Battlestate Games announced the closed beta date for their upcoming hardcore FPS/MMO hybrid Escape from Tarkov. The closed beta is currently scheduled to launch in July of 2017. While an exact date hasn't been given, those who pre-ordered the game from the official website and didn't get into the closed alpha wont have to wait much longer.

In addition to the closed beta date announcement, Battlestate Games also released a few new screenshots, which can be seen below. The fifteen new screenshots show off some of the locations, both indoor and outdoor in dark and light settings. Based off of the screenshots, the games development looks to be coming along really nice.

Currently, the closed beta is reserved for those who purchased one of the pre-order packs available. The closed beta will introduce new features, content and optimizations. Here is a breakdown of the new stuff being introduced with the closed beta:

New Gameplay Features in the Closed Beta:

Insurance - For a small amount of in game currency, players can insure weapons and equipment, increasing the chance of retaining it

Loot and Economy - The CBT will feature a new Merchant, new barter loot, medicines and additional useful items for players to buy, sell and trade. Economic balancing means items will be made available in marketplaces for barter and in loot drops based on their popularity and rarity within the economics system

Weapons - New weapon customization parts and ammunition types, along with the addition of the modern-classic MP5 submachine gun will offer players even more customizations in the game that prides itself on making thousands of weapon combos and upgrades possible

Locations - There will be a total of four locations available to play- Customs, Woods, Factory and Shoreline - all with different sizes and terrains. The Shoreline location will be newest and biggest map addition to the CBT.

General Chat - Chat channels will be available to all players online in the game, allowing players to share useful information and group up for raids.

If you haven't pre-ordered the game, dont worry as there is still time to snag one of the packs. There are currently four different packages you can pre-order, each providing additional content. The four packages currently available are:

Standard Edition ($44.99):

  • Digital Copy of the game
  • Guaranteed access to closed beta
  • Bonus equipment at start

Left Behind Edition ($74.99):

  • Chance to enter Alpha testing (50%)
  • Early unlock of your digital copy (early access)
  • Guaranteed access to closed beta
  • Bonus equipment at start
  • Increased size of stash (10x30)
  • Additional equipment and resources in stash

Prepare for Escape Edition ($99.99):

  • Chance to enter Alpha testing (75%)
  • Early unlock of your digital copy (early access)
  • Guaranteed access to closed beta
  • Bonus equipment at start
  • Greatly increased size of stash (10x40)
  • Additional equipment and resources in stash
  • Larger secured container
  • More cash at the start
  • Initially good standings with all in-game traders

Edge of Darkness (Limited Edition) ($139.99):

  • Instant access to the current Alpha version of the game
  • Early unlock of your digital copy (early access)
  • Guaranteed access to closed beta
  • Bonus equipment at start
  • Huge size of stash (10x60)
  • Additional equipment and resources in stash
  • Unique secured container
  • Large field backpack
  • Even more cash at the start
  • Combat tactical tomahawk
  • Initially good standings with all in-game traders
  • Unique in-game ID
  • Free access to all subsequent DLCs (Season pass)

Escape from Tarkov is currently available in a closed alpha state for PC. The closed beta is scheduled to release in July of 2017.