On Tuesday, November 11, 2020, Battlestate Games turned on the lights for their Early Test Server (ETS). The first wave of testers were granted access and have begun testing new features to the game and locating bugs.
Early Test Server
The Early Test Server is a way for select players to help Battlestate Games try out new game features along with helping them uncover bugs. This is a feature requested by Tarkov players for some time. Battlestate Games is not shy of trying new things and pushing many updates. However, given the size of the company – a little over a hundred developers – they often accidentally release game breaking bugs. Hopefully, the Early Test Servers can identify and fix them before they are released to the general player base.
How To Access The Early Test Server
Only select players will be given access to the Early Test Server. If you are interested in helping Battlestate Games, then you will need to apply. You can apply to join the program by taking the following steps:
- Open the Escape From Tarkov Launcher
- Click ETS located in the header bar
- Click the Participate button
After following the steps, then your ETS status will display as, “ETS Access pending…”. If you are chosen, then the status will update to “ETS Access Approved” and you can access the Early Test Server. You will be able to switch between Live servers and ETS servers in the Tarkov Launcher.
Are There Requirements?
Yes. Currently, to join the ETS program your account needs to be over 6 months old and have a PMC over level 20. We are confident these requirements will change based on Battlestate Games need for testing.
Can I Share Or Stream The ETS Servers?
No. All ETS participants will be required to agree to a non-disclosure agreement. Most likely, anyone caught sharing information from the ETS servers will be kicked out of the program. They may even have their Live accounts banned as well to discourage others from doing so.
Learn more about the program with the official FAQ for the program below. Or check out other game news such as the First Look At The Woods Map Expansion.
Official FAQ
Any player who has a copy of the game can submit a request. When selecting ETS participants, the current level of the character in the game and the age of the account on the website and other criteria will be taken into account.
You can play ETS from any region’s account, but ETS servers are only available in some countries. Some regions are therefore likely to experience network delays and connection interruptions.
All official Escape from Tarkov languages are supported on ETS.
Yes, wipes will happen often on ETS servers, as well as other changes in game parameters, items characteristics and other changes needed for special testing within ETS.
No. Anything you achieve on ETS (levels, items, statistics, awards, in-game money, points) will remain on ETS and will not be transferred to your regular account.
You play as on a normal server, get updates through the launcher, inform us about the bugs you’ve noticed through the form <<Send bug report>>, as well as periodically answer questions in the section <<Leave feedback>>.
The goal of ETS is to check the correctness of the developing version before its release, our priority is the early correction of major issues and technical malfunctions. So fill in the “Leave A Feedback” form regularly – it will help the team a lot in game development.
Note that an ETS member who broadcasts a gameplay, posts project material or discloses any information from ETS on streaming and other services is personally responsible to the developer. Violation of the non-disclosure agreement will result in expulsion from the early testing team and may result in other consequences.
Yes, if your participation does not meet the requirements of the ETS program, including due to a violation of the terms of the additional non-disclosure agreement. Also, access to ETS can be revoked without declaring reasons (for example, to change the active ETS testing group).
