A brand-new limited-time event called Kolotun has officially arrived in Escape From Tarkov, bringing fresh quests, seasonal rewards, and a unique achievement for players who manage to see it through.
Like many past Tarkov events, Kolotun is designed to shake up the usual routine. It introduces a new quest line, unlockable in-game items, and an exclusive achievement that only event participants can earn. Think of it as Tarkov’s way of saying, “Happy winter, now survive it.”
Kolotun Arrives With Patch 1.0.1.0
The Kolotun event launched alongside the 1.0.1.0 update, which rolled out earlier today. While the patch notes themselves stay light on details, teasers shared on official channels confirm that Kolotun is a winter-themed event available to both PvE and PvP players.
At the time of writing, the event does not appear to be fully activated. That has left much of the community piecing together clues and waiting for the remaining content to unlock. Still, one thing is clear: Kolotun will feature a dedicated quest line, event rewards, and a special achievement for players who complete all objectives.
In classic Tarkov fashion, nothing is handed to you on a silver platter.
Christmas Festivities Return to Tarkov
Even if Kolotun itself is still warming up, the holiday atmosphere has already taken over Tarkov.
The Christmas tree has returned to the hideout, and additional trees have appeared across multiple maps. Players can once again loot holiday decorations during raids and bring them back to their base. Collect enough, and you can unlock the tree in your hideout, which allows access to crafting recipes for rare items.
Yes, the grind is festive, but it is still a grind.
Adding to the holiday chaos, Santa has also made his return. He roams Tarkov handing out gifts to well-behaved players. Just remember, this is Tarkov. Mistaking Santa for a hostile scav can still end very badly.
Test Drive Quest Line Changes Stir Debate
Beyond Kolotun, patch 1.0.1.0 introduces several gameplay changes, with the most debated being adjustments to the Test Drive quest line.
Players have noticed that:
- Kill requirements for Test Drive tasks have increased
- Weapon requirements for these quests have changed
On paper, higher kill counts mean more time spent grinding. In practice, some players believe the updated weapon choices may actually make the quests more manageable. Whether this balances out depends on your playstyle and tolerance for repetition. Either way, these changes have not gone unnoticed by the community.
Matchmaking Timer Finally Added
One of the more universally welcomed updates is the addition of a matchmaking timer on loading screens.
Players will now see:
- A progress bar showing matchmaking status
- An estimated search time for finding a raid
This does not magically shorten queue times, but it does make waiting feel less painful. Knowing how long you might be stuck staring at a loading screen is a small quality-of-life win, and Tarkov players will take those wherever they can get them.
Server Strain and What Comes Next
As with many Tarkov updates, server performance has taken a hit following the patch. Some players are already reporting connection issues and longer-than-usual queues. Anyone hoping to jump straight into Kolotun content may need a bit of patience.
That said, the Kolotun event is expected to fully come online in the coming hours as the remaining systems activate and players uncover the full quest requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Kolotun event looks set to follow Tarkov tradition: limited-time content, meaningful rewards, and just enough mystery to keep players guessing. With winter decorations, returning holiday mechanics, and a fresh quest line on the way, this event adds seasonal flavor without straying from Tarkov’s hardcore roots.
If the servers hold up and the quests land well, Kolotun could end up being a solid winter highlight. Just do not expect it to go easy on you. This is Tarkov, after all.
FAQ
Q: What is the Kolotun event in Escape From Tarkov?
A: Kolotun is a limited-time winter event that adds a new quest line, exclusive rewards, and a special achievement.
Q: Is the Kolotun event available in PvE and PvP?
A: Yes, the event is available for both PvE and PvP players.
Q: Does the Kolotun event include Christmas content?
A: Yes, the Christmas tree has returned to the hideout, decorations can be looted, and Santa is roaming Tarkov again.
Q: What changed in the Tarkov 1.0.1.0 update?
A: The update introduced Kolotun, adjusted the Test Drive quest line, and added a matchmaking timer to loading screens.
