TL;DR
- Christmas gifts in Escape from Tarkov are time-limited developer rewards available during December wipes
- Claim through the official website profile section before transferring to your in-game mailbox
- The 2023 gift includes valuable items: Ammunition Case and fully-equipped Steyr AUG A3
- New two-day expiration window requires immediate action unlike previous seasonal events
- Server congestion during peak hours may delay access, requiring strategic timing for claiming
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Escape from Tarkov’s annual Christmas event brings a special developer gift that coincides with the December wipe cycle. This tradition provides players with exclusive gear and supplies to kickstart their new progression journey. Understanding the event mechanics is crucial since this year introduces significant changes to claiming procedures and time limitations.
The Christmas gift represents Battlestate Games’ holiday gesture to the community, typically containing practical items that enhance early-wipe gameplay. Unlike regular in-game loot, these rewards are guaranteed but come with specific claiming requirements that differ from standard item acquisition methods. Players should note that gift availability correlates directly with wipe timing rather than calendar date alone.
Begin by navigating to the official Escape from Tarkov website through your preferred browser. Authenticate using your account credentials, which requires entering the verification code sent to your registered email address. Be prepared for potential authentication delays, especially during high-traffic periods following the wipe implementation.
Once successfully logged into your account dashboard, locate and select the “Profile” option positioned in the upper right corner interface. Scroll downward through your profile page until you encounter the distinctive holiday-themed graphic featuring the Steyr AUG alongside traditional festive decorations.

Identify and interact with the paper clip icon adjacent to the gift visualization. This action triggers the distribution sequence, generating a confirmation message indicating successful gift processing to your account.
Launch Escape from Tarkov and access your in-game messaging system. Within a short period, typically ranging from several minutes to an hour, you’ll receive a SYSTEM notification containing your Christmas reward package. For comprehensive gameplay strategies, consult our Class Guide to maximize your early-wipe effectiveness.
This season’s holiday package contains strategically selected items designed to accelerate your post-wipe progression. The inclusion of an Ammunition Case provides immediate storage solution benefits, conserving valuable stash space while organizing your growing bullet collection efficiently.
The standout component is the Steyr AUG A3 assault rifle, a bullpup configuration weapon boasting excellent ergonomics and moderate recoil characteristics. This particular variant comes pre-equipped with a holographic sighting system, enhancing target acquisition speed during critical early-game engagements.

Complementing the primary firearm, the gift includes multiple pre-loaded magazines and corresponding 5.56x45mm ammunition. This thoughtful preparation eliminates the immediate need for accessory hunting, allowing faster deployment into combat situations. To further expand your arsenal knowledge, explore our Weapons Unlock resource for advanced firearm mechanics.
Strategic players should recognize the Ammunition Case’s long-term value extends beyond immediate use, serving as a secure container for organizing various caliber types throughout the entire wipe cycle.
The most significant change this year involves the drastically reduced claiming window. Unlike previous seasonal events where gifts remained available throughout the wipe duration, the 2023 Christmas reward features a strict 48-hour expiration timer once the distribution event commences.
Historical context reveals that past Christmas gifts typically persisted indefinitely, allowing players to claim them at their convenience months after the initial offering. This policy shift introduces considerable urgency, requiring prompt action to secure your complimentary items before permanent disappearance.
This altered timeframe represents a substantial departure from established tradition, potentially catching veteran players unaware. The development team hasn’t clarified whether this constitutes a permanent policy revision or represents a one-time experimental adjustment to the gift distribution mechanics.
Proactive timing is essential—monitor official announcements for the exact gift activation moment and prioritize claiming within the first available hours to mitigate potential technical complications.
Server overload represents the most frequent obstacle during high-participation events. The initial hours following wipe implementation typically generate tremendous traffic volume, potentially resulting in website timeouts, authentication failures, or extremely sluggish response times during peak activity periods.
When encountering website accessibility problems, implement a strategic approach: attempt access during off-peak hours, typically early morning or late evening in your local timezone. Persistent refresh attempts during congestion periods may trigger temporary security restrictions, exacerbating login difficulties.
If your in-game message from SYSTEM fails to appear within a reasonable timeframe, first verify successful website claiming through profile confirmation messages. Should issues persist, restart your game client completely before investigating further, as sometimes messaging systems require reset to display new communications properly.
For comprehensive gameplay assistance beyond gift claiming, our Complete Guide offers extensive tactical information for mastering Tarkov’s challenging mechanics and systems.
Experienced players recommend preparing your inventory beforehand, ensuring adequate space exists for the incoming items. Overfilled stashes may cause delivery failures or item loss, requiring careful management of your storage capacity before initiating the claim procedure.
Action Checklist
- Verify wipe timing and gift availability through official channels
- Access official website during off-peak hours to avoid congestion
- Clear stash space for Ammunition Case and weapon system
- Navigate to profile section and activate gift distribution
- Launch game and check messages for SYSTEM delivery
- Transfer items to secure storage and test weapon functionality
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides » How to claim Christmas gift in Escape from Tarkov. What’s in Christmas gift EFT 0.13, why it will disappear Complete guide to claiming your EFT Christmas gift with timing tips, troubleshooting, and inventory management strategies
