Welcome to the brutal world of Escape from Tarkov, where death lurks around every corner and your hard-earned loot can disappear in an instant. This game doesn't hold your hand - it throws you into the deep end and expects you to swim. The key to surviving in Tarkov is accepting that you will die often, but learning from each death will gradually improve your skills and survival rate.
Getting started in Tarkov requires overcoming "gear fear" - the anxiety of losing your equipment that prevents you from bringing good items into raids. Remember, items come and go, but knowledge stays with you. Fast looting after kills, knowing valuable items, and understanding extraction points will help you maximize profit even when raids don't go as planned.
You'll need to develop map knowledge, practice efficient inventory management, and learn enemy behaviors to succeed. Many beginners make the mistake of running loud or looting too slowly, making themselves easy targets. Start with Scav runs to build your stash risk-free, then gradually work up to more aggressive PMC raids as your confidence grows.
Understanding the Basics of EFT
Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore survival shooter that demands patience and strategy. Learning its core systems will significantly improve your chances of survival in the unforgiving streets of Tarkov.
Game Mechanics and Objectives
Your main goal in Escape from Tarkov is simple: get in, get loot, get out alive. But the execution is anything but simple.
Combat in EFT is realistic and punishing. A single well-placed shot can end your raid instantly. You need to move carefully, listen for enemy footsteps, and always check your corners.
The game uses a realistic ballistics system. Different ammo types perform differently against various armor classes. Learning which ammo works best against what armor is crucial for success.
Healing works differently than in most games. You have individual body parts that can be damaged, and each requires specific treatment. Broken legs slow movement, blacked-out arms reduce accuracy, and a blacked-out head or thorax means death.
Weight management is critical. The more you carry, the louder you move and the faster your stamina drains. Being overweight slows you down - making you an easy target.
Character Types: PMC vs Scav
You have two character options in Tarkov: your PMC (main character) and Scavs (scavengers).
Your PMC is your primary character. When you play as your PMC, you bring in your own gear and risk losing it if you die. However, you can secure items in your secure container that remain even after death. PMCs have skills that improve with use and can complete quests to progress.
Scav runs are your free chance at loot with zero risk. You spawn with random gear as one of the game's AI scavengers. AI scavs won't attack you unless you attack them first. Any loot you extract with goes to your PMC.
The key difference: PMC deaths cost you all your gear, while Scav deaths cost you nothing. Use Scav runs to learn maps and build your stash when low on supplies.
Looting Fundamentals
Effective looting is the backbone of EFT's progression system. The faster and smarter you loot, the more wealth you accumulate.
Prioritize high-value, low-space items like GPUs, LEDx, keycards, and valuables that fit in your secure container. Value-to-slot ratio is key - a 1-slot item worth 50,000 roubles is better than an 8-slot item worth 80,000.
Learn which containers hold what loot. Weapon crates contain guns and attachments, while medical bags hold meds. Jackets often contain keys, and computers may hold valuable tech items.
Always check the pockets and backpacks of dead PMCs and Scavs. Players often carry valuable items that AI might not have. Look for dog tags on dead PMCs as these have value too.
Don't get greedy. It's better to extract with some loot than die with a backpack full of valuables. Know when to cut your losses and head to extraction.
Extraction Points and How to Find Them
Extractions are your only way out of a raid with your hard-earned loot. Learning their locations is essential for survival.
Each map has multiple extraction points, but not all are available in every raid. Press "O" twice to see your available extracts. Some extracts require specific conditions like having no backpack or paying money.
Green smoke and lights often indicate an active extraction point. When you reach a valid extract, a countdown timer appears in the bottom right of your screen.
Some extractions are considered "safer" than others. Popular extracts often have players camping nearby, waiting to ambush those trying to leave with valuable loot.
Always plan your exit route before looting heavily. The most dangerous part of your raid is often the journey to extraction when you're loaded with valuable items.
Equipping Your Character for Survival
Proper gear selection and inventory management are crucial to your success in Escape from Tarkov. Understanding what to bring into a raid and how to organize your stash will dramatically improve your survival rate.
Choosing the Right Gear and Weapons
Start with affordable but effective loadouts. Don't blow your budget on high-tier gear when you're learning the game.
For weapons, the SKS is perfect for beginners - cheap, reliable, and uses common 7.62x39mm ammunition. The MP-153 shotgun is also excellent for close-quarter maps.
Armor is essential. Even a basic PACA vest (Class 2) offers protection against scavs. When you can afford it, upgrade to Class 4 armor like the 6B3TM rig.
Always wear a headset! ComTacs or GSSh-01s amplify important sounds, giving you a critical advantage in detecting enemies.
Backpacks determine how much loot you can extract with. The MBSS is a good starter option with decent capacity-to-cost ratio.
Basic Starter Loadout:
- SKS with PS ammo
- PACA armor or 6B3TM rig
- Any headset
- MBSS backpack
- Meds (AI-2, bandage, splint)
If you're looking for ways to enhance your Tarkov experience, Battlelog.co offers various tools to improve your gameplay. Whether you need better visibility, enhanced aiming, or other advantages, their resources can help you gain the edge you need in raids.
Inventory Management Tips
Your stash is where you store everything between raids. Organization is key to efficient gameplay.
Stack identical items to save space. Items like ammo and meds can be stacked in large quantities.
Unload magazines and fold weapon stocks when possible. This simple trick can save valuable stash space.
Use containers to group similar items. Medical supplies in one case, ammunition in another.
Rotate items by pressing R while moving them. This lets you fit awkward shapes more efficiently in your limited inventory space.
