Escape from Tarkov Blackout Event Guide — Labs Code, Quests & Rewards

EFT Blackout Event Overview

The Blackout event launched on July 14, 2026 with update 1.0.6.5. It transforms The Lab into a darkened endgame gauntlet — power is cut, every keypad door runs on a single emergency code that changes each raid, and a new boss named Wedge leads a Black Division force through the corridors.

Raid timer is reduced to 25 minutes. Only two extractions — Parking Gate and Hangar Gate — remain available, and both require activating the emergency switch in the System Administrator Room before they open. No official end date has been announced.

Key Changes During Blackout

• The Lab is completely dark — bring a light source
• Raid timer reduced from the standard 40 minutes to 25 minutes
• All keypad doors share one randomly generated 4-digit emergency code per raid
• Most extractions are disabled — only Parking Gate and Hangar Gate available
• New boss: Wedge commanding Black Division soldiers
• Five exclusive event quests available
• Legendary achievement Going Dark obtainable

The Emergency Code Mechanic

Normal Labs keycards are replaced by a single 4-digit emergency code that unlocks every keypad door in the facility. The code is:

• Randomly generated at the start of each raid
• The same code works on every keypad door in that raid
• Found inside the Arsenal Storage Room using the TerraGroup Labs Arsenal Storage Key (Blackout)
• Changes completely between raids — a code shared by another player is only valid for their specific raid instance

To obtain the key, you must either defeat Wedge or kill Black Division operatives who carry it. This makes every Labs Blackout raid begin with a contest over the Arsenal Storage Room.

Reaching Extraction

Both available extractions — Parking Gate and Hangar Gate — require activation before they open:

1. Navigate to the System Administrator Room
2. Find and activate the emergency switch on the wall
3. This powers the extraction system and unlocks both gates

Wedge frequently patrols one of the two extraction gates. If you arrive and find Wedge blocking your exit, retreat and try the other gate — with only 25 minutes on the clock, fighting Wedge near extract is usually not worth the time.

Blackout Event Quests

Quest Rewards

Wrench and Waterboarding

• +15,000 EXP
• 75,000 Roubles
• 2× Cyclone Shakhin 3.7× thermal scope
• 2× Torrey Pines Logic T12W 30Hz thermal reflex sight

Key to Every Door

• +33,000 EXP
• 165,000 Roubles
• Trijicon REAP-IR thermal scope
• FLIR RS-32 2.25–9× 35mm 60Hz thermal riflescope

My Blood Type Mark is on the Sleeve

• +40,000 EXP
• 185,000 Roubles
• TerraGroup Labs keycards: Black, Red, and Violet

Patch the Vulnerability

• +55,000 EXP
• 270,000 Roubles
• 2× Colt M4A1 assault rifles
• 3× AR-15 SureFire MAG5-100 magazines
• 3× 5.56×45mm M995 ammo packs

Event-Exclusive Rewards

• Going Dark — Legendary achievement, permanent on your account
• TerraGroup Labs Arsenal Storage Key (Blackout) — grants access to nearly every locked loot room
• High-tier military equipment from Black Division loot tables
• Rare weapon attachments including thermal optics from quest rewards
• Valuable barter items for Flea Market trading

Boss: Wedge

Wedge leads the Black Division force occupying The Lab. He is more dangerous than standard Raiders and frequently patrols extraction zones, creating pressure on extraction timing. His loot table includes the TerraGroup Labs Arsenal Storage Key (Blackout) needed to find the emergency code.

Prioritise obtaining Wedge’s key early in the raid — every locked door in the facility becomes accessible with a single code afterward, dramatically improving your loot efficiency in the remaining time.

Raid Tips

• Complete the entry-level quests first — Wrench and Waterboarding requires only a visit
• Secure the Arsenal Storage Room before pursuing other objectives
• Activate the emergency switch early so extractions are ready before the timer becomes critical
• If Wedge is at your preferred extraction, use the alternate gate rather than engaging under time pressure
• All 25 minutes matter — plan your route before loading in

FAQ

When did the Blackout event start?

July 14, 2026, with update 1.0.6.5. No official end date has been announced.

Does the Labs emergency code change each raid?

Yes. The 4-digit code is randomly generated per raid and shared codes from other players are only valid for their specific raid instance.

What is the Going Dark achievement?

Going Dark is a Legendary achievement earned during the Blackout event. It is a permanent account reward and remains after the event ends.