Escape From Tarkov Patch 0.16: What Are Secret Exfils And Where To Find It

Key Takeaways:

1. The 0.16 patch introduces secret extraction points (“secret exfils”), requiring in-raid codes or items, adding a fresh dynamic to Tarkov’s extraction mechanics.
2. The winter-themed “Khorovod” event offers festive tasks, new challenges, and unique loot, immersing players in a seasonal experience.
3. The Prestige mechanic unlocks endgame progression with exclusive rewards, encouraging players to reset and tackle Tarkov anew while retaining select achievements.

Escape from Tarkov’s Patch 0.16 has spiced up extraction gameplay with the introduction of secret exfils. These hidden extraction points aren’t just handed to players they require specific items or notes found during raids to unlock. Let’s dive into the mechanics and how you can utilize these hidden exits to outsmart enemy players and avoid heavily camped extraction zones.

How Do Secret Exfils Work?

Secret exfils function similarly to regular extractions but with a catch: they are activated only when you find a special item or note during a raid. This item is essentially your “key” to access these hidden exits. To identify if a secret exfil is available, simply double-tap “O” during a raid. This will display all active extractions, with secret exfils appearing highlighted in light green.

However, there’s a condition if the extraction shows “Bring Note,” you’ll need to carry the item (the code or note) you found to the designated exfil. Without it, the extraction remains inaccessible. These notes cannot be carried outside of the raid, so if you extract without using them, they disappear from your inventory.

Where Are Secret Exfils Located?

The locations of secret exfils aren’t entirely new to Tarkov veterans they’re often old extraction points from previous wipes. For instance, the bunker exfil on Shoreline or the Smuggler’s extraction on Customs make a return as secret exfils. These spots are fixed, meaning you only need to find the note and remember the associated exfil location to extract successfully.

Pro Tip: Always double-check your extraction map and memorize these spots. It could save your life in a pinch, especially when traditional exfils are camped by hostile players.

Finding Secret Exfil Codes

Finding these codes is no walk in the park. Secret exfil codes spawn randomly across the map, with no fixed locations. However, players have observed trends that suggest they’re more likely to appear in high-density loot areas such as:

• Duffel Bags and Crates
• Jackets in buildings
• Fixed dead body spawns

Dead bodies are reported as a common source for these codes, possibly because of the variety of loot they hold. That said, hunting for these codes should never be your primary goal in a raid. Instead, think of them as a lucky bonus.

By using secret extractions, you can bypass extraction campers who tend to target predictable locations. Combine these secret exfils with the PMC Karma mechanic, and Tarkov offers a safer way to extract for those willing to explore.

The 0.16 Winter Event: Khorovod Festivities

Escape from Tarkov’s Patch 0.16 also marks the arrival of a festive in-game event called Khorovod. This winter wonderland comes packed with new mechanics, quests, and rewards designed to keep players engaged during the holiday season. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Khorovod Event?

Khorovod introduces a task chain with objectives that revolve around defending Christmas trees, lighting them up, and unlocking transit points to new locations. Completing the main tasks in this event earns players special achievements and rewards, including festive winter-themed clothing for both BEAR and USEC operators.

The event is active on key maps such as Shoreline, Lighthouse, Woods, Customs, Reserve, and Interchange. During the event, players will face challenges such as locating and refueling generators and protecting them for five minutes before lighting the Christmas tree. Upon successful completion, players can transit to the next stage of the event.

Winter Weather Mechanics

To complement the festive atmosphere, Tarkov has introduced a frostbite status effect. This debuff reduces player visibility and stamina in cold conditions. You can counteract frostbite by staying near shelters, warming up by burning barrels, or even drinking alcohol.

The updated winter season also comes with:

• Snow-covered maps with improved visuals
• Winter-themed Factory map
• Unique sound effects to enhance the immersive experience

Don’t forget to loot the Christmas trees scattered across the maps they’re packed with rewards, including rare items and quest-related objectives.

Prestige Levels: A New Endgame Progression

For those who’ve mastered Tarkov, the Prestige system provides a compelling reason to reset and start anew. With this mechanic, players can unlock exclusive rewards while retaining some of their hard-earned progression.

How Does Prestige Work?

To unlock Prestige, players must meet specific requirements:

• Reach Level 55
• Complete certain in-game tasks
• Upgrade specific Hideout zones
• Possess specific items and cash reserves

Once these conditions are met, you can reset your progress, but with a twist—you’ll retain achievements, prestige levels, and some equipment or skill percentages, making the transition smoother.

What Are the Rewards?

Prestige levels come with exclusive rewards that cannot be obtained through any other means. These include:

• Special icons next to your nickname
• Unique Hideout styles, posters, and wall customization options
• Exclusive PMC gestures, melee weapons, and clothing

Patch 0.16 introduces two Prestige levels, with plans to add more in future updates. Players who advance through Prestige will also unlock additional daily and weekly tasks, as well as an extra Charisma skill level at the start of each wipe.

Additional Highlights of Patch 0.16

While secret exfils, Khorovod festivities, and Prestige levels steal the spotlight, there’s much more to explore in this massive update:

New Content

• Weapons: From the RShG-2 rocket launcher to the Sako TRG M10 sniper rifle, new weapons expand your arsenal.
• Customs Map Rework: Textures, buildings, and objects have been updated, and new exfils and transit routes to Shoreline have been added.
• Hideout Customization: You can now personalize your Hideout’s walls, floors, ceilings, and even visit your friends’ Hideouts.

Quality-of-Life Improvements

• Continuous Healing: Medkits now treat all injured body parts in one go, prioritizing the most critical wounds.
• Audio Enhancements: A new reverb system improves sound spatialization, and dynamic movement sounds adapt to your speed.
• Visual Recoil Updates: Shooting feels more immersive with updated weapon animations and reduced camera lift.

FAQ

1. What are secret exfils in Tarkov, and how do I use them?
Secret exfils are hidden extraction points that require special items or notes found during a raid. Double-tap “O” to check extraction options, and bring the required note to the designated location to use these exits.

2. How do I find secret exfil codes?
Secret exfil codes spawn randomly in lootable items such as duffel bags, crates, and jackets. Fixed dead body spawns are also common sources.

3. What’s the Khorovod event, and how long will it last?
The Khorovod event is a limited-time winter-themed challenge featuring tasks like lighting Christmas trees and defending generators. It offers unique rewards, including festive clothing and achievements.

4. How do Prestige levels work in Escape from Tarkov?
Prestige allows endgame players to reset progress while retaining select achievements and skills. Advancing through Prestige unlocks exclusive rewards, including Hideout customizations and unique melee weapons.

5. What’s new in the 0.16 patch update?
Patch 0.16 introduces hidden exfils, the Khorovod winter event, Prestige levels, new weapons, Customs map rework, Hideout customization, and various quality-of-life improvements.