Title: Escape From Tarkov Players Express Frustration Over Exclusive $250 Edition

Battlestate Games has recently announced a new edition of their popular game, Escape From Tarkov, which has sparked significant backlash from the player community. The new edition, called the Unheard Edition, comes with a hefty price tag of $250 and includes access to a highly anticipated PvE mode with co-op support and persistent progress that won't be reset when the game undergoes a routine wipe.

While the addition of a PvE mode without wipes is undoubtedly appealing to many players who prefer cooperative gameplay and a more relaxed experience, it has caused uproar due to its exclusivity. Previously, Battlestate Games had released the Edge of Darkness Edition of Tarkov for $150, which promised "free access to all subsequent DLCs," but this new mode is not considered DLC by the developers. This decision has left owners of the Edge of Darkness Edition feeling betrayed, as they now have to pay an additional $100 to access the new mode, should they choose to upgrade.

The controversy surrounding the Unheard Edition has prompted a strong negative response from the Tarkov community. The announcement trailer on YouTube has received 31,000 dislikes compared to only 5,200 likes, while players on Reddit, Twitter, and Discord have expressed their disappointment and frustration at the perceived broken promise of full DLC access for Edge of Darkness Edition owners.

Furthermore, this controversy is exacerbated by existing grievances within the community, including concerns about cheating in the game and slow progress towards a full release. Despite the game being in closed beta since 2017, players believe that Battlestate Games has not adequately addressed these issues, leading to an amplified negative sentiment towards the Unheard Edition.

Another point of contention among the players is the perceived "pay to win" elements present in the Unheard Edition. Some players argue that the enhanced stash size, expanded pocket space, unique melee weapon, and increased starting character level skills give unfair advantages to those who purchase the new edition.

In response to the community backlash, Battlestate Games' lead community manager, appl3z0r, has asserted that the PvE mode is not considered DLC but a "unique feature" of the Unheard Edition. This explanation, however, has only served to further infuriate players who feel misled and disrespected.

The Escape From Tarkov Discord server has become a hotbed of discontent, with players expressing their anger through repeated spamming and accusations of developers prioritizing profit over loyal players. While community managers have acknowledged the frustration, they have refrained from shutting down the discord, recognizing that such action would intensify the situation.

At this time, Battlestate Games has not indicated any plans to provide access to the PvE mode for Edge of Darkness Edition owners. Speculation within the community suggests that the studio may eventually backtrack, but there has been no official confirmation or statement to support this speculation.

PC Gamer has reached out to Battlestate Games for comment on the controversy but has not received a response as of yet. As this debate continues to unfold, players and fans of Escape From Tarkov await further updates and clarification from the developers.

In the meantime, the Tarkov community remains divided, with some expressing their dissatisfaction while others eagerly anticipate the new Unheard Edition and its exclusive PvE mode.