BattleState Studio’s surprise, the $250 Escape from Tarkov: Unheard Edition
If you're a fan of Escape from Tarkov, youāve probably already heard about the controversy surrounding Escape from Tarkov: Unheard Edition. BattleState Studio just dropped a bombshell with this $250 premium edition, and letās just sayāplayers arenāt happy.

Whatās the Deal with the Unheard Edition?
For those who mightāve missed the drama, Escape from Tarkov: Unheard Edition is a new ultra-premium version of the game, priced at a whopping $250. Thatās $100 more than the previously highest-tier edition, Edge of Darkness, which already cost players $150.

So, what makes the Unheard Edition so special? Well, according to BattleState Studio, the biggest perk is access to PvE modeābut hereās the catch: only Unheard Edition owners get it.
Yep, even if you already dropped $150 on Edge of Darkness, you wonāt get PvE unless you pay an additional $250 for the Unheard Edition. Naturally, this has infuriated a huge part of the Tarkov community.
Players Are Furious ā And Rightfully So
Many Tarkov players feel betrayed, especially those who purchased Edge of Darkness under the assumption that theyād have full access to all paid content when it was released. It turns out, thatās not the case at all.
When players started pushing back, BattleStateās Community Manager took to the gameās Discord server to clear things upābut his response didnāt exactly help.

His argument?
PvE mode isnāt an expansion packāitās a feature of the game.
Translation? If you own Edge of Darkness, too badāyouāre not getting PvE mode unless you cough up another $250.
What Exactly Does the Unheard Edition Include?
Aside from the exclusive PvE mode, Escape from Tarkov: Unheard Edition comes with:
- All previous bonuses from Edge of Darkness
- Additional in-game stash space
- Exclusive cosmetic items
- Future priority access to undisclosed content
- A fancy badge that shows you spent $250 on Tarkov

But letās be realāmost players arenāt upset about cosmetics or stash space. Itās the PvE mode lockout that has everyone up in arms.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Escape from Tarkov is already known for being a brutal, hardcore FPS with a steep learning curve. PvE mode was something many players were looking forward to, as it would allow them to:

ā
Learn maps without the constant fear of getting sniped
ā
Test weapons and gear without losing them
ā
Train in a stress-free environment
But now? The mode that couldāve helped new and veteran players alike is locked behind an insane paywall.
The Community Backlash
Tarkov fans havenāt held back in expressing their frustration. Forums, Reddit, and social media have been flooded with complaints, with many calling this one of the worst monetization decisions BattleState has ever made.

Some players have even threatened to boycott the game or demand refunds for Edge of Darkness, feeling scammed by misleading promises.
Will BattleState Studio Walk This Back?
Historically, BattleState Studio has been stubborn when it comes to community feedback. However, the backlash against the Unheard Edition is so strong that they might have to reconsider.

Some possible outcomes:
1ļøā£ They could offer PvE mode as a separate purchase instead of locking it behind an entire edition.
2ļøā£ They might reduce the price of Unheard Edition to make it less ridiculous.
3ļøā£ They could allow Edge of Darkness owners to upgrade at a discount.
But as of now? BattleState Studio is standing firmāwhich means the ball is in the playersā court.
Final Thoughts: Is the Unheard Edition Worth It?
Look, if youāre a die-hard Tarkov fan with money to burn, the Unheard Edition might be appealing. But for most players? $250 for a PvE mode and a few extras is a tough sell.
This controversy is a major test for BattleState Studio. Will they listen to the community? Or will they double down on one of the most divisive decisions in Tarkov history?
