Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore survival shooter where every decision matters. With its complex mechanics and unforgiving gameplay, starting out can feel overwhelming. This guide delivers the core knowledge you need to survive your first raids and build a strong foundation.
Choosing Your PMC: BEAR or USEC
At character creation, you’ll choose between:
- BEAR – Russian-based PMC; struggles with Rogue AI on Lighthouse.
- USEC – Western PMC; slightly easier time on maps with Rogues.
This choice lasts until the next wipe (approximately every 6 months) and affects voice lines and some interactions. Gameplay differences are otherwise minimal.
Understanding the Interface
Key Menu Tabs
- Overall: Tracks global raid stats and survival rates.
- Health: Shows your PMC’s current condition—injuries often persist after raids.
- Skills: Lists abilities that improve through in-game actions.
- Tasks: Displays active quests. Completing these is crucial for progression.
- Maps: Often ignored; use third-party maps instead.
Inventory & Stash Management
- Use the auto-sort feature and category filters (meds, weapons, gear).
- Learn to manage weight—stay under 35 kg to avoid stamina penalties. At 40 kg+, movement and regen are heavily impaired.
- Hydration & Energy: Always carry food and water. Dehydration can lead to death mid-raid.
Loadouts: Building for Survival
Armor & Ammo
- Armor ranges from Class 1–6. Higher levels offer better protection but are heavier and more expensive.
- Ammo matters more than the weapon itself. Use online charts to choose rounds with high penetration for your level.
- Headshots are lethal unless the enemy is helmeted with a visor.
Secure Container
- Anything stored here is safe even if you die. Prioritize keys, valuable loot, meds, and intel.
Insurance
- Insure gear with Prapor or Therapist for possible recovery if it’s not looted.
- AI Scavs now loot more frequently, so insurance is less reliable for solo players.
Mastering the Medical System
Health Management
Each limb has its own HP bar:
- Blacked limbs require a surgical kit to restore.
- Use specific items:
- Bandages – Light bleeds
- Hemostats/CAT – Heavy bleeds
- Splints – Fractures
Status Effects
- Painkillers restore mobility temporarily.
- Stomach damage leads to rapid dehydration—address it immediately.
Pro Tip
Always carry:
- A multi-use medkit
- A painkiller
- Bleed-specific items
Progression: Tasks and Traders
Trader Overview
Gain loyalty levels with each trader by completing quests and selling targeted items:
- Therapist – Medical supplies, valuables
- Mechanic – Weapon parts and tools
- Peacekeeper – U.S. military gear and intel
- Jaeger – Hunting gear, some meds
Fence
- Buys and sells miscellaneous goods.
- Your Fence rep increases with successful Scav extractions.
Tasks
- Quests grant experience, gear, and access to better items. They are your primary progression path.
Scav Runs: Free Gear and Profit
How Scavs Work
- You spawn mid-raid with randomized gear.
- You’re friendly with AI Scavs unless you shoot first.
- Low risk, high reward—ideal for new players.
Fence Reputation
- Successful extractions as a Scav boost your rep, improving Scav cooldown and loadouts.
Hideout Upgrades
Core Modules
- Stash: Increases item storage.
- Workbench: Crafts guns and ammo.
- Medstation: Produces meds and heals faster.
- Bitcoin Farm: Generates passive income over time.
Why It Matters
Upgrading your hideout boosts crafting efficiency and unlocks late-game gear and money-making methods.
In-Raid Fundamentals
Learn the Maps
- Focus on Factory or Customs when starting out.
- Use offline mode to explore without risk.
- Learn where enemies spawn and where extracts are located.
Watch for AI Threats
- Scav bosses, Raiders, and Rogues are deadly. Avoid their spawn zones early on.
Making Money
Best Maps for Loot
- Lighthouse and Streets of Tarkov are lucrative for beginners with good map knowledge.
Flea Market
- Unlocks at Level 15.
- Sell quest items, attachments, and rare barter goods for high profit.
Combat Tips and Efficiency Boosters
Weapon Handling
- Double-tap B to switch fire modes.
- Bind inspect/fix malfunction to the same key.
- Use scroll wheel for precision healing (prioritize head and thorax).
Grenade Mechanics
- Left-click: Long throw
- Right-click: Underhand toss
- Use to flush enemies or force AI to reposition.
Mobility Tricks
- Double-tap Z to drop your backpack for better speed in combat.
- Go prone while moving to regain stamina without being stationary.
Ammo Efficiency
- Use mag presets with mixed ammo types.
- Drag mags slightly to highlight fullness.
Insurance Hacks
- Don’t insure low-value or Labs gear.
- Toss insured gear into obscure spots before extracting for higher return chances.
Crafting Essentials
- Craft quest items like Salewas, SJ6s, and 60-round mags.
- Repair your gear to save rubles and raise skills.
Final Thoughts
Escape from Tarkov rewards patience, knowledge, and adaptability. Whether you’re mastering the medical system, grinding quests, or improving combat skills, every raid teaches something new.
Take your time, build your confidence, and enjoy the high-stakes thrill of survival.
Good luck—and see you in Tarkov.
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