from Tarkov: realistic ballistics, an advanced armor system, and detailed weapon customization.
- Preparation & Loadouts: Players can prepare their own arsenal for matches in advance, from configuring their personal shop and starting equipment to assembling custom weapon modifications. At the same time, the mode retains the core features of Escape from Tarkov: realistic ballistics, a detailed armor and damage system, and in-depth weapon customization.
- Economy & Teamplay: Currency is awarded at the end of each round, as well as for planting or defusing the explosive device and eliminating opponents, with the reward amount depending on the category of weapon used. Losing teams receive losing-streak bonuses, and players who don’t have enough funds for equipment can request financial assistance from their teammates.
- Convenience & Balance: The in-match shop supports quick purchases using hotkeys, as well as full refunds for items that haven’t been used yet. The weapon customization economy encourages players to find the optimal balance between the cost and effectiveness of their modifications, preventing a single “meta” build from emerging.
- Battle Pass and Progression: The new Battle Pass features 60+ unique rewards, ranging from weapons and gear to tactical clothing. The equipment arsenal has also been expanded with the modular DevTac Ronin helmet, featuring replaceable protective plates. Season 3 also introduces an improved progression system and a reworked selection of items available from Ref.
- New Locations: The game now features the new Lab Replica location and The Lab Tactical Map. The latter contains 56 points of interest, as well as locations that provide access to secret areas containing additional rewards.
What is Escape from Tarkov Arena?
Escape from Tarkov Arena combines the hardcore mechanics of Escape from Tarkov and the fast-paced gameplay of session matches, offering players a new perspective on the Tarkov universe.
The city of Tarkov is overrun with chaos. While corporations and private military companies wage their war in the streets, a mysterious group, the Masters of Arena, led by Ref, operate in the shadows. They have created clandestine fighting grounds where the best warriors battle for glory, money, and survival.
You are an Arena gladiator. Will you become the next legend?
