13.6. Reporting Bugs and Cheaters
Contributing to the Tarkov community means helping to improve the game. This guide explains the proper procedures for reporting bugs and suspected cheaters to Battlestate Games. Learn how to provide effective reports that can help developers fix issues and maintain a fair playing field.
Escape from Tarkov is a complex game, and like any ambitious project, it has its share of bugs and exploits. Furthermore, the presence of cheaters can ruin the experience for legitimate players. Battlestate Games relies on community feedback to identify and address these issues. Knowing how to report effectively is crucial for improving the game for everyone.
Reporting Bugs:
When you encounter a bug, it's important to provide clear and concise information so the developers can reproduce and fix it.
1. Where to Report:
- Official Tarkov Forums: The most direct way to report bugs is through the official Escape from Tarkov forums. Look for the dedicated bug reporting section.
- In-Game Reporting Tool: While less detailed, there might be an in-game option to report issues.
- Support Ticket: For more critical or persistent bugs, submitting a support ticket through the official Battlestate Games website can be an option.
2. What Information to Include:
- Clear Description of the Bug: Explain exactly what happened. Be specific.
- Steps to Reproduce: Detail the actions you took that led to the bug. The more precise you are, the easier it is for developers to replicate.
- Map and Location: If the bug occurred in-game, specify the map and the approximate location.
- Your System Specs: Include your CPU, GPU, RAM, and operating system.
- Screenshots or Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly helpful. If you can capture a screenshot or a short video clip of the bug in action, include it.
- Error Messages: If any error messages appeared, copy and paste them exactly.
3. What NOT to Do:
- Don't Spam: Report a bug once with all necessary information.
- Don't Use Forums for Support: Forums are for bug reports, not for personal account issues or technical support requests that require direct interaction.
Reporting Suspected Cheaters:
Dealing with cheaters is a sensitive issue. Battlestate Games takes cheating seriously, but they need evidence.
1. Where to Report:
- Official Tarkov Forums: The primary method for reporting cheaters is through the dedicated section on the official forums.
- Support Ticket: For serious or persistent issues, a support ticket might be appropriate.
2. What Information to Include:
- Player's In-Game Name: This is crucial.
- Date and Time of Encounter: Be as precise as possible.
- Map: Specify the map where the encounter occurred.
- Description of Suspicious Behavior: What did You do that made you suspect them? (e.g., impossible headshots, tracking through walls, teleporting).
- Video Evidence: This is the MOST IMPORTANT part. If you have recorded the encounter, provide a link to the video (e.g., YouTube, Twitch clip). Without video evidence, reports are often difficult to act upon.
- Screenshots: While less impactful than video, screenshots of suspicious player stats or behavior can sometimes be useful.
3. What NOT to Do:
- Don't Accuse Publicly Without Proof: Avoid making public accusations on forums or social media without concrete evidence. Let the developers handle investigations.
- Don't Rely Solely on Gut Feeling: While you might have a strong suspicion, reports should be based on observable actions or evidence.
- Don't Expect Immediate Action: Investigations take time.
Key Takeaway: Provide detailed, evidence-based reports for bugs and cheaters on the official forums. Video evidence is critical for cheat reports.