Battlestate Games just confirmed that the next Escape From Tarkov wipe is not just another reset, it’s a “Hardcore Wipe”, and it’s dropping with patch 0.16.8.0 in July 2025. If you thought regular wipes were punishing, wait until you see what this one has in store.
Escape From Tarkov Hardcore Wipe Release Date
It’s official. Nikita Buyanov just dropped the confirmation Tarkov fans were waiting for — “VAIP ZAVTRA!” — meaning the long-anticipated Hardcore Wipe goes live on July 9, 2025.
What Makes It Hardcore?
Here’s what’s officially changing in the upcoming hardcore wipe:
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Flea Market Disabled | You won’t be able to trade or flip items for quick rubles. Every upgrade and every item must be earned the hard way. |
| Increased Hideout Requirements | Crafting and upgrades now demand more items. Progression slows down significantly. |
| No “Found in Raid” Needed | For Hideout zones only. You can use any items, not just raid-looted ones, for Hideout upgrades. |
| Limited Ammo Crafting | Ammo crafting in the Hideout will be heavily restricted. Good luck staying stocked. |
| Rare Loot Drop Rate Reduced | Rare items will be harder to come by, affecting everything from quests to barters. |
With the Flea Market shut down and crafting nerfed, Tarkov will become a game of true survival again — no shortcuts, no easy money.
Why Hardcore Wipe Now?
The hardcore wipe is part of a bigger plan leading up to Tarkov’s full 1.0 release later this year. Patch 0.16.8.0 kicks off the challenge, and a final Early Access update in August will bring:
- An in-game event
- Sync with EFT Arena
- Performance upgrades on key maps (Shoreline, Interchange, Ground Zero)
This could be a test for future permanent changes or even a new game mode. Either way, Battlestate is watching how players adapt.