Battlestate Games · Game Design · 2020
Exploring usability improvements for a deeply complex extraction shooter
Testing how clearer information hierarchy could reduce Escape from Tarkov's reliance on third-party wikis and spreadsheets, without softening its hardcore identity.
- Role
- UX Designer (concept exploration)
- Timeline
- 2020
- Responsibilities
- Information design, UI concepts
Overview
Escape from Tarkov is a deeply complex extraction shooter built around inventory management, weapon customization, economy systems, and high-consequence gameplay. This exploration looked at how clearer UX patterns and information hierarchy could improve usability while preserving the game’s hardcore identity.
The Problem
The game’s depth creates real friction: heavy memorization demands, reliance on external wikis, trial-and-error learning, and dense menu navigation. The opportunity was in improving how information surfaces, not in oversimplifying the underlying systems.
Strategy & Execution
Ammunition systems: Critical stats were often hidden or hard to compare quickly. Explorations focused on clearer stat hierarchy, better comparison visibility, more readable penetration and damage information, and faster decision-making during loadout prep, with the goal of reducing dependence on third-party spreadsheets.
Scopes and optics: A lightweight preview system let players inspect reticles and compare optics before committing to a purchase, reducing experimentation friction.
Learnings
Hardcore systems still benefit from clarity and hierarchy.
Expert users prioritize efficiency over simplification, information density requires disciplined prioritization, and strong UX can preserve complexity while still reducing friction.