PvE in Escape from Tarkov Is No Longer Hardcore — Softcore Patch Released and Bots Nerfed

The hardcore intensity in EFT is gradually easing.

The Escape from Tarkov team has rolled out update 0.16.9.5. Balance adjustments introduced since the start of the wipe in PvP are being applied to the PvE zone, taking recent softcore changes into account.

For example: aim‑punch has been reduced by 60%; the weight threshold for becoming over‑encumbered has been increased by 50%; and loot quantities across locations and elsewhere have been boosted.

The developers also adjusted bot behavior — they will now be less potent (and generally fairer):

• Fixed an issue where bosses’ escorts, raiders, and renegades prioritized aiming at the head instead of other body parts. This change is intended to lower the overall rate of bot headshots;
• Bots no longer exploit sound portals (areas between outdoor and indoor spaces) to fine‑tune grenade throws. Previously, such portals allowed bots to more accurately lob grenades through windows or doorways;
• Reduced the overall accuracy of grenade throws for all bots;
• Fixed cases in which bots would expend the entire ammunition load of an underbarrel grenade launcher in a single instance.

The full patch notes for Escape from Tarkov are available at the following link.

Source: iXBT.games