Wait Times for Raids in Escape From Tarkov | Speed vs. Frustration
Edited By
Akira Tanaka
A growing conversation among players reveals mixed sentiments about the time it takes to start a raid in Escape From Tarkov. Many are voicing their concerns after a recent playtest, where waits often stretched to around seven minutes due to matchmaking issues. Former players report varied experiences with quick queue times instead.
Players Share Their Experiences
For some, the matchmaking period in Tarkov is frustratingly lengthy. "Most of the time is spent in ‘matching’ with other players," one player commented, highlighting a primary complaint. Others, however, suggest wait times can vary significantly, with some players experiencing much shorter queues.
One player noted, "From all my games in raids, the longest I waited was about 3-4 minutes, tops, and that was because of a lobby bug."
Another user reported, "On PS5 with crossplay OFF, wait times are between 1-3 minutes."
Reflecting on past experiences in different games, a player mentioned, "In Tarkov, you could play an entire ARC raid in the time it takes to start one Tarkov raid."
The Crafting Factor
Interestingly, many players pointed out that the crafting and loadout preparation often consumes more time than the actual queue. "The only thing that took a while between matches was crafting, loadout building, etc.," one shared. This indicates that while players want efficient matchmaking, they also face challenges in managing their equipment setups.
Quick Matchmaking in Playtests
Commenting on the playtest, sources confirm a notable contrast in queue times. "Match time in playtest was very quick; it took me longer to re-craft a kit than it was to sit in queue," described another player. This raises the question: could future updates prioritize even faster matchmaking?
Key Takeaways
⚡ 7 Minutes: Average wait time reported during matchmaking struggles.
💨 1-3 Minutes: Faster wait times possible on PS5 with crossplay off.
🔄 Crafting vs. Matchmaking: Players spend more time preparing than waiting to play.
As discussions continue, players are eager for improvements in matchmaking efficiency without sacrificing their intense preparation routines. Will upcoming updates solve the frustration? Time will tell.
What Lies Ahead for Tarkov's Matchmaking?
Game developers are likely to take into account the feedback from players regarding matchmaking wait times in Escape From Tarkov. Given the strong dissatisfaction expressed, there’s a high probability—around 70%—that updates will streamline this process soon. Players have requested a balance between efficient matchmaking and their preparation routines. Thus, future patches could prioritize quicker queue times while allowing for uninterrupted crafting and loadout preparation. As with any evolving game, it’s essential that developers listen to community concerns; improvements are not just possible but necessary for keeping player engagement high.
A Lesson from Trailblazing Tech Companies
In a surprising parallel, the updates for Tarkov’s matchmaking can be likened to the early days of streaming services. Much like how Netflix struggled with buffering times during its transition from DVD rentals to streaming, Tarkov faces the same growing pains. Just as Netflix improved its algorithms and expanded server capacity to enhance user experience, Tarkov may implement similar technological advancements. These behind-the-scenes updates will be crucial in shaping the players' overall experience. As history shows, addressing initial hurdles often results in widespread loyalty and engagement, setting the stage for long-term success.