Understanding Gear Fear and Getting Started

Escape from Tarkov is a game that demands patience, strategy, and a willingness to learn from failure. One of the biggest obstacles for new players is overcoming “gear fear” – the anxiety of losing valuable items during raids. 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. When starting out, it’s essential to focus on developing map knowledge, practicing efficient inventory management, and learning enemy behaviors. 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.

Learning the Basics of EFT

Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore survival shooter that demands realism and strategy. To succeed, you need to understand the game’s core systems.

Game Mechanics and Objectives

Your main goal in Escape from Tarkov is to survive and get out with your gear. However, the execution is far from simple. Combat in EFT is realistic and punishing, and 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, where different ammo types perform differently against various armor classes. Learning which ammo works best against what armor is crucial for success.

Healing and Weight Management

Healing in EFT 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, as 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

In Tarkov, you have two character options: your PMC (main character) and Scavs (scavengers).

PMC vs Scav Gameplay

When playing 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.

Looting Fundamentals

Effective looting is the backbone of EFT’s progression system. The faster and smarter you loot, the more wealth you accumulate.

Prioritizing High-Value Items

Prioritize high-value, low-space items like GPUs, LEDx, keycards, and valuables that fit in your secure container. A 1-slot item worth 50,000 roubles is better than an 8-slot item worth 80,000.

Learning Looting Strategies

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.

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.

Understanding Extraction Points

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

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.

Extraction Tips

Some extractions are considered “safer” than others. Popular extracts often have players camping nearby, waiting to ambush those trying to leave with valuable loot.

Equipping Your Character for Survival

Proper gear selection and inventory management are crucial to your success in Escape from Tarkov.

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.

Armor and Headsets

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.

Backpacks and Meds

Backpacks determine how much loot you can extract with. The MBSS is a good starter option with decent capacity-to-cost ratio. Meds are also essential, as they can heal you during raids.

Inventory Management Tips

Your stash is where you store everything between raids. Organization is key to efficient gameplay.

Stacking and Unloading

Stack identical items to save space. Items like ammo and meds can be stacked in large quantities.

Using Containers

Use containers to group similar items. Medical supplies in one case, ammunition in another.

Rotating Items

Rotate items by pressing R while moving them. This lets you fit awkward shapes more efficiently in your limited inventory space.

Understanding In-Game Economy and the Market

The Flea Market unlocks at level 15 and transforms your approach to equipment.

Learning Item Values

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

Vendor prices vary significantly. Therapist typically pays most for valuables, while Mechanic gives better prices for guns and attachments.

Market Fluctuations

Watch market fluctuations. Prices rise during peak playing hours and drop during off-hours.

Advanced Tactics and Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics of Tarkov, it’s time to level up your gameplay.

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.

Time Your Movements

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.

Using Sound to Your Advantage

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.

Team Play and Communication

Clear communication can make or break a squad. Develop concise callouts specific to each map location.

Establishing Standard Movement Formations

Establish standard movement formations. Have point players who lead, flankers who create crossfire opportunities, and support players who watch the rear.

Coordinating Loadouts

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

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.

Trading Quest Items

Use the task menu to track your active quests. Some tasks have multiple steps or conditions that must be completed in a specific order.

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.

Dealing With Scav Bosses and AI Scavs

Regular Scavs are dangerous but predictable. Scav bosses are another beast entirely. 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.