Nikita answers questions from content creators

[tobiassolem]

The community content creators sent eleven questions (collected by NoiceGuy) to Nikita who provided several interesting answers about the future of the game, and the development. Here are the questions, and of course Nikita's answers. Enjoy everyone! #EscapeFromTarkov

 

 

Topic 1: Since it’s been a few weeks - Is there any statement you would like to give on the general progress of the project and how the team is doing? 

Nikita: “Right now we're working on 12.11. We are finalizing tasks and getting ready for internal testing, everything is going as planned. During the next few weeks we will share some information about the upcoming patch. A large part of the team is working on Streets of Tarkov -  and we’re already working on the next patch 12.12 so everything is on track.”

 

Topic 2: There are several interesting features that haven’t been talked about recently that we are curious about, are these still planned? -Gas Grenades (CS Gas) and Coughing while in Smoke -Cooking Grenades -Breaking/Breaching/Picking/Blowing open locked doors -Flares as a NVG deterrent general light source 

Nikita: “Right now we are not working on these particular cases. We have a huge list of different small and medium features that we need to implement in the game. Eventually everything that you mentioned is planned to be in the game at some point. However, I can’t tell what we are exactly on right now, but we are trying to complete adding these long-awaited features with future patches.”

 

Topic 3: New Quests - You’ve said recently that you’ve finished writing at least some of the lore (storyline) based quests. Will we be seeing the daily, weekly or timed quests tied to the lore as well? 

Nikita: “No. The daily, weekly and other generated quests will be more about how to earn something in the game - for example, goods, parts, some weapons, reputation and experience. So most likely they will not be linked to the lore.”

 

Topic 4: Factions -  We know that factions are going to play a more big role in EFT, but will there be some form of “standings” system with different factions? Can you become friends with them like you can with the traders?

Nikita: “It's under question right now. We are currently working on the SCAV reputation related to Traders. So maybe this will be an initial point for us to add more reputational things related to different kinds of traders and factions, so it’s possible.”

 

Topic 5: Future weapons. Is it safe to say most if not all weapons seen in Contract Wars and Hired Ops will be coming to Escape from Tarkov in the future? 

Nikita: “Not every weapon. There are too many of them.  We will select some of the iconic weapons of these projects and add them to EFT.  For some of the weapons, we don't have the required details for modeling. Of course, they could be modeled in a simplified way, but we need all the internals of a weapon and every single part must be modeled properly to work in EFT.”

 

Topic 6: Patch 12.11 is the next major patch expecting to bring the factory expansion as well as the first iteration of scav karma. How will people playing as different player-SCAVS be able to communicate? Do SCAVS have their own “comms channel”, like SCAV-Radio? 

Nikita: “Communication between SCAVS is planned to be expanded with the addition of voice lines as in the PMC voice menu. No dedicated radio channel or something for SCAVs only is planned.”

 

Topic 7: If you have anything to say about these features we’re eager to get an update: -Weapon Malfunctions / Overheating -Custom rigs -Replaceable Armor plates with more accurate hitboxes (VERY INTERESTED) 

Nikita: “The first iteration of weapon malfunction is being done right now. Overheating will be added later. Customizable rigs are on hold, because they will require a lot of additional work. We have more important features to complete before that. The game cycle, the basic features of the game, for example.  Customizable rigs are not a basic feature. That’s why we decided to put it on hold and add it later.  More accurate hitboxes need to come before customizable rigs, for example. Because all of the armour related stuff is linked to this task.”

 

Topic 8: Maps - We are insanely excited about new locations and of course Streets of Tarkov, so if there’s any new details you can give regarding it’s progress we’d love to hear about it. If not we are also curious about any plans for the other locations (lighthouse-suburbs-town-terminal), expansions (Factory), or the map to map travel (trains?) if you'd like to share any details. 

Nikita: “Right now most of the art team are working on the “Streets of Tarkov” location, and we’re doing pretty well with this. We’ve boosted the speed of its production and we are working and finalizing some of the key elements of the location and slowly getting ready for the optimization process.  It is a huge undertaking - and it already contains a lot of challenges, for example: how to properly optimize it, and how to make it able to run with 40 players in the location at the same time. Not just PMC players. There will be even more SCAVS on this location. We also need to properly optimize it in a graphical way, so the FPS is acceptable, and, of course, the networking works also well. We are also actively making the Lighthouse location. Right now we are completing the grey boxes [editor note: Grey boxing is the initial phase of level design, when you place grey versions of the buildings, etc.] and graphics on this location. Most likely it will be out before Streets of Tarkov, because we need one more map before the SoT location. Factory expansion is nearly done, it is almost completed. The initial basic part of the game are the locations, and we need to complete the game cycle in terms of finishing these locations first.

