Escape From Tarkov’s latest update encourages veteran players to team up with newcomers for added rewards.

Escape From Tarkov’s highly anticipated 1.2.0.0 update has finally dropped, bringing a host of enhancements and new features to the PvE experience in this extraction shooter. The standout addition is the “EXFIL Brothers” program, designed to encourage seasoned Tarkov players to partner with newcomers and guide them through the game, with rewards for both parties.

Players who have reached level 30 are designated as “operators.” When an operator teams up with a new player—referred to as a “candidate” if their account is less than seven days old—they both earn a 5% XP bonus during raids. As the candidate levels up to 10, 20, and 30, both players will receive rewards such as in-game roubles, bitcoins, and various cases. Additionally, operators will gain extra rewards based on the candidate’s game edition, which may include TarCoin, posters, operator gear, and basic training hideout customization.

The PvE mode is also introducing a prestige system with six levels. All rewards earned through PvE prestige will be permanent, ensuring they remain intact after a wipe. Players can look forward to earning TarCoin and unique items like the NKVD Finka knife, Akula dagger, and Gamma secure container.

In terms of gameplay, PMC bot behavior is getting a significant overhaul. They will now be more logically distributed across the map, with a higher concentration in quest areas. Bots will engage in firefights with each other less often, opting to target scavs instead. Additionally, bot gear and weapon loadouts will vary based on their level and faction, and new PMC bot spawns have been introduced in the Labyrinth location.

And there’s more: if you use code POLYGON before it expires on Monday, Oct. 19, you’ll receive some exciting rewards.

To redeem codes, simply launch the Escape From Tarkov client, click on the dropdown menu in the top-right corner under your username, select “activate code,” and enter the code you wish to redeem.

While the ‘Best Ending’ remains elusive, the journey continues to evolve.