Escape From Tarkov's New Anti-Cheat Initiative Offers Player Bounties

Escape From Tarkov has struggled with cheaters from the beginning. Despite Battlestate Games' vocal efforts to combat this issue, many players remain sceptical. However, a new anti-cheat initiative in the latest patch may change some minds: Battlestate Games is now offering "compensation for reporting players who violated game rules" essentially, a bounty on cheaters.

According to the 0.14.9.5 patch notes, players will receive in-game currency compensation for reports that lead to the blocking of violators. Details are sparse, but this move marks a step in the right direction. The initiative's success will depend on how Battlestate manages and responds to increased reports.

This concept isn't entirely new. A Redditor suggested a similar program over a year ago, noting that Yager had implemented one in The Cycle: Frontier. Reactions were mixed, with doubts about Battlestate's willingness or capability to execute it. Now, with Battlestate adopting the bounty scheme, there is hope it will fare better than Yager's effort, as The Cycle: Frontier was shut down in September 2023, partly due to cheaters.

Currently, players are most focused on changes to NPC AI. Following this patch, AI-controlled PMCs will be more aggressive, reactive, and communicative. They can now traverse any location, sprint across open terrain, and respond when other nearby bots spot a player. Most players view these changes positively, though some are concerned that the AI enemies might now be too formidable.

The patch also enables offline play for the controversial PvE mode Battlestate unveiled in April. The studio announced on Twitter that the mode will be available for purchase to all Escape From Tarkov owners "within 1-2 weeks after the game's infrastructure is stabilised and proven ready."

With these updates, Battlestate Games shows a renewed commitment to enhancing the player experience in Escape From Tarkov, despite the ongoing battle against cheaters.