Streets of Tarkov will contain unique extracts and unique gameplay features unique and special to this location, so in a way it's like a new gaming experience. The idea is just to implement this location with all the features and stuff, and bosses, to feel like it’s something new in EFT!”

 

Topic 9: What are your current thoughts on the gameplay loop of Escape from Tarkov? We know you have many new features planned but generally speaking do you think the day to day play roughly represents what the game will look like around launch? Or will it be much different? 

Nikita: “It will be different of course, because right now it's in testing. Although not everybody understands this and they say: “It's not a test, it's already a completed game. 

It will change. It will be played differently -  because we still have game-changing features coming. For example, weapon malfunctions will change the game. The ability to be knocked out, and the unconscious state will also make changes to how the game is played. And this is only two of them out of perhaps ten or even more big game changing features.  So 100% the game will be played differently. Not different entirely, but it will be harder, it will be more hardcore and, yes, it be different. 

Right now we don't exactly have such a thing as a “gameplay loop”. Because currently it's more of a wipe-to-wipe-loop. We don't have the endgame content yet, and we are working on it. The storyline quests for example, those will add end game content, and with those it will be more like the way we want it to be. Like how it should be played with the actual game features. So right now it's more like a testing loop from wipe to wipe.”

 

Topic 10: The community seems to be split between “Chads and Rats” where some are here to dominate PvP while others are here to survive and explore. What might you say to the people worried their interests aren’t going to be supported in the end product? 

Nikita: “I don't understand this question - especially concerning those who are used to a simpler way of playing. I can tell that the simple games, arcadey games, arcadey shooters and; the players who want EFT to be similar to this way will try to make their statement and try to keep their habits from those games in this game. They don’t want this game to become more hardcore, and... these types of players, their interests will not be supported by us. Escape From Tarkovis not about that. 

All of the game processes are not made to make the game easier for those players. So, I don’t know. I don't like “metas” - I want “metas” to go away from Tarkov. Especially stuff that gives you an advantage or disadvantages built on unbalanced stuff in the game. So our work is to fix that, and make as much variety as possible without bottlenecks,  without “metas”. So to have this one and only advantage. You must create many advantages - you must earn them with your skill and with your intellect, and the ability to pinpoint and learn the details of the game and take this information and make this into your advantage. So this is the general idea of the game. ”

 

Topic 11: Is there something you wanted to implement in Escape From Tarkov but have discovered that you likely cannot due to engine limitations?

Nikita: “Destruction maybe. Although it’s not only linked to the engine. Everything is possible. It’s hard, but it’s possible. But some features require a lot of work, or require something to be redone from scratch. And this is not linked to some engine limitation. We have limitations however, and have both fought with them and are fighting with them right now and we are winning, slowly. 

I don't think that you can say that there are any cool features that are limited by the engine -  that we are not able to do at any time. Everything is possible. But it will require quite a lot of time and THIS is impossible. We don't want to do this for so long, we want to get EFT released to you. This is our main goal right now. 

Thank you very much for the questions. I hope I answered them correctly. In terms of English of course. Yes! Bye-bye. :)”

 

REGIONAL TRANSLATIONS

• French translation can be found here, thanks to our emissary @R0nfl3x
• Deutsches translation can be found here, danke to our moderator/emissary @ningamertendo
• Greek translation can be found here, thanks to our emissary @Jmeker

 

[NIPScaps]

thanks nikita

 

[toofaded]

Topic 10 is huge for me, the reason I love EFT is because it's not like a majority of shooters that get released today.

[TheGBeast]

Hmmm, "Streets of Tarkov will contain unique extracts and unique gameplay features unique and special to this location, so in a way it's like a new gaming experience. The idea is just to implement this location with all the features and stuff, and bosses, to feel like it’s something new in EFT!” Sounds interesting, notice how bosses is plural, multiple bosses in streets???? Overall amazing post.

[BryczkowskiPL]

Looks pog to me, love Nikita statement

[panik1337]

More realistic and hardcore mechanics to god of realistic and hardcore mechanics! 

[Zaxh]

im so excited to whats going to come to this game 

[BattleZooTV]

Blyatiful!

I like the anti-meta statement. Would love to see it solved.

[Semipro_ttv]

I had a question is there any new skills coming soon or the skills for bear and usec 

[BernieSandals]

Basically answered every game design question I' have about this game.  Thanks!

