September 8, 2026 — Battlestate Games announced and released a major update for Escape from Tarkov. The core content of this version update is a large-scale rework of the Lighthouse map and the League ranking system designed to incentivize highly active players.
Lighthouse Rework
This map has also undergone visual and structural changes, including an expansion of combat zones, significantly altering the raid experience on this familiar map:
● BTR Armored Vehicle: This map now features BTR armored vehicles providing fast travel services, with routes covering the map's main points of interest.
● Rogues: The Rogues have left the wastewater treatment plant and moved to the wooden mansion area. Mines and stationary weapons inside the wastewater treatment plant have been removed, making this area easier to explore.
● Other changes: The camp locations for BEAR and USEC have changed. Additionally, new tactical routes have been added to the map, including a new main tunnel with a mountain exit.
League Ranking
This mechanism is designed for seasonal characters, allowing players to compete in rankings weekly and win unique rewards. The first League ranking season will not start immediately upon the update's release. The specific launch time for the ranking system will be announced separately, so players are advised to stay tuned for the latest official news.
● Format: The League ranking system will consist of 7 tiers with corresponding leaderboards. Players will be assigned to groups of 50 within the same tier and compete based on PMC experience points earned weekly. All PMC season experience points obtained through any means count towards ranked progress, such as raid experience, quest experience, and exploration experience. However, experience gained from Arena and Scav modes will not count.
● Rank Progression: At the end of each week, the top 25 players in the group will be promoted to the next rank tier, the following 15 players will remain unchanged, and the bottom 10 players will be demoted. Please note that you must complete at least one raid to participate in ranked play.
● Rewards: When players reach a new rank tier for the first time, they will receive valuable exclusive rewards. Rewards include Hideout customization items (posters, targets, new interior styles), unique weapons, Dog.exe tags, and PMC outfit sets. League season rewards vary by season and can only be claimed after the season officially ends.