Escape From Tarkov Update 0.12.12 Adds New Map, VOIP and Inertia System
The latest Escape from Tarkov patch, numbered 0.12.12, introduces a new map, called The Lighthouse, VOIP, an additional enemy faction and the highly anticipated Inertia system.
- Player progress so far has been reset to the initial state (so-called wipe);
- The patch adds a new map - The Lighthouse;
- The devs added another faction of AI opponents - a group of rogue USEC mercenaries;
- A number of mechanics were introduced, such as the Inertia system, more weapon malfunctions and weapon overheating;
- VOIP was added;
- The patch also includes new weapons and other items, cosmetic elements and dozens of fixes.
It couldn't have been otherwise. The long-awaited update for Escape from Tarkov, numbered 0.12.12, was released on December 12 to keep the number "twelve" in line. This is one of the most important patches for the game to be released this year, because a lot has been added, including a new location - The Lighthouse - a faction of opponents, mechanics, and function of VOIP voice chats. Traditionally, as with every major patch, , there was a so-called wipe, reset of character level and collected items. The full list of changes can be checked here.
The Lighthouse - new location and faction
The patch adds a new map for raids: The Lighthouse. This location refers to the previous game from the developers (Contract Wars) and is the former base of operations of one of Tarkov's mercenary factions, USEC. This is the first version of the area, which will be expanded in the future and will get more bosses. Along with the map we got another faction of AI-controlled enemies, called Rogues. This is a gang of former USEC mercenaries gone rogue. Due to their past, they are well-armed and trained, but also loyal to their former comrades in arms and will not attack a player belonging to the USEC unprovoked.
Inertia system and weapon malfunctions
One of the most important innovations is the introduction of the Inertia system. This is a highly advanced physics-based character movement system that works in situations such as sprinting, sudden changes of movement direction, falling after jumping, or leaning. With Inertia, the change of speed e.g. when switching from walking to sprinting is not "zero-one" and takes place gradually. The heavier the player is, the less power it has, the more time it will take the player to accelerate to full-speed run and to stop.
The speed will decrease in the case of frequent changes of direction, and it will also take longer to return to movement after jumping from some height. The weight of the equipment will also affect crouching and lifting. Furthermore it will become more difficult to use weapons. Apart from various kinds of jams, they will accumulate heat with every shot up to critical levels. Along with these additions, bullet ballistics and recoil mechanics when firing have been improved.
VOIP and other additions
Escape from Tarkov has also finally seen the Voice Over IP chat option. It will only work with the push-to-talk feature and will be limited to 15 seconds per message, with a 20-second "cooldown" immediately afterward to limit the abuse of this feature. The volume of messages will also depend on the distance between characters, the helmet being used, the headset system (in-game), walls, etc.
The patch also brings new types of weapon models and other items such as the SCAR carbine, rangefinders, additional uniforms, and predefined faces for both factions. Together with The Lighthouse, there are also new missions available. In addition to new features, the update also includes a long list of bug fixes and performance optimizations. The entire list of changes can be found here.
Announced 6 years ago, Escape from Tarkov has been in closed beta since 2017. The game is still evolving and waiting for its full content, especially all planned maps. Players must consider the fact that every major update brings with it a complete reset of previous progress.
