Escape from Tarkov 1.2 Adds PvE Prestige and a New Referral Program

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Battlestate Games has rolled out Escape from Tarkov patch 1.2.0.0, with two bigger additions at the top of the notes: the EXFIL Brothers referral program and Prestige for the PvE Zone. The update also changes how PMC bots behave, adds more predictable bot presence in raids, and tweaks loot on several locations.

The EXFIL Brothers program is aimed at pairing veteran players with new ones. Experienced players, called Operators, can invite Candidates through a referral link on the official site. According to the Escape from Tarkov website, Operators need an account older than seven days and level 30 in any Tarkov mode, while Candidates need an account registered within the last seven days.

Both players get a 5% XP bonus when raiding together. Candidates can earn starter-focused rewards like support kits, roubles, dollars, and several storage cases. Operators can earn TarCoins, Bitcoins, cosmetics, Hideout decorations, and other account rewards tied to a Candidate’s progress. The program works across Escape from Tarkov modes, but not Escape from Tarkov: Arena.

PvE players now have their own Prestige system. It lets high-level PvE Zone characters reset progression in exchange for rewards, while keeping some gear, up to 50% of certain skills, and weapon mastery. Patch 1.2.0.0 includes six PvE Prestige levels, with requirements that scale up each time. Battlestate says the first PvE Prestige level has reduced requirements compared with PvP.

  • PMC bots now move more actively toward points of interest and task areas, including places they didn’t previously visit.
  • PMC bots should appear at the start of every raid, with more even spawn distribution across locations.
  • USEC and BEAR PMC bots are more likely to team up or remain non-hostile to each other.
  • PMC bots are less likely to stay neutral toward Scavs and will more often fight Scavs and bosses.
  • PMC bot gear, weapons, and difficulty now scale by level and faction.

The patch also adds PMC bot spawns to The Labyrinth and adjusts bot levels by map, with The Lab leaning toward tougher, higher-level AI.

On the quality-of-life side, the update improves server-side position sync to reduce rubber-banding, adds Ctrl+Left Click trading shortcuts, lets players pin friends, adds a clearer Run-Through extraction indicator, and improves drum magazine handling.

Customs and Interchange also get loot changes, including new loot spots and guaranteed loot in locked containers. Customs has new extracts and two new keys, the ZB-1013 Key and Guard Post Key.

Further reading: Official Escape from Tarkov site