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There are two different ways to put Escape from Tarkov in Steam: add a shortcut to a copy you already launch through the Battlestate Games launcher, or buy the Steam edition and link your accounts. A shortcut is not a Steam game license. To play through Steam, Battlestate Games says you must purchase an edition on Steam and link your Battlestate Games account.
Choose what you mean by “add to Steam”
| What you want | What it means | What the available information establishes |
|---|---|---|
| See a launcher entry in your Steam Library | A shortcut to start the Battlestate Games launcher or game outside Steam’s store. | The Steam FAQ does not document exact shortcut setup steps or say that a shortcut provides Steam ownership, achievements, or other Steam entitlements. |
| Play the Steam edition through Steam | A Steam purchase associated with your Battlestate Games account. | You must buy any edition on Steam and link your Steam and Battlestate Games accounts. Steam’s store listing identifies Battlestate Games as developer and publisher and notes account linking. |
How to play the Steam edition
- Buy an edition from the Steam store. The Escape from Tarkov Steam FAQ says a Steam purchase is required to play through Steam, including for people who already own an active Battlestate Games copy. Check the live Steam listing for current editions and prices; those details can change.
- Link your accounts. Link the Steam account that made the purchase to your Battlestate Games account. The FAQ states: “To play Escape from Tarkov through Steam, you will need to link a Battlestate Games account to your Steam account.” See the Escape from Tarkov Steam FAQ for the account-linking requirement.
- Launch through Steam. Use the Steam edition after the accounts are linked. If your Steam and Battlestate Games copies have different editions, the FAQ says the higher edition is used when launching through Steam.
If you already own Escape from Tarkov
An existing Battlestate Games purchase does not replace the Steam purchase requirement. Buy any Steam edition, then link the Steam account to the Battlestate account that has your existing active copy. When the editions differ, the higher one is used when launching through Steam, according to the Steam FAQ.
If you only want a Library shortcut
A non-Steam shortcut and a Steam edition are not interchangeable. The FAQ explains the Steam purchase and account-linking requirements, but does not establish the exact steps for adding the Battlestate launcher as a non-Steam game or what Steam features such a shortcut supports. Do not treat a shortcut as proof that you own the Steam edition.
Check the current Steam listing
Steam lists November 15, 2025 as Escape from Tarkov’s release date. The store page identifies Battlestate Games as developer and publisher and indicates that a Battlestate account is required with Steam account linking supported. Edition availability and pricing may change, so use the current store page for purchase details.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #3
- Operating System: SteamOS 3.0
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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