Arena Breakout Infinite launched in closed beta on May 8, hot on the heels of the recently controversial Escape From Tarkov as a new name in the extraction shooter space. But how does Arena Breakout Infinite compare to the titan Escape From Tarkov?
Arena Breakout Infinite and Escape From Tarkov: what are the differences?
Arena Breakout Infinite is the new kid on the block, but its beta has dropped considerably. It doesn’t have the same level of realism as Escape From Tarkov, but in this scenario, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.
Escape From Tarkov takes a very slow, methodical and punishing approach to virtually every one of its gameplay mechanics; Everything from the shootouts to the movement to the way raids unfold minute by minute is designed to be as realistic and gritty as possible.
Arena Breakout Infinite emulates many of these factors, although in some ways I think it is more accessible. Many of the mechanics are explained more consistently, with helpful tooltips on the loading screens, unlike Escape From Tarkov’s key prompts, which due to their sheer quantity, are absolutely necessary.
An example of this is the introduction; Arena Breakout Infinite begins with some lightly expository audio messages, introducing you to the world and the basics of inventory management, before launching you into the world on your first raid. You only have access to one map, The Farm, until at least level eight. Whether or not this will change with future updates remains to be seen.
Escape From Tarkov takes a different approach, opting not to provide any sort of tutorials and simply pre-organizing your inventory for you: most maps (with exceptions like Labs) are available from the start, and it’s entirely up to you. where to go
Similarities between Arena Breakout Infinite and Escape From Tarkov
Quantifying the similarities between the two titles would be a Herculean feat, as completely by design, Arena Breakout Infinite emulates as much of Escape From Tarkov as possible. However, as mentioned above, Arena Breakout Infinite feels much faster, with significantly faster movement compared to Escape From Tarkov, and a shooter that, while still very clean, responsive and fun, is much more lighter than the pure power fantasy that is Escape From Tarkov. . (If you want a more in-depth look at Arena Breakout Infinite and how it compares to Escape From Tarkov, check out our Arena Breakout Infinite Preview!)
The main gameplay loops for both are effectively head-to-head, where you infiltrate a map in a ‘raid’, loot, shoot and panic your way to the bottom, before heading into an exfiltration area and leaving with all your winnings. poorly obtained. .
The similarities between the two are impossible to avoid, as everything from inventory to exfiltration to armory is so comparable it’s ridiculous. At first, I thought Arena Breakout Infinite had a much simpler approach to armory, but after looking into it further, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
At first glance, I thought the armory in Arena Breakout Infinite only featured options for more traditional accessories like laser pointers, sights, and grips, but once I started taking my weapon apart I could see that it offers the same control as Escape From. Tarkov; being able to change the gas block, pistol grip, stock and upper and lower receivers. It is true that there are currently fewer such pieces available compared to Escape From Tarkov, but this is likely to change with constant updates.
Another point worth noting is that this armory screen can be accessed from the moment you enter the game in Arena Breakout Infinite, while in Escape From Tarkov you must obtain it by leveling up your hideout’s workshop to at least level one.
These similarities continue even in factors like stats and ammo differences, as both games have different types of ammo for different tasks and both have very different prices on these different types of ammo.
Nowadays, since it’s been around for much longer, Escape From Tarkov has a lot more variety in this area, with some ammo types being complete mechanical changes (like the absolutely horrendous to find, but incredibly fun to use flashbang rounds for the KS23) . – but again, I hope this will also change in future updates.
What should you play: Arena Breakout Infinite or Escape From Tarkov?
All in all, I think it might be really impossible at this point to give a clear and definitive answer as to which of the two games is ultimately “better”, as Arena Breakout Infinite emulates much of what makes Escape From Tarkov fun, at the same time. at the same time being a little more accessible. Artistically it holds up just as well, with a much more vibrant overall color palette and some really great map designs (The Farm, for example, doesn’t do justice to what is a vast and very varied map).
Arena Breakout Infinite also has some high quality of life features that Escape From Tarkov lacks, such as being able to roll up backpacks and tactical vests, and having constant access to an in-game map (which in Escape From Tarkov is an entire element in itself same). and can fetch a high price).
My final verdict would be that Arena Breakout Infinite captures enough of that “magic” of Escape From Tarkov, while also being a bit quicker to access, friendlier to new players, and with better matchmaking features. Escape From Tarkov, on the other hand, is a more intense and slow-paced experience, which could be great for Arena Breakout Infinite players to dive into once they’re familiar with the game’s main loop and high skill cap.
If you’re looking to dive into the Arena Breakout Infinite action for yourself, check out our guide at How to register for Arena Breakout Beta here at ProGameGuides!