Escape From Tarkov isn’t your average shooter. It throws you into the brutal fight for survival in the war-torn streets of Norvinsk. This hardcore, realistic experience offers a unique blend of looting, questing, and intense PVP encounters. If you’re new to Escape From Tarkov, fear not! This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate its treacherous landscapes and emerge victorious.
Gear Up and Go: Understanding the Basics
Let’s unpack the essentials. Escape From Tarkov features a unique loadout system. You’ll kit out your PMC (playable character) with gear before each raid, venturing into maps to loot, complete quests, and fight off other players and AI Scavs (enemy combatants).
The Importance of Loot
Loot is king in Tarkov. Cash, weapons, medications—everything you find can be used or sold to traders. Early on, focus on grabbing valuable items you can sell for rubles (the game’s currency). Learn which items are worth keeping and which to discard. This skill will become crucial for making money and progressing.
Traders: Your Key to Success
Traders are vital for buying gear and completing quests. Level up your reputation with them to unlock better equipment and tasks. Focus on quests that reward good gear or unlock new traders. Remember, some quest items need the “found in raid” status to be handed in, so don’t just buy them off the Flea Market (unlocked later).
Hideout
Your hideout is your personal shelter from outside raids. Here, you can heal, craft items, and train skills. Upgrading your hideout unlocks new functionalities, so invest in it as you progress. Don’t neglect basic needs; keep yourself hydrated and fed during raids, as low energy or hydration levels can be deadly.
How To Play Escape From Tarkov: Learning the Ropes
Now that you grasp the basics, let’s delve deeper into essential skills for surviving Tarkov.
Conquering the Maps
Escape From Tarkov boasts a variety of sprawling maps, each with unique layouts, loot spawns, and dangers. Familiarize yourself with these maps: learn extraction points (exits), hot zones (areas with high player traffic), and flanking routes. Offline mode is a great way to practice map navigation without the risk of losing gear.
Sound is Your Ally:
Audio plays a critical role in Tarkov. Footsteps, gunfire, reloading—all these sounds reveal enemy positions. Invest in a good headset; it will help you pinpoint enemies and react accordingly. Use sound to your advantage, reposition yourself based on what you hear, and learn to differentiate between PMC footsteps and those of Scavs
Embrace the PMC Life:
PMCs are well-equipped human players you’ll encounter in raids. Be cautious; they’re out for the same loot and can be highly skilled. Develop a playstyle that suits you. Do you prefer aggressive rushes or strategic flanking maneuvers? Experiment and find what works best. Remember, sometimes retreat is the wisest option.
How To Play Escape From Tarkov: Essential Tips and Tricks
Here are some golden nuggets of wisdom to elevate your Tarkov experience:
Start Slow:
Don’t rush into high-risk areas as a beginner. Focus on learning maps, completing quests, and building your gear collection. Scav runs (playing as Scavs) are a great way to learn maps and make money with minimal risk.
Embrace the Ballistics System:
Tarkov features a complex ballistics system. Learn about ammo penetration and armor class. Higher penetration ammo can pierce through better armor, but often comes at the cost of damage. Experiment with different ammo types to find what works for you.
Your Safety Net
The secure container, a small pouch in your inventory, holds items even if you die. Here’s where you should store valuable loot, keys, and quest items you can’t afford to lose. However, keep the size limitations in mind.
Find a Friend
Learning Tarkov with a friend can be immensely helpful. Consider finding a Sherpa—an experienced player willing to guide you through the game’s intricacies. They can teach you valuable lessons and make the initial grind less daunting.
The Challenge
Escape From Tarkov is a rewarding but unforgiving experience. Don’t get depressed by setbacks. Every death, every lost raid, is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong, adapt your strategies, and keep pushing forward. The sense of accomplishment when you finally extract with a backpack full of loot is unmatched.
