Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore online shooter with RPG elements that combines survival mechanics, PvP, and PvE into one intense experience. As a new player, it can feel overwhelming—but this guide simplifies the essentials to help you get started with confidence.

---

Understanding the Basics

What Is Escape from Tarkov?

Unlike traditional shooters or battle royales, Tarkov is a survival MMO focused on high-stakes raids. You enter a map (a “raid”), collect loot, and try to extract before you’re killed. Along the way, you’ll face both enemy players (PMCs) and AI-controlled Scavs.

• Extraction Points: Each raid has specific exits. Press O twice to view the timer and your available extractions. Extraction points marked with question marks (?) might not always be open—look for visual cues like lights or parked vehicles.
• Stealth & Awareness: Brute force rarely works. Smart, quiet, tactical play gives you the edge.

---

Getting Started

1. Learn the Maps
   • There’s no in-game map, so use third-party maps or explore via offline mode.
   • Start with just one or two beginner-friendly maps like Customs or Factory.
2. Use Offline Mode
   • Offline mode lets you explore maps, fight bots, and practice without risking your gear.
   • Set the time to daylight hours for better visibility.
3. Accept Trader Tasks
   • Quests from traders are the primary way to gain gear, experience, and unlock better equipment.
   • Check the Trading > Tasks tab and focus on early quests for steady progression.

---

Characters: PMC vs. Scav

• PMC (Private Military Contractor)
  Your main character. You equip your own gear and risk losing it all if you die.
• Scav (Scavenger)
  A temporary character with random gear. Scav runs let you loot without risking your PMC’s loadout.Tip: AI Scavs won’t shoot player-controlled Scavs unless provoked. Use Scav runs to earn gear and money with minimal risk.

---

Surviving Your First Raids

1. Inventory Management
   • Secure Container: Anything placed here is kept if you die. Store meds, keys, and valuable loot.
   • Reloading:
     • Press R to reload and keep your mag.
     • Double-tap R for a fast reload—it drops your mag on the ground.
2. Sound Is Survival
   • Every movement—running, reloading, looting—makes noise.
   • Use your mouse scroll wheel to adjust movement speed for stealth.
   • A headset dramatically improves your ability to hear enemies.
3. Healing and Damage
   • Your body is split into limbs with individual HP bars.
   • Use the right tools for each injury:
     • Medkits: General healing
     • Bandages: Light bleeds
     • Tourniquets (CAT/Hemostat): Heavy bleeds
     • Splints: Fractures
     • Painkillers: Temporary mobility for damaged limbs
4. Weapon and Stash Tips
   • Unload mags to identify ammo types.
   • Right-click to use or inspect gear.
   • Quick commands:
     • Ctrl + Click: Move items between stash/loadout
     • Alt + Click: Equip gear
     • R: Rotate item

---

Progression Tips

1. Insure Your Gear
   • Insure items you want to recover. If they’re not looted, you’ll get them back.
   • Avoid insuring cheap items or gear brought to Lab raids.
2. Sell to the Right Traders
   • Each trader buys and sells specific types of gear.
   • Maximize profit by selling to the most relevant one (e.g., Therapist for meds, Mechanic for guns).
3. Reach Level 10
   • Hitting Level 10 unlocks the Flea Market, a player-to-player economy where you can buy and sell almost anything.

---

Advanced Tips

1. Learn from Every Death
   • Dying is part of the learning curve. Every mistake teaches you something.
   • Focus on small wins like surviving longer or completing a quest.
2. Upgrade Your Hideout
   • The hideout offers crafting, healing, and passive income (e.g., Bitcoin Farm).
   • Start by upgrading stash size, medstation, and workbench.
3. Adapt and Explore
   • Experiment with different weapons, gear, and maps.
   • Both stealthy and aggressive playstyles are viable—adapt based on gear and situation.

---

Closing Thoughts

Escape from Tarkov is a marathon, not a sprint. Its brutal difficulty rewards knowledge, patience, and adaptability. Stick with it, and you’ll find a deep, satisfying shooter unlike anything else.

If this guide helped you, share your own tips or let us know what worked for you. Stay safe—and see you in the next raid.