[bk1988]

Nikita: “I don't understand this question - especially concerning those who are used to a simpler way of playing. I can tell that the simple games, arcadey games, arcadey shooters and; the players who want EFT to be similar to this way will try to make their statement and try to keep their habits from those games in this game. They don’t want this game to become more hardcore, and... these types of players, their interests will not be supported by us. Escape From Tarkov is not about that." 

Love this answer. The only way to get better is to play people that are better until you learn to play on their level. This is my first wipe and i am close to kappa. Ya gota lose the gear fear and go at it if ya wana be good at the game. Cant be  scared or worried about you k/d or survival rate. Its not cod or battlefield its a whole new experience. Grow some balls. You will die a lot before you get better but ya gota be willing to accept that.

[NickWalker21]

Очень надеюсь что игра будет становится сложнее и сложнее с каждым обновлением, несмотря на все отрицательные вскукарекивания задротов.

[BlameTheWarlord]

1.Progress, as usual, slow.

2.Gas grenades and breaching charges would be cool, right now, this spamming nades meta is pretty lowlife,

3.New quests are nice, but...with this game, these quests are pretty repetetive and boring, nothing story line related really.

4.I wish that with factions, you have some extra badassery added to your character, I hate that it is just BEARs/USECs/SCAVs, I wish that they added extra divisions/regiments/brigades that link to either some kind of an achievement (skill based or time played/experience based rank).

5.Weapons, I love variety, playing Arma 3 Battle Royale back in 2016-2017, it was nice to have multiple different weapons to pick between, in EFT all we have is this: 4 - 5.56, 10 AKs, 5 SMGs, 5 bolt action sniper rifles (only .308 and 7.62x54r Zzz....) and I'm not even going to get into pistols, they're all pretty garbage.

I want some freedom guns, bring the M249, MG36, how about some .338 bolt action bad boys, revolvers (.500 magnum)?

AA-12, Spas-12?, a tomahawk (no, not the missile)?

Also wish that the mounted 50.cals would have more use in game, their placements are kinda useless currently.

6.-

7.Custom rigs, I want that, I hate having only a couple rigs that can fit 2 Saiga drum mags.
Replaceable armor plates would be nice, hate having to juggle between vests after exchanging hits with someone and getting into new fights in the same raid.

8.I'm not excited about SoT, I prefer getting all smaller maps out of the way before bringing in the last big one. My main map is Reserve because let's be fair, it is the best map, even with all the recent nerfs that it has had and I'm getting pretty bored with the game.

9.Wipe to wipe, I don't enjoy it, but it is what it is, this game needs team deathmatch or king of the hill game mode, I know that people hate BR nowadays, but BR would be the perfect fit for this game.

10.I'm a chad, it is what it is, long term you'll be loaded anyway by the time a wipe comes, I hate rats, entering a raid and you get 5 rats in your raid, it just takes away from the game, IT IS TOO EASY and it kills the game.

They should add a limit to the least amount of value you can take into raids to counter rats and people who do drive-by raids because of loot'n'extract quests.

11.Levelution is cool, but unless you have an insane 8-core CPU, you're not playing Tarkov with levelution.

I wish they added the ability to climb ladders and be able to vault.

[kero]

An again Clan System is out of the question, something like Hired Ops clans, with the base walkable.

[back2smash]

These questions and answers are phenomenal i think EVERY other Game Developer/company can learn from what nikita is doing and has done. This game is truly one of a kind.

THANK YOU

Nikita'

[Jurgen1488]

I'm happy for some more answers. And that one finds out the plans for the game in the future.

 

But not only am I still interested in the possibility of PvE in the game.
Now in the game there is a possibility of PvE, but there is no progress, there is no possibility to get loot and more.

So my question is. WILL THERE BE A PvE MODE IN THE GAME WHERE PROGRESS WILL BE POSSIBLE, BUT WILL IT ALSO BE POSSIBLE TO PLAY THIS PvE MODE IN COOP MODE WITH FRIENDS?

[TarkovCitizen2363912]

I'll keep playing so long as the dayz low ready system is not in it. That's why I play arma dayz mod instead of dayz.

[DiBBz]

As much as i would like to say. the rumoured wipe that people kept touting makes zero sense as of right now. you have to remember that wiping consistantly also burns out players. hence why people have been wanting 2 states of the game regarding wipes. one that will carry on for the forseabile future and one that will wipe regularly for testing purposes.

