Escape from Tarkov Teased Steam Release Ahead of 1.0 Launch

Escape from Tarkov and Steam

Escape from Tarkov, the hardcore extraction shooter developed by Battlestate Games, might finally be heading to Steam. For years, the game has been available only through the developer’s own launcher, but recent hints suggest that could soon change.

Yesterday, Battlestate Games’ head Nikita Buyanov shared a cryptic GIF on social media of a man ironing with steam pouring out, which many immediately connected to Valve’s platform. Shortly after, he confirmed that the Steam pages would be available soon.

Escape from Tarkov is currently preparing for its long-awaited 1.0 release on November 15, 2025, after nearly eight years in beta. According to previous statements made during a 2024 stream, Battlestate confirmed that a Steam launch would follow once the full version of the game went live. If that plan still holds, players could expect Tarkov’s Steam debut sometime between late 2025 and mid-2026.

For those wondering why the game never launched on Steam earlier, there are a couple of theories. Some suggest Battlestate wanted to avoid sharing revenue with Valve, while others point to Steam’s refund policy, which might not suit a game as demanding and time-consuming as Tarkov. Still, the release of Escape from Tarkov: Arena on the Epic Games Store earlier this year showed that Battlestate is more open to third-party storefronts than before.

For now, Battlestate has not given a fixed timeline or further details. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement, but one thing seems certain — Escape from Tarkov’s 1.0 launch could mark the beginning of a much wider presence beyond its own launcher.