Nikita Buyanov Trolls Escape from Tarkov Players

While the Escape from Tarkov community is accustomed to surprises from the developer, this time the situation was on a whole new level. Nikita Buyanov, head of Battlestate Games, whetted players’ appetites with an image shared on social media, hinting at a code that would soon be released. The image featured some of the game’s most valuable equipment, and naturally, anticipation soared.

The PAY2WIN Code Was Actually a Big Joke

The shared image featured some of Escape from Tarkov’s most expensive and rare items, including a thermal FLIR scope, an Altyn helmet, Bitcoins, and a THICC case. This created the impression that the code would offer a truly game-changing reward package. The code’s name was quickly revealed: PAY2WIN. The name alone divided the community.

As soon as the code was activated in the game’s launcher, players quickly began trying it out. However, expectations were dashed within seconds. Instead of the promised legendary loot, the PAY2WIN code offered what could almost be described as the “worst starter pack.” It contained useless weapons like TOZ, a tiny backpack, a pack of croutons, a fuse fragment that wasn’t a grenade, and a fake helmet.

This moment quickly exploded on social media. While players were disappointed, many also found Buyanov’s move clever and hilarious. It’s particularly striking that the developer rarely displays such a humorous tone in a game as gritty, serious, and stressful as Escape from Tarkov.

This trolling was even more effective considering Battlestate Games has recently been giving players genuinely valuable content through various reward codes. Even those who claim “free is good” joked that this pack, despite being free, was practically useless. In short, Nikita Buyanov became one of the rare trolls who managed to make the Escape from Tarkov community laugh without angering them.

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