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Escape from Tarkov has always stood out for its brutal realism. It’s not just about looting and shooting—it’s about surviving a gritty, tense, and unpredictable world where every sound matters and every shadow could be a threat. But while the game nails many aspects of immersion, one piece is still missing: a functional in-game camera surveillance system.

Tarkov’s maps are already filled with security cameras. They’re mounted in stores, hang from ceilings, and overlook loot zones—but they’re just props. Dead eyes on the wall. They add to the atmosphere but do nothing. That’s a missed opportunity. If players could actually use these cameras, it could open up deeper tactical gameplay. Instead of turning to Escape from Tarkov cheats, players could rely on working cameras to gather intel, set traps, or coordinate ambushes in a more strategic and balanced way.

Surveillance as a Gameplay Mechanic

Imagine breaching a heavily guarded building on Reserve or Streets of Tarkov. Instead of blindly pushing through hallways, you find the security room and tap into the feed. Suddenly, you’re monitoring enemy movements, watching corners, and planning your next steps in real-time.

Surveillance becomes a resource—something worth protecting or stealing. But holding the room puts a target on your back. Other players may try to cut off your access. And if you die while glued to the monitor? That moment of distraction could be your last.

Information is Power

Asymmetrical knowledge is a core part of Tarkov. The more you know about maps, behavior, and loot spawns, the better your odds. A working camera system fits right in. It wouldn’t guarantee success—it would just offer more intel.

Cameras could have blind spots, limited view angles, or be disabled by gunfire or power outages. Watching a feed could help—but it could also leave you exposed. It’s one more high-risk, high-reward decision that adds depth without breaking balance.

Tension and Atmosphere

More than utility, working cameras could add to the psychological tension. You’re creeping down a hallway and notice a red blinking light. Is someone watching? Do you shoot the camera? Stay out of sight? Or just ignore it and hope no one’s on the other side?

This kind of paranoia is what makes Tarkov feel so intense. The threat of being watched—even if you’re not—would crank up the suspense in every match.

Narrative and Roleplay Potential

Surveillance could also be used for storytelling. Scavs might control a surveillance hub. PMCs could be tasked with hacking terminals or retrieving camera footage. Organized squads could assign one player to overwatch—feeding intel to teammates in the field.

This turns Tarkov into more of a tactical simulator, with defined roles and more structured teamplay—not just a solo loot grind.

Technical and Design Challenges

Of course, implementing this isn’t simple. Tarkov is already demanding. Adding live video feeds raises questions about performance, fairness, and server load. The system would need to be limited and carefully integrated to avoid breaking the flow or giving unfair advantages.

Still, Battlestate Games has already tackled complex systems like ballistics, health, and audio. A well-executed surveillance feature would be a natural progression in their pursuit of hyper-realism.

A Tool, Not a Crutch

This wouldn’t make the game easier or more casual. It would simply add another tool—just like thermal scopes, night vision, or rare keys. Players who invest the time to understand it would benefit. Those who ignore it wouldn’t be penalized—just potentially outplayed.

And like everything in Tarkov, using it well would be about choices under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Escape from Tarkov is all about tension, tactics, and the unknown. A functional camera system would raise all of those stakes. It would reward preparation, add new gameplay layers, and make every map feel more alive—and more dangerous.