Escape From Tarkov (EFT) is a game that thrives on challenge, risk, and progression, but what truly sets it apart is its wipe cycle. A Tarkov wipe is a complete reset of all player progress. Character levels, stash contents, quest completion, and trader loyalty are wiped clean, effectively leveling the playing field for every player.
This mechanic is more than a reset; it’s a design feature that ensures ongoing balance and provides an entry point for new and returning players. The wipe system keeps the game’s economy fresh and forces seasoned players to rethink strategies. Each wipe signals the dawn of a new chapter in Tarkov, a return to square one where grit, knowledge, and adaptability define success.
What makes wipes particularly compelling is that they blend excitement with a sense of urgency. Veteran players get to re-engage with the early-game grind, while newcomers enjoy a more equitable footing. It’s a rare moment when everyone, from streamers with thousands of hours to players loading in for the first time, is on the same page.
In this guide, we’ll break down the purpose and cadence of EFT wipes, explain what resets and what doesn’t, and offer detailed tips to help you prepare for and thrive during each stage of the wipe cycle.
Overview of the Tarkov Wipe schedule
Wipes in Escape From Tarkov don’t follow a fixed calendar, but patterns have emerged over the years. The frequency and timing of wipes can be unpredictable, but tracking historical wipes offers useful insight.
| PATCH | WIPE START | WIPE END | WIPE LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.16.0.0 | 2024-12-26 | Ongoing wipe | Ongoing wipe |
| 0.15.0.0 | 2024-08-20 | 2024-12-26 | 128 days |
| 0.14.0.0 | 2023-12-27 | 2024-08-20 | 236 days |
| 0.13.5 | 2023-08-10 | 2023-12-27 | 139 days |
| 0.13.0.0 | 2022-12-28 | 2023-08-10 | 225 days |
| 0.12.12.30 | 2022-06-29 | 2022-12-28 | 181 days |
| 0.12.12 | 2021-12-12 | 2022-06-29 | 198 days |
| 0.12.11 | 2021-06-30 | 2021-12-12 | 165 days |
| 0.12.9 | 2020-12-24 | 2021-06-30 | 188 days |
| 0.12.6 | 2020-05-28 | 2020-12-24 | 210 days |
| 0.12.0 | 2019-10-27 | 2020-05-28 | 214 days |
| 0.11.7 | 2019-04-09 | 2019-10-27 | 201 days |
| 0.10.5 | 2018-11-08 | 2019-04-09 | 152 days |
| 0.9.0 | 2018-07-19 | 2018-11-08 | 112 days |
| 0.8.0 | 2018-04-19 | 2018-07-19 | 91 days |
| 0.5.0 | 2017-12-26 | 2018-04-19 | 114 days |
| 0.4.0 | 2017-10-27 | 2017-12-26 | 60 days |
Notable Trends
The average interval between wipes sits around 5 to 7 months, with most major updates landing in either June or December. These periods typically align with patch releases that introduce new mechanics, fix major bugs, or rebalance the game.
When is the next Tarkov Wipe?
Every few months, the Tarkov community collectively holds its breath, waiting for hints about the next wipe. While Battlestate Games keeps wipe dates under wraps until the last moment, certain trends and indicators can help players make educated guesses.
Predicting the next wipe
- Seasonal Patterns: Most wipes occur in late June or late December. These periods typically coincide with major updates, feature releases, or performance improvements. Historically, these two windows align with BSG’s major patch cycles, which often bring significant changes to mechanics, balancing, and content.
- In-Game Events: Pre-wipe events are the clearest indicator that a wipe is imminent. These often include:
- Global events like Scav uprisings or boss invasions across all maps
- Huge discounts or price surges at traders
- Temporary boosts to progression or insurance systems
- Ammo drops, weapon loot floods, or infinite stamina modes
These events serve both as a warning and a farewell to your progress.
- Global events like Scav uprisings or boss invasions across all maps
- Developer Teasers: BSG developers often drop subtle (or not-so-subtle) hints during live streams, social media posts, or patch notes. Keep an eye on EFT’s official Twitter, Discord announcements, and Nikita’s Twitch interviews.
- Major Patch Release: Substantial patches, especially those introducing new maps, weapon mechanics, or core systems, are almost always accompanied by a wipe.
- Community Speculation: Reddit and Tarkov forums explode with discussion whenever rumors surface. These community deep-dives often highlight small details missed in official announcements.
What is reset in an EFT Wipe?
