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Escape From Tarkov Wipes: What Do You Actually Keep?

In Escape From Tarkov (EFT), the dreaded yet anticipated wipe is a recurring event that reshapes the entire game landscape. But the burning question remains: Do you actually keep anything when a Tarkov wipe occurs? The straightforward answer is: almost nothing. When a wipe hits, your character essentially reverts to a fresh, out-of-the-box state. All accumulated progress – levels, skills, inventory, stash contents, quest progress, and trader reputation – is reset to zero. It’s a hard reset, designed to revitalize the game and level the playing field for all players.

The Cold Reality of a Wipe

Imagine pouring countless hours into building your stash, mastering weapon builds, and grinding your way through challenging quests. Then, poof! It’s all gone. Sounds harsh, right? That’s Tarkov. While the wipe is a reset, think of it as a seasonal event, and you will be ready for it.

The core idea behind a wipe is to mimic the harsh and unforgiving nature of the game’s lore. It also addresses potential imbalances that creep in over time as players amass incredible wealth and power. By resetting everyone, it forces players to re-engage with the early-game content, experiment with different strategies, and rediscover the thrill of the initial struggle for survival.

While nearly everything tangible is lost, there are a few exceptions, albeit minor ones.

Your Account: You retain ownership of your account itself, including any edition upgrades you may have purchased. This also includes access to the official forums and any associated benefits.
Your “Hours Played” Statistic: As the source article stated, the one bragging right you retain is your total playtime. It’s a testament to your dedication (or addiction) to the game, allowing you to gauge how much time you’ve sunk into the brutal world of Tarkov.

Beyond these two exceptions, consider everything else as disposable. Embracing this mentality is crucial for enjoying the wipe cycle and the game as a whole. The cycle of progression and reset makes each wipe feel like a fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tarkov Wipes

To further clarify the intricacies of Tarkov wipes, here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions:

1. When Does Escape From Tarkov Wipe?

Typically, Tarkov wipes occur roughly every 6-7 months. There’s no fixed schedule, and the developers (Battlestate Games) usually announce the wipe date a few weeks in advance. Keep an eye on the game’s official forums, social media channels, and launcher for updates.

2. Why Does Escape From Tarkov Wipe?

Wipes serve several purposes:

Rebalancing the Economy: Over time, the in-game economy can become skewed, with veteran players hoarding vast amounts of wealth and resources. Wipes redistribute these resources, making the game more accessible to newer players.
Introducing New Content: Wipes often coincide with major game updates, including new maps, weapons, equipment, and features. A wipe ensures that everyone experiences these changes on an equal footing.
Addressing Progression Imbalances: As players level up and unlock skills, they gain significant advantages over less experienced players. Wipes reset the playing field, allowing players to re-experience the early game and develop new strategies.
Combating Cheating: While Battlestate Games actively combats cheating, wipes can help to mitigate the impact of cheaters by wiping their progress and forcing them to start over. The article mentioned “An investigation into the scope of cheating in Escape From Tarkov leads to the claim that 60% of matches have cheaters”.

3. Does Tarkov Wipe Reset Quests?

Yes, a wipe completely resets all quest progress. You’ll need to start from the very beginning, accepting tasks from traders and working your way through the quest lines again. This can be a good thing, because it encourages players to revisit older areas of the map that they might have otherwise avoided.

4. What Happens to My Hideout After a Wipe?

Your Hideout is also reset to its initial state. All constructed modules and upgrades are wiped, requiring you to gather the necessary resources and rebuild your Hideout from scratch.

5. Do I Lose My Secure Container Contents?

Yes, the contents of your secure container are wiped along with everything else. This includes any valuable items you were hoping to protect during the wipe.

6. What About My Trader Reputation?

Your reputation with all traders is reset to the default starting level. You’ll need to complete tasks and trade with them to regain their trust and unlock access to better items and services.

7. Does My PMC Level Reset?

Yes, your PMC level is reset to level 1. You’ll need to earn experience points by completing raids, killing enemies, and completing quests to level up again.

8. Do I Keep My EOD (Edge of Darkness) Edition Benefits?

Yes, you retain the benefits associated with your purchased edition of the game. This includes the larger stash size and any starting gear provided. You can upgrade your standard edition to EOD, as noted in the document.

9. Do I Lose My Skills?

Yes, all your skills (Strength, Endurance, Recoil Control, etc.) are reset to their base levels. Skill progression is a significant part of Tarkov’s gameplay loop, so this reset forces players to re-engage with the skill system.

10. Is There Anything I Can Do to Prepare for a Wipe?

While you can’t prevent the wipe, you can prepare for it by:

Spending Your Money: Don’t hoard your Roubles, Euros, or Dollars. Buy gear, experiment with different weapon builds, or invest in your Hideout before the wipe hits.
Using Your Gear: Don’t be afraid to lose your best gear. Take it into raids and have fun! There’s no point in saving it for a wipe.
Completing Quests: Focus on completing any outstanding quests to maximize your rewards before the wipe.
Experimenting with New Strategies: Use the time before the wipe to try out new tactics, weapon setups, and map routes.

11. How Often Are There Sales on Escape From Tarkov?

The frequency of sales on Escape From Tarkov varies, but they typically occur around major holidays and game updates. Keep an eye on the official Tarkov website under the “news” section to watch for any potential sales coming up.

12. What Happens to Items I Insure Before a Wipe?

Insurance becomes irrelevant once the wipe occurs. All insured items are effectively lost, as the game world is completely reset.

13. Is It Worth Playing Tarkov Right Before a Wipe?

Absolutely! Even though your progress will be wiped, the time leading up to a wipe can be some of the most fun you’ll have in Tarkov. Players are often more willing to take risks and use high-end gear, leading to intense and unpredictable firefights.

14. How Does the Scavenger (Scav) Mode Affect Wipes?

The Scav mode is also affected by wipes. Your Scav character’s inventory and cooldown timer are reset. Even your Scav run won’t save your loot from being lost.

15. Where Can I Learn More About Game Design and Learning from Games like Tarkov?

If you’re interested in exploring the educational potential of games like Escape From Tarkov, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of game design, learning, and education. They also explore a variety of insights into learning and engagement.

Embracing the Wipe: A Core Part of the Tarkov Experience

The wipe in Escape From Tarkov is a fundamental aspect of the game’s design. While it can be frustrating to lose all your progress, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to experiment, and a way to keep the game challenging and engaging. By understanding the wipe cycle and embracing its unique challenges, you can truly appreciate the hardcore and unforgiving world of Tarkov. Remember, the real treasure isn’t the gear you accumulate, but the experiences you gain along the way. The wipe is an equalizer that keeps the game interesting in the long run.

Do you keep anything in tarkov wipes?