Tarkov’s test server is open to everyone, and getting in takes only a few launcher clicks
Battlestate Games opened Escape from Tarkov's Early Test Server to all players in April 2026, and progress on ETS does not carry over to the main game.
Escape from Tarkov’s Early Test Server, or ETS, is Battlestate Games’ space for trying out features before they reach the live build. In April 2026, the studio opened it to all players, which means the old approval process is no longer part of the deal.
That matters because ETS is where Battlestate tests larger changes first, including the aiming-related tweaks it wanted feedback on. It is still a test environment, so the experience can be rough around the edges.
Here is how to get in:
- Open the Battlestate Games launcher client.
- Look at the bottom-right corner, where it says Server: Live.
- Use the drop-down menu to switch it to ETS.
- Install the Early Test Server.
- Launch it the same way you would the normal game.
Before April 2026, players had to submit an application through the launcher, and access was not guaranteed even if they owned Escape from Tarkov. That restriction is gone for now, so anyone with the game can jump in.
Once you are on ETS, expect bugs, unstable connections, and interruptions. Battlestate said the server will go through wipes, and nothing you unlock there carries over to the base game. The studio also expects players to use the in-game feedback form so the team can see what is working and what is not.
In short, ETS is Battlestate’s place to trial big ideas before they hit the live servers. If you have been curious about Tarkov’s test environment, this is the easiest way to see it for yourself. Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram.
