In October, the creators of Escape from Tarkov released a major update 1.2.0.0. Battlestate Games studio introduced various improvements for the PvE mode, including refined AI for PMC bots, as well as expanded the monetization system and introduced a special program called "Combat Cohesion".
This program is a referral system. Experienced players (called "Operators") will be able to receive bonuses for playing together with friends who are just starting their journey in Escape from Tarkov (called "Candidates").
The Operator and Candidate receive a 5% experience bonus for joint raids, as well as other rewards tied to the Candidate's progress or edition. Candidate rewards are aimed at facilitating entry into the game for newcomers. Operator rewards will help at later stages of progression, and will also allow them to stand out through unique customization.
Any player registered more than 7 days ago and having level 30 in any Escape from Tarkov mode can become an "Operator".
In addition, with update 1.2.0.0, the authors of Escape from Tarkov added the ability to purchase in-game rubles in the PvE Zone. Various packs from 5 to 250 million rubles are available in the "expansion store".
TarCoin coins are used to pay for purchases in this store, which can be obtained as a reward or bought with real money. Rubles can only be purchased for a PvE character; this option is not available for players in PvP and seasonal PvP mode — but some fans fear that it is now only a matter of time.
For example, kpkostas started a discussion:
PvE added direct sale of rubles: they literally no longer care about the company's image — as long as Battlestate Games makes money, it has officially added direct microtransactions for purchasing in-game currency in the PvE Zone. It's obvious that they don't care about the company's and game's image. They are ready for absolutely anything for money. And let's be perfectly honest: what's stopping them from transferring this same system to PvP if the "whales" continue to buy? Once you cross that line — and when everything becomes normal, nothing will be sacred anymore.
Long-time EFT fans expressed the opinion that everything was already clear during the presentation of the expanded Unheard edition. It was introduced several years ago and priced at 11 thousand rubles (excluding taxes). At that time, the announcement was accompanied by a scandal, as this edition included access to the PvE mode — which greatly angered buyers of the Edge of Darkness edition, which was previously positioned as the "maximum". Subsequently, the developers reconsidered their decision and still gave PvE access to EoD edition owners, but fans remembered this incident well.