Nikita Buyanov, head of Battlestate Games, recently took to social media to ask players what they think should happen with Escape from Tarkov’s player-versus-environment (PvE) mode. The mode has been controversial since it was first introduced in June 2024, and Buyanov presented his followers with a poll offering three choices, including making it free or removing it altogether.
The issue came to light on social media when Nikita replied to someone who said they ‘uninstalled’ Escape from Tarkov after learning the PvE mode wasn’t included with the base game and had to be purchased separately.
And Our Survey Says…
Nikita’s recent poll shows a strong consensus among Escape from Tarkov players: they either want the PvE mode to be completely free, or removed from the game altogether. As of today, over 53% of the 17,000 voters prefer a free PvE experience. Originally, that was the plan several years ago, but Battlestate Games decided to go in a different direction.
this is it
— Nikita Buyanov (@nikgeneburn) January 2, 2026
The second most popular suggestion, with almost 29.4% of the votes, was to remove the PvE game mode. This likely came from dedicated PvP players who feel that the PvE content has weakened the core experience of Escape from Tarkov.
Nikita, the developer of Escape from Tarkov, recently shared how deeply involved he is with the game, even saying it’s become central to his life. In a recent interview and our latest episode of Access Granted, he discussed the challenges and rewards of creating Escape from Tarkov.
Spoiler: It’s a mindset thing, and if you don’t have it, you’re not a Tarkov dev.
The developers of Escape from Tarkov are not removing the game’s PvE elements. Nikita, a key figure at the studio, clarified that a recent poll suggesting otherwise was simply a playful jab at those voicing concerns about the game’s single-player experience.
Escape from Tarkov’s single-player experience is expected to improve through 2026. Updates are planned for Escape from Tarkov: Arena that will include a dedicated PvE mode, offering players a way to enjoy the game without the pressure of competing against others.
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2026-01-02 17:48