A brand-new limited-time event has arrived in Escape From Tarkov, and it comes with the usual Tarkov mix of mystery, rewards, and just enough chaos to keep players guessing. The event, called Kolotun, launched alongside the 1.0.1.0 update, which rolled out earlier today.
Like previous seasonal events, Kolotun introduces a fresh quest line, in-game rewards, and an exclusive achievement for players who manage to see it through. While full details are still under wraps, early signs suggest this one leans heavily into winter-themed content and holiday vibes.
Kolotun Event Details So Far
Battlestate Games has kept things intentionally vague. The official patch notes mention the event but stop short of explaining how it works or what players must do to complete it. Based on teasers shared on social media, Kolotun is designed to be accessible to both PvE and PvP players, which is a welcome change for those who prefer one mode over the other.
At the time of writing, the event does not appear to be fully active. Players are already combing through raids, quest menus, and trader inventories trying to piece together how Kolotun unfolds. That slow rollout is familiar territory for Tarkov fans and, honestly, part of the experience.
What is confirmed is that completing the Kolotun quest line will unlock:
- A unique in-game achievement
- Event-specific rewards
- Limited-time progression content tied to the event
Christmas Festivities Return to Tarkov
Even if Kolotun itself is still warming up, the holiday content is already live. The Christmas tree has returned to the hideout, and festive decorations are once again scattered across multiple maps.
Players can loot holiday ornaments during raids and use them to unlock the tree in their hideout. Once activated, the tree allows access to special crafting recipes, some of which can produce rare and valuable items. If you missed this system in previous years, it’s worth engaging with now, especially if you enjoy efficient hideout progression.
And yes, Santa is back. The holiday NPC has returned to roam Tarkov’s maps, occasionally rewarding players who manage to stay on the nice list. As always, attacking Santa is a bad idea unless you enjoy consequences.
Patch 1.0.1.0 Brings Major Gameplay Changes
Outside of the Kolotun event, update 1.0.1.0 introduces several notable changes that affect everyday gameplay.
One of the most debated updates involves the Test Drive quest line. Kill requirements for these tasks have increased, which initially frustrated many players. However, the required weapons for completing these quests have also been adjusted. While the higher kill counts mean longer grind times, the new weapon options may actually make the quests more manageable overall.
Another quality-of-life improvement is the new matchmaking timer. Loading screens now show a visible progress bar along with an estimated matchmaking time. This small addition does not make queues shorter, but it does make long waits feel less painful. Knowing how long you might be stuck staring at the screen helps manage expectations, which matters more than it sounds.
Server Load and Player Expectations
As with most major Tarkov updates, servers are currently under heavy load. Players trying to jump in immediately may run into connection issues or longer-than-usual queue times. That is fairly standard during the early hours of an update, especially one tied to an event and seasonal content.
The Kolotun event is expected to fully come online over the next several hours as backend systems stabilize and players uncover its mechanics. Until then, patience is part of the grind.
What Happens Next
More details about Kolotun will likely surface soon as the community begins unlocking quests and sharing findings. For now, players can focus on collecting decorations, setting up their hideouts, and keeping an eye on traders for new event-related tasks.
If history is any guide, the Kolotun event will reward players who pay attention, explore thoroughly, and avoid rushing in blind. In Tarkov, knowledge is just as valuable as gear and sometimes harder to extract with.
FAQ
Q. Is the Kolotun event available in PvE and PvP?
A. Yes. Battlestate Games has confirmed the Kolotun event is available for both PvE and PvP players.
Q. Does the Kolotun event include new quests?
A. Yes. The event introduces a brand-new quest line along with exclusive rewards and an achievement.
Q. Is Santa back in Escape From Tarkov?
A. Yes. Santa has returned as part of the Christmas event and can be encountered roaming the maps.
Q. What update added the Kolotun event?
A. The Kolotun event launched with Escape From Tarkov update 1.0.1.0.
Q. How long will the Kolotun event last?
A. The exact end date has not been officially confirmed at the time of writing.
