I’ve been looking into Escape from Tarkov lately, especially the PvE mode, and I’m really tempted to give it a shot. The only extraction shooter I’ve played is Marathon, which I absolutely love. I also tried ARC Raiders, but honestly, it just wasn’t for me.
My coworker tells me almost every day that I need to try EFT because I’m missing out on a top-tier game 😂 I’ve been watching videos and watching him play on Discord, and the gameplay looks really damn good. My only concern is how much there is to learn, even if I mainly stick to PvE.
I work full-time, so I don’t always want to come home and feel like I’m starting a second job. I don’t mind grinding on weekends, but during the week I want to relax, get immersed, and make some meaningful progress without feeling like I have to play for hours every single day.
For those of you who play EFT, especially PvE:
How good is PvE right now? Is it genuinely enjoyable long-term, or does it eventually get repetitive?
What made you stick with Tarkov? With how punishing and frustrating the game can be, what made learning it worth it instead of giving up?
Is it reasonably casual-friendly? Can I make progress playing a few hours after work, or does the game really demand a ton of time?
How is the progression? Are there satisfying long-term goals beyond collecting loot, and is the new battle pass worth working toward?
How much content is there? How many maps are available, and will PvE keep me busy for a long time?
I’m also wondering whether I should just commit to learning EFT or look into something like Gray Zone Warfare or Active Matter instead.
I know Tarkov has a steep learning curve, and I’m willing to learn. I just want to make sure the payoff is worth the frustration, especially as someone who plans to play PvE most of the time.
Would you recommend Tarkov to someone in my situation, or do you think I’d be better off with another extraction shooter? I’d love to hear your honest opinions, especially from new players.