Battlestate Games head Nikita Buyanov has spoken out about the ongoing cheating issue in Escape from Tarkov, commending the team’s efforts to address it after over 2,000 accounts were banned in slightly more than a week. Escape from Tarkov, having entered early access in 2017, is a widely favored first-person extraction shooter but has faced significant challenges due to rampant cheating. While the devs have previously implemented more strategies to incentivize players to report cheaters, the problem persists as they prepare for the game’s upcoming 1.0 release.

In a report from Insider Gaming, it was revealed that the studio’s head, Nikita Buyanov, acknowledged the difficult nature of the fight against cheating, stating, “This fight is hard and never-ending.” He further explained that the studio is currently developing a kernel-level anti-cheat system, aiming for improvements beyond what is achieved with their existing system, Battleye. This has stirred some confusion among players, suggesting they are contemplating a proprietary solution that may further help in eliminating cheaters, despite potential added complications.

The struggle against cheating in Escape from Tarkov isn’t a recent development. In 2024 alone, the game banned over 11,000 cheaters in just two weeks utilizing the Battleye system. As preparations continue for the 1.0 release in 2025, it remains uncertain how effectively the developers will tackle this issue moving forward.

Recent updates included the game’s first hardcore wipe, which generated mixed reactions. Some players appreciated the increased difficulty, while others were frustrated by the game’s heightened challenge. Following some backlash, they also lowered boss spawn rates from 100% to 70%, aiming to create a more balanced gaming experience. Consequently, while the fight against cheating continues, adjustments in gameplay mechanics signal Battlestate’s commitment to enhancing player experience.