[Gene_Parmesan]

18 minutes ago, DiBBz said:

As much as i would like to say. the rumoured wipe that people kept touting makes zero sense as of right now.

There's a relatively small group of people who do nothing but play this game and reach lvl 40 in under two weeks each wipe. These people like wipes every few months because they enjoy the feeling of 'racing' to 40. (They should just get a discord together where they all manually reset their own accounts and have their own group race, then they could 'wipe' however frequently they wanted to.)

About a rumored wipe, I don't think there have been any actual signs that a wipe is imminent, I think those people are just trying to will it into existence. There haven't been any real signs that I've seen saying a wipe is close. The last one was just at the very end of December. Before that, it wiped end of May 2020, so that was a 7 month gap. We haven't even hit 5 full months yet on this one. And besides, they aren't wiping at specific intervals like it's a clock, they're just wiping when adding new features would otherwise break the game, and I expect these wipes to come further and further apart as time goes on.

As someone who doesn't work at BSG I have zero idea when the next wipe will actually be but I would be really really surprised if it was before end of July/August. Especially based on Nikita's comments here; what are the big new features they would need to wipe for? Certainly not factory expansion, they didn't wipe for the customs expansion. Maybe for Lighthouse if it hits before SoT, but if there's still laying out the level then it's not like that's right around the corner.

[drephnere]

is it possible for the final product of tarkov to retain quest progress through the wipes but have all stats and inventory reset when everything is done with the maps and major updates for escape from tarkov so that once mission quests are done it wont be such a difficult task say for instance unlocking the kappa container by yourself is a very difficult thing to do itd be something to look forward to haveing as an eod or a normal basic player during reoccuring wipes

[drephnere]

8 minutes ago, drephnere said:

another item to have added to the game would be maybe throwing knifes for stealth killing scaves and be able to retrieve the deployed knife from the corpse simular to what is done in the game dishonored. will there be other thrown items added to the game like throwing a toxic gas nade since the cultist drop a knife that deals poison damage

 

[forevermasteryi]

Bush wookie is the true meta right now , you can sit in custom bush , you either finish custom quest safely or kill some one with loot and finish the quest safely . Its like fishing . I can even alt-tab and play mobile game in the background and switch back if only a footstep comes by . fix it .

 

[Hijack_Dallas]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb BlameTheWarlord:

AA-12, Spas-12?, a tomahawk (no, not the missile)?

AA-12 and the full auto Saiga 12 will never come to Tarkov. Personally i think, they are more OP than GLs, because this is not a CoD-clone. If you get the chance to kill someone wioth an GL, he/she will lose it. We get some more underbarrel GL in the future, but these are ultra rare or even non-existent-in-raid, that mean, only from a trader.

Franchi SPAS-12 is planed and i think, we already have the tomohawk as the EOD-exclusive melee.

vor 5 Stunden schrieb BlameTheWarlord:

10.I'm a chad, it is what it is, long term you'll be loaded anyway by the time a wipe comes, I hate rats, entering a raid and you get 5 rats in your raid, it just takes away from the game, IT IS TOO EASY and it kills the game.

They should add a limit to the least amount of value you can take into raids to counter rats and people who do drive-by raids because of loot'n'extract quests.

I´m sorry to break you, but Nikita want a mix between Rats and Chads. He already decleared, that "Meta" is garbage and want to remove that. They have plans for inertia. BSG stated, that everything would be, "as realistic as playable" and a inertia, that could nerf massivly Chad movement from CoD-like into a slower pace is playable.

Nikita said in the PodCast, that Exit-camping and camping are valid tactics in Tarkov, that will never be removed,  BUT to counter campers, we will get more exits on each map. Every tactic, that could be used irl like things you see in the beginning of the movie "Shooter" where a sniper team lies in the field to snipe the enemy from 800m+ or half a miles or something like "Enemy at the Gate" is viable. Well, i kinda wanna a sniper duell.

Edited May 14, 2021 by Hijack_Dallas

[Shoobsdoobs]

bye-bye! 🤪😍

[HervoX_0]

5 hours ago, forevermasteryi said:

Bush wookie is the true meta right now , you can sit in custom bush , you either finish custom quest safely or kill some one with loot and finish the quest safely . Its like fishing . I can even alt-tab and play mobile game in the background and switch back if only a footstep comes by . fix it .

 

But,there is nothing to fix,u should learn to adapt to various situations on the locations by playing with termal vision or taking alternative looting path's.U expect to press W and shift key with your SA-58,hK 416,slick and ris-T helmet and wipe the map,in this game thankfully is not the case.