Understanding what resets is crucial for planning your Tarkov journey. Wipes affect almost every aspect of gameplay.
| WHAT IS WIPED? | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Character Level | Resets to 1 for everyone |
| Skills | All soft skills (e.g., strength, endurance) return to 0 |
| Trader Loyalty | All traders reset to Level 1 |
| Quests | Progress for all storyline and side quests is erased |
| Stash Inventory | All accumulated gear is removed |
| Hideout Progress | All modules and crafted upgrades reset |
| Roubles & Currency | Any money you had is deleted |
| Insured Items | All insured items disappear after the wipe |
| Preset Gear | Custom loadouts are usually removed |
| Flea Market Reputation | Flea Market access and rep is reset |
Wipes ensure that player power progression doesn’t spiral out of control and that new players are not permanently left behind.
What is kept in an EFT Wipe?
Not everything is lost in a wipe. A few elements are preserved to provide a sense of continuity and reward for veteran players.
| WHAT IS NOT WIPED IN EFT | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Achievements | Badges, awards, and other non-impactful metrics remain |
| Friends List | Your in-game social network is unaffected |
| Total Playtime | Your overall time spent in Tarkov is preserved |
| Game Edition Benefits | Perks like expanded stash, exclusive gear, and DLC access |
These retained features serve as a small consolation and often give Edge of Darkness edition owners a head start in early progression.
How to prepare for an EFT Wipe
The days or weeks leading up to a wipe are some of the most unpredictable, and enjoyable, times in Tarkov.
- Sell Off Extra Gear: Convert unused loot into roubles to maximise your financial start.
- Test Builds & PvP: With no fear of long-term loss, it’s a great time to experiment with new playstyles.
- Set Post-Wipe Goals: Plan which quests, weapons, or maps you want to tackle early.
- Stockpile Knowledge: Relearn quest items, loot spawns, and extract routes to gain an edge post-reset.
- Study Market Trends: Identify high-value barter items and understand how demand shifts post-wipe.
- Practice Hardcore Raids: Refine your skills with budget gear and solo runs to sharpen your decision-making.
How to survive after every Tarkov Wipe
The early stages post-wipe are brutal. Everyone’s on the same level, and every bullet matters. Here’s how to thrive:
Early Wipe
- Complete Early Quests First: Prioritise quests like “Debut” and “Shortage” for XP, unlocks, and trader reputation.
- Use Scav Runs Strategically: Run your Scav on cooldown to farm loot safely and stockpile essentials.
- Budget Loadouts: Stick to reliable and inexpensive guns like the SKS, MP-153, or VEPR.
- Master Map Knowledge: Knowing spawns, loot routes, and key quest items gives you a huge edge.
- Avoid PvP Hotspots: Focus on survival and extraction in lower-traffic zones like Woods or Shoreline outskirts.
Mid-to-Late Wipe
- Upgrade Your Hideout: Focus on workbench, med station, and bitcoin farm for passive benefits.
- Engage With the Market: Flip in-demand items, stockpile for quests, and sell during peak demand.
- Level Key Skills: Strength and Endurance provide tangible advantages, train with weight runs and consistent action.
- Build for PvP: As the economy stabilises, shift toward meta gear and loadouts to stay competitive.
EFT Wipe Checklist
Here’s a handy summary to streamline your wipe preparation and survival strategy:
Pre-Wipe Preparation
- Sell surplus gear for roubles
- Participate in pre-wipe events
- Experiment with PvP and high-risk raids
- Plan your early wipe goals
- Review early quests and prioritise task chains
- Study updated loot tables and quest item locations
- Watch developer streams and announcements for wipe indicators
- Practice solo raids and budget builds
Post-Wipe Strategy
- Rush starter quests (e.g., Debut, Shortage)
- Use your Scav every cooldown
- Stick to budget-friendly weapons and armor
- Learn loot routes on maps like Customs, Interchange, and Woods
- Upgrade Hideout strategically (Medstation, Workbench, Intel Center)
- Level key skills through repetitive, focused actions
- Avoid unnecessary PvP early on
- Begin collecting quest items for later use
- Start flipping items on Flea Market when unlocked
- Team up with friends for early-game success
Ready for the next chapter of Tarkov?
Wipes are the heartbeat of Escape From Tarkov. They’re disruptive, sure, but they’re also invigorating. They keep gameplay fair, reward tactical skill, and give all players an equal shot at progression. Each new cycle is a chance to rewrite your story in Tarkov.
Whether you’re diving back in after a break or pushing for Kappa from day one, preparation and mindset are key. Understanding the rhythm of the wipe cycle lets you plan better, survive longer, and progress faster.
For those who feel the early wipe grind can be overwhelming, or simply want to compete at the highest level, there’s no shame in seeking support. That’s where tools like our Escape From Tarkov cheats come into play. With features like ESP, aimbot customisation, and visibility checks, Elocarry’s EFT cheats give you the edge you need to rise above the chaos.
Tarkov’s wipe cycle isn’t just about loss, it’s about opportunity. Don’t go it alone. Gear up, adapt, and take control of your next Tarkov journey with Elocarry.
