Escape From Tarkov is probably the best hardcore looter shooter out there at the moment. With nail-biting encounters that could see you win or lose it all, and intense gunplay, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking for a way to download Escape From Tarkov right now.
Battlestate Games’ competitive FPS game can’t be found on traditional gaming services like Steam or Epic, though. Those looking to get their hands on an Escape From Tarkov download link will need to go direct to Battlestate Games to get their fix.
So whether you’re looking for a bit of Scav on Scav action or you’re looking to see whether you can come on top as a PMC on one of the many Escape From Tarkov maps, here’s everything you need to know about how to download Escape From Tarkov, including which edition you should buy right now.
How to buy and download Escape From Tarkov
If you’re looking to get your hands on Escape From Tarkov, you’re going to need to the official website. The game isn’t available on major services like Steam or Epic and if you’re planning on playing it, you’ll have to download Battlestate’s own launcher.
When you’re on the website, head to the section which says ‘pre-order’ – here you’ll have the option of picking from four different versions of the game.
The Escape From Tarkov editions are as follows:
- Standard Edition – $44.99 / 34.99€
- Guaranteed instant access to closed beta
- Digital copy pre-load
- Basic stash (10×28 cells)
- Alpha secure container (2×2 cells)
- Bonus starting equipment
- Left Behind Edition – $74.99 / 57.99€
- Guaranteed instant access to closed beta
- Digital copy pre-load
- Increased size of stash (10×38 cells)
- Alpha secure container (2×2 cells)
- Additional equipment and resources in stash
- Prepare for Escape Edition – $99.99 / 79.99€
- Guaranteed instant access to closed beta
- Digital copy pre-load
- Greatly increased size of stash (10×48 cells)
- Beta secure container (3×2 cells)
- Additional equipment and resources in stash
- Initially good standing with all in-game traders
- Edge of Darkness Limited Edition $104.99 / 109.99€
- Guaranteed instant access to closed beta
- Digital copy pre-load
- Huge size of stash (10×68 cells)
- Gamma secure container (3×3 cells)
- Additional equipment and resources in stash
- Initially good standing with all in-game traders
- Unique in-game ID
- Free access to all subsequent DLC
Once you’ve bought your chosen version of Escape From Tarkov, head to the profile page on the official website and hit the install button to download the Battlestate Games launcher. Once that’s on your PC, you can get the Escape From Tarkov downloaded sorted.
Which Escape From Tarkov Edition should I buy?
With four different versions of Escape From Tarkov available, it can be hard to know which one to buy.
If you’re starting out for the first time and you just want to dip your toes into the water, we’d recommend only forking out for Standard Edition. While there are better bonuses attached to the other three (namely bigger stash and container sizes), you’d be better trying the game out first to see whether you like it.
You can upgrade at any time (and pay the difference) via the website, so don’t feel pressured into picking up Edge of Darkness right away.
If you do find you’re enjoying playing the game and you’re looking to upgrade, Prepare for Escape or Edge of Darkness are your best options. These both give you access to bigger secure containers and stashes and the increased trader reputation means you’ll get off on the right foot.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about buying and downloading Escape From Tarkov. If you’re not sure whether your PC can handle it, make sure to check out our guide to the Escape From Tarkov system requirements and get the scoop on when the next Escape From Tarkov wipe is set for.