Last Updated on by Samuel Franklin
This Tarkov editions comparison page summarises the differences between EFT versions to help gamers decide which to buy. With multiple editions that alter your starting stash space, secure container size, initial equipment and your starting reputation with the game traders it can be a confusing decision.
As a Tarkov veteran I always recommend that new players start with the Standard Edition whether you are buying through Steam or the official website as it is the cheapest way to try the game and players can always upgrade edition later for the difference in price.
Table of Contents:
– Tarkov Edition Comparison (Summary)
– Tarkov Edition Comparison (Detail)
– Which Edition To Buy
Tarkov Edition Comparison (Summary)
Tarkov is currently in Beta development by BattleState Games (BSG) with different game editions with increasing purchase prices and benefits as shown in the table below:
| Edition ($USD) | Starting Stash | Secure Container | Starting Equipment | Trader Reputation | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ($50) | Level 1 (10×28) | Alpha (2×2) | Small | N/A | |
| Left Behind ($82) | Level 2 (10×38) | Alpha (2×2) | Medium | N/A | |
| Prepare for Escape ($110) | Level 3 (10×48) | Beta (3×2) | Large | Additional 0.2 (all traders) | |
| Edge of Darkness (EoD)
[No longer available from 8th January 2024] |
Level 4 (10×68) | Gamma (3×3) | Large | Additional 0.2 (all traders) |
|
| The Unheard ($250) | Enhanced (10×72) | Gamma (3×3) | Huge | Increased Fence reputation |
|
Tarkov Edition Comparison (Detail)
Further information on the impact to your Tarkov experience for the version differences:
- Access: All Escape Form Tarkov editions give instant digital game access to the closed beta of EFT.
- Starting Stash: The starting stash size increases your ability to store equipment in the safety of your stash which is a useful quality of life enhancement. All players can eventually upgrade their stash size to 10×68 through gameplay and all players regardless of game edition can purchase additional stash lines at $3USD each.
- Secure Container: A significant Tarkov edition difference is your starting secure container which allows you to keep items after your death and bring additional utility items like meds into raids. Standard and Left Behind players begin with an Alpha (2×2), Prepare for Escape gets a Beta (2×3) and EoD/Unheard start with a Gamma (3×3). Players can eventually earn an Epsilon (4×2) and a Kappa (3×4) secure container through gameplay.
- Starting Equipment: Higher tier editions give significantly more equipment, barter and healing items to save Roubles initially. This starting list of items also depends on your selected faction (BEAR or USEC) with faction inspired weapons and ammunition.
- Trader Reputation: Prepare for Escape and EoD receive “initially good standing with all in-game traders” which provides a 0.2 reputation boost to all Tarkov traders. This is another early game advantage to access equipment as you will reach higher trader levels faster by reducing the number of quests you need to complete. The Unheard Edition provides initial Fence reputation instead which improves your initial Scav loadouts and allows you to activate the unique Mark of The Unheard item earlier.
- Co-op Practice Mode: This mode extends the solo offline mode to co-operative practice which is different to the PvE game mode.
- Future DLC: The Edge of Darkness and The Unheard Edition have free access to all subsequent DLC that are released for Escape From Tarkov similar to a Season pass from other games. This included free access to the spin-off title Tarkov Arena which other editions must purchase separately.
- Game ID: Edge of Darkness players unlock a special golden crown next to their in game ID while The Unheard Edition has a unique blue icon which displays in game lobbies and death screens.
- PvE Game Mode:Exclusive to the Unheard Edition for new purchases this is available as a separate expansion purchase as well. The PvE mode removes all PvP and provides players solo and co-operative gameplay that does not wipe giving players the opportunity to progress at their own pace.
- Other Unheard Edition Benefits: The Unheard edition includes a vast number of boosts to progression that are exclusively available to these players or require significant in game effort for other players to earn which are listed in the table above.
Which Tarkov Edition To Buy
If you’re a new player asking yourself what version of Tarkov should I buy? I recommend that all newcomers purchase the Standard edition as I consider this the best Tarkov edition given it allows you to determine if you enjoy EFT first while limiting your initial purchase price. Given you can upgrade your game version at any time by paying the differences in price there is simply no reason to purchase a higher tier edition at first despite the early game advantages it provides.
For those that are looking to upgrade from the Standard edition I would recommend the Unheard Edition if affordable to you or the Prepare for Escape edition as this offers most advantages at a reasonable price point. There is no requirement to upgrade beyond Standard edition to enjoy Tarkov though and I successfully obtained the Kappa Secure Container from a Standard account.