When looting during raids, prioritize high-value small items first. A single GPU takes up 1 slot but can be worth 300,000+ roubles.
Keep your insured items organized separately so you know what to expect back after failed raids.
Understanding In-Game Economy and the Market
The Flea Market unlocks at level 15 and transforms your approach to equipment.
Learn item values quickly. Some common items like bolts and screws sell for surprisingly high prices. Others might look valuable but aren't worth the inventory space.
Vendor prices vary significantly. Therapist typically pays most for valuables, while Mechanic gives better prices for guns and attachments.
Watch market fluctuations. Prices rise during peak playing hours and drop during off-hours. Buy your gear during high-traffic times and sell your loot during quieter periods.
Save barter items for hideout upgrades and tasks. Check the wiki before selling to avoid rebuying at inflated prices later.
Quick Sell Guide:
- Valuables → Therapist
- Weapons/Parts → Mechanic
- Everything else → Ragman
Don't hoard too much gear. Keeping 3-4 loadouts ready is smart, but excessive stockpiling ties up your roubles unnecessarily.
Advanced Tactics and Strategies
Once you've mastered the basics of Tarkov, it's time to level up your gameplay. These advanced tactics will help you overcome gear-fear, improve your looting efficiency, and develop the skills needed to survive in the most hostile situations.
Map Knowledge and Navigation
Knowing every map inside out is your secret weapon. Memorize all extraction points, hidden stashes, and high-value loot spawns on each map.
Learn the chokepoints where players frequently travel. These are perfect for ambushes or areas to avoid if you're carrying valuable loot. Customs has Dorms and Construction, Interchange has the main escalators, and Reserve has the underground bunkers.
Time your movements based on the raid progression. Most players rush high-value areas in the first 5-10 minutes. Mid-raid is often quieter, while late-raid sees players heading to extracts.
Use sound to your advantage. Walk instead of running when approaching dangerous areas. Sound travels far in Tarkov, and experienced players can pinpoint your location from small noises.
Combat Strategies for Different Play Styles
Your play style should match your strengths and goals for each raid:
Rat Style:
- Move slowly and deliberately
- Avoid high-traffic areas
- Strike only when you have advantage
- Focus on stealth over firefights
Chad Style:
- Use top-tier ammo and armor
- Push aggressively toward gunfire
- Take advantage of peeker's advantage
- Master point-firing (hip-firing) for close encounters
Sniper Style:
- Use high ground positions
- Pack a secondary weapon for close encounters
- Learn bullet drop and travel time
- Be patient and wait for the perfect shot
Practice "jiggle peeking" doorways and angles to gather information without exposing yourself. Learn to pre-fire common hiding spots. Most importantly, never repeak the same angle after being spotted.
Team Play and Communication
Clear communication can make or break a squad. Develop concise callouts specific to each map location. Avoid vague terms like "he's over there" - use compass directions or specific landmarks instead.
Establish standard movement formations. Have point players who lead, flankers who create crossfire opportunities, and support players who watch the rear. Always announce your position changes to avoid friendly fire.
Coordinate your loadouts as a team. Have players fill different roles:
- CQB specialist with SMG/shotgun
- Mid-range fighter with assault rifle
- Long-range support with DMR/sniper
- Dedicated looter with larger backpack
When engaging enemies, focus fire on the same target. A coordinated attack on one enemy at a time is far more effective than spreading damage across multiple opponents. After firefights, have one teammate secure the perimeter while others loot.
Progressing Through the Game
Progressing in Tarkov requires a smart approach to quests, constant skill development, and learning how to handle both regular Scavs and their more dangerous bosses.
Quests and Tasks Overview
Quests are your main path to progression in Tarkov. Traders like Prapor, Therapist, and Skier offer tasks that reward you with experience, money, items, and increased reputation.
Focus on early quests from Prapor and Therapist first. They're designed for beginners and often involve simple objectives like finding items or visiting locations.
Keep your quest items in your secure container whenever possible. Nothing hurts more than finding that rare flash drive only to die before extraction.
Use the task menu to track your active quests. Some tasks have multiple steps or conditions that must be completed in a specific order.
Trading quest items with other players through forums or Discord can save you hours of searching when you're stuck.
Upgrades and Skill Development
Your Hideout is crucial for long-term progress. Focus on building the Workbench and Medstation early, as they let you craft essential items.
The Lavatory and Nutrition Unit help you create barter items which can be sold for profit or used in other crafts.
Your character skills improve naturally as you play. Endurance increases when you run, Strength builds when you're overweight, and Weapon Skills develop as you use specific gun types.
Key early upgrades:
- Water collector (clean water access)
- Generator (powers everything)
- Bitcoin Farm (passive income)
Don't ignore soft skills. Higher levels in Perception help you spot loot, while Health speeds up recovery after raids.
Dealing With Scav Bosses and AI Scavs
Regular Scavs are dangerous but predictable. They often shout before shooting and have limited gear. Aim for headshots and stay mobile.
Scav bosses are another beast entirely. Reshala (Customs), Shturman (Woods), and Killa (Interchange) have better armor, weapons, and guards.
Boss identification:
- Reshala: Gold chain, tan jacket
- Shturman: Red flannel shirt, sniper rifle
- Killa: Black helmet with green stripes
Avoid boss areas until you're well-equipped. If you must engage, use grenades to split up groups and pick them off one by one.
AI Scavs sometimes spawn with valuable keys or lab cards. Check their pockets and backpacks even if their visible gear looks basic.
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