Battlestate Games has officially shared the Escape from Tarkov 2026 roadmap, outlining what players can expect across the first half of the year. The preliminary roadmap covers two major patches, 1.0.4.0 in Q1 and 1.0.5.0 in Q2, and confirms a new boss, a large-scale in-game event, and a range of performance and quality-of-life improvements.
Preliminary roadmap for #EscapefromTarkov for the first half of 2026. pic.twitter.com/idYshqvapo
— Escape from Tarkov (@tarkov) February 18, 2026
The studio posted the roadmap via its official channels, framing it as a look ahead to the first six months of 2026. Following the long-awaited 1.0 launch in November, Battlestate appears focused on stabilising systems while also injecting fresh content into the extraction shooter.
EFT Patch 1.0.4.0 Launches In Q1 With DLSS 4.5 And Core Fixes
The first major update of the year, Escape from Tarkov Patch 1.0.4.0, is scheduled for Q1 2026. One of the headline additions is DLSS 4.5 support, which should offer improved performance and visual stability for players running compatible NVIDIA hardware.
Beyond that, Battlestate is targeting technical improvements to story task functionality and reward distribution, an area that has drawn consistent feedback from the community. Weapon animations and movement while aiming are being reworked, suggesting a continued effort to refine the gunplay feel that Tarkov is known for.
Players can also expect new sound effects for dropped magazines, alongside balancing fixes, quality-of-life changes, and cumulative adjustments based directly on player feedback. A raid reconnect system rework is also listed, which could address one of the more frustrating issues in high-stakes matches.
EFT Patch 1.0.5.0 Brings New Boss And Large-Scale Event In Q2
The heart of the Escape from Tarkov 2026 roadmap sits in Patch 1.0.5.0, scheduled for Q2. Battlestate has confirmed a large-scale in-game event that will introduce a new boss character, though the boss remains unnamed for now.
The event will likely serve as the narrative and gameplay introduction for the new boss. While specific mechanics have not been revealed, boss encounters in Tarkov typically shift the risk-reward balance of raids, so this could significantly change how certain locations play.
Patch 1.0.5.0 also focuses heavily on performance improvements. Battlestate is working on reducing match loading and exit times, as well as improving interface performance outside of raids. A culling system update is planned to boost in-raid performance, something long-time players have repeatedly requested.
Environmental changes are on the way too, with a vegetation rework across all locations. That could impact visibility, sightlines, and overall map flow. The update will also include balancing fixes, further quality-of-life adjustments, and new PMC customisation options.
More Content Teased For The Second Half Of 2026
The roadmap graphic ends with a simple “More to come in the second half of 2026”, confirming that Battlestate’s plans extend beyond these two patches.
Fans are already speculating about the game’s first DLC drop, which is expected to focus on playing as a Scav character in a more expanded form. While no firm details or release window have been provided, earlier discussions around post-launch content have hinted that the Scav-focused expansion could be substantial.
With Escape from Tarkov now fully released and available on Steam since November, 2026 looks set to be a year of refinement and expansion. Between a new boss event, system overhauls, and ongoing performance work, Battlestate Games appears intent on strengthening the foundation while keeping raids unpredictable.