The patch notes for Escape From Tarkov's upcoming 12.7 update have been released, revealing a number of exciting changes and additions to the game, ranging from new weapons and enemies to a major expansion of the Customs map, as revealed at the PC Gaming Show last month.

The biggest change is a major expansion of Customs, one of Tarkov's oldest maps. This new expansion will expand the map by approximately 30% by opening up a new parcel to the south of the construction area and unlocking several previously inaccessible buildings. one of Tarkov's greatest strengths has always been its immaculately detailed environment, and this new area is no different, with broken buildings and heavy weapons, and filled with crumbling industrial infrastructure. This new area is no different, littered with broken buildings and heavy weapons and filled with crumbling industrial infrastructure. This map should energize Customs, which previously suffered from an overabundance of campers due to the lack of safe routes in and out of the general loot area.

The map that will be changed in this patch is not only Customs, but Shoreline will also have a new scav boss, Sanitar. Lurking in the map's recreation area, cottage, and pier areas, Sanitar is a former doctor who uses his skills to heal himself and other AI scavs (common enemies lurking throughout Tarkov) and buff his combat performance with a variety of new combat stims. Players will also be able to use these new stims, some of which have devastating side effects. For example, the new "Obdolbos Cocktail" greatly enhances sprint and jump speed, but also gives a pain debuff that lasts throughout the raid.

AI scavengers also get a significant programming upgrade. Instead of standing around being an easy sniper target, they will now raid players in groups. AI scavengers will also loot the bodies of players they kill, including their own, and players equipped with high tier gear may be mobbed by the AI, which will pick up their gear and use their new toys against other players. This change could turn even pathetic scavs into serious enemies, as previously easy prey scavs are now able to cooperate and upgrade their gear through raids.

A variety of new weapons and ammunition have also been added, including the FN GL40, a single-action, handheld grenade launcher. The grenade launcher has been in the game for some time in the form of the stationary AGS-30 in the reserve, but this is the first handheld version, with five different high-fire rounds and a buckshot round that functions as a giant shotgun. The new weapon is clearly powerful, with its high-fire rounds potentially capable of destroying an entire squad of hostile players with a single shot. Due to its high cost and scarce ammunition, it is unlikely to be overpowered, but once the 12.7 drops, it should not be too close to your squad mates.

The patch also adds ammo variations for the .45 ACP and .366 guns, making them more practical, and buffs the effects of the strength and endurance skills, allowing you to run faster, jump higher, and carry more loads. To read the patch notes, please visit the official game forum or the patch notes that will be available on the live server later this week.