Escape from Tarkov has received a series of quiet but meaningful updates that impact quests, map flow, events, and potential future projects. While there hasn’t been a major patch announcement, these changes affect daily gameplay and long-term progression. Here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know.

Test Drive Part 2 Quest Update

One of the most welcome changes is to Test Drive Part 2. The quest still requires using the MP5 SD, but the restrictive optic requirement has been removed. Players are now free to use any sight they prefer, making the quest far less frustrating and more accessible.

This adjustment has been confirmed by multiple players and is already live. If you were holding off on this quest due to the awkward sight requirement, now is the ideal time to complete it.

Christmas Event Officially Ends

As of the latest technical update, the Christmas event has concluded. All Christmas trees across raids—previously found on maps like Woods, Customs, and Shoreline—have been removed, along with their associated loot.

Key event changes include:

- No more Christmas loot spawning in raids
- Hideout Christmas trees removed
- Santa and festive scav outfits are gone
- Firework flares no longer call in airdrops

Any Christmas items already in your stash remain intact. Items like Christmas ornaments, tangerines, and pickles may still be usable in future events, assuming your account isn’t reset before then.

Snow remains active across Tarkov maps and is expected to stay for several more weeks.

Shoreline Spawn Changes Explained

Shoreline has undergone an ongoing spawn overhaul, with major positional adjustments. Spawns that previously existed in the central areas of the map—such as near Radio Tower and Cottages—have been removed. All player spawns are now positioned closer to the edges of the map.

New spawns have been added near:

- Gas Station
- Terminal area (with some AI guard risk)
- Various outer map boundaries

While the goal appears to be reducing early player congestion, the changes do not fully solve Shoreline’s long-standing PvP imbalance. Certain spawns still provide immediate access to Resort, while others leave players with limited and risky movement options.

It’s important to note that these changes are not final. Battlestate Games is still testing spawn behavior, and further adjustments are expected.

Escape from Duckov Collaboration Code

A limited-time collaboration with Escape from Duckov is currently live. Players can redeem the launcher code “WildHunt” through the Escape from Tarkov launcher or official website.

The code rewards include:

- 2 Ushankas
- 2 Kouron helmets
- 2 Double-barrel shotguns
- Vests
- Approximately 40 rounds of AP-20 ammunition

While mostly meme-tier gear, the ammo can be useful for certain tasks, including Setup-related quests.

Core3.gg Countdown and ARG Project

A mysterious new project, Core3.gg, is currently running an ARG (alternate reality game) tied to a countdown. The site features lore, puzzles, and daily time-gated tasks that take approximately 6–7 days to complete.

The countdown is expected to reveal new information once it ends. While there is no confirmed connection to Battlestate Games, many BSG developers follow the project, and all promotion so far has come through Nikita’s personal account.

Players interested in lore, puzzles, or potential future titles may want to explore Core3.gg before the timer expires.

Final Thoughts

While this update doesn’t bring major performance fixes or storyline progression, it delivers meaningful quality-of-life changes and hints at future content. Shoreline spawns remain controversial, the Christmas event has officially wrapped up, and Core3.gg may signal something bigger on the horizon.