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Published Oct 6, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT
Ford James is a UK-based freelance games writer at Polygon. He also has bylines at industry-leading outlets including GamesRadar, Eurogamer, PC Gamer, and more. He mostly writes about FPS games such as Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Arc Raiders, but is also partial to a decent RPG, roguelike, or sports game. He's a huge Pokémon fan, thinks The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the best game of all time, and has a degree in Games Journalism & Public Relations.
We also have an exclusive promo code for you
Image: Battlestate GamesEscape From Tarkov's long-awaited 1.2.0.0 update is finally here, with a slew of improvements and additions to the PvE experience in the extraction shooter. The brand new "EXFIL Brothers" program is the biggest thing here: a system that incentivizes veteran Tarkov players to team up with newcomers and show them the ropes, with both players earning rewards.
Players with an existing level 30 character are known as "operators." Operators who partake in a raid with a new player (an account no more than seven days old, known as a "candidate") will both receive a 5% XP bonus. As the candidate reaches the level 10, 20, and 30 thresholds, both players will receive "in-game roubles, bitcoins, and various cases," according to a news release. It also explains that the operator will receive additional rewards "based on the game edition purchased by the candidate, including TarCoin, posters, the operator upper, and the basic training hideout customization."
Escape From Tarkov PvE update reworks bot behavior and adds prestige
For the PvE mode, prestige is finally coming, with six levels in total. Everything earned through PvE prestige will be permanent, meaning it won't be lost after a wipe. Rewards include TarCoin, along with unique versions of the NKVD Finka knife, Akula dagger, and Gamma secure container.
PMC bot behavior is also undergoing a complete rework. "They are now distributed across the map more logically, with a greater concentration in quest areas," reads the press release. "They engage in firefights with each other less frequently, preferring to attack scavs instead. In addition, bot gear and weapon loadouts now vary depending on their level and faction. New PMC bot spawns have also been added to the Labyrinth location."
That's not all: if you use code POLYGON before it expires on Monday, Oct. 19, you'll receive the following:
- U.S. Ordnance M60E6 7.62x51 Light Machine Gun
- M60 7.62x51 Capco 100-round Assault Box
- 7.62x51mm M993 (200)
- Peltor ComTac II Headset (OD Green)
- MSA Gallet TC 800 High Cut Combat Helmet (Black)
- Avon M53A1 Gas Mask
- Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault Pack (Black)
- Spiritus Systems LV-119 Plate Carrier (Black Division V1)
Codes can be redeemed by starting up the Escape From Tarkov launcher, then clicking on the dropdown in the top-right hand corner, beneath your username. Select the "activate code" option, then type in the code you want to redeem.
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