Escape From Tarkov stands out as one of those games you’ve probably spotted on Twitch but never dared to delve into. This hardcore shooter offers an incredibly immersive experience, catering to those who relish hyper-realistic gunplay and strategic teamwork. However, mastering its intricacies can prove daunting, particularly for newcomers. Welcome to our Escape from Tarkov beginner’s guide.
Much like its player base, which often resorts to shoot-on-sight tactics, Escape From Tarkov doesn’t extend a warm welcome to newcomers. With no in-game tutorial and the game currently in closed beta, diving into raids with low-tier gear can feel like being thrown into the deep end.
But fear not, because we’ve got your back. Drawing from our own trials and tribulations, shedding tears over lost gear and cursing over relentless Scavs, we’ve compiled the ultimate tips to help you navigate this ruthless world. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our Escape From Tarkov beginner’s guide.
Summary
WHAT IS ESCAPE FROM TARKOV?
Escape From Tarkov is a hardcore looter shooter infused with RPG elements. In this online realm, you’ll align yourself with one of two factions—BEAR or USEC—before engaging in intense battles against AI and human players across various maps in the war-torn city of Tarkov. Despite its name, “escaping” simply entails surviving a single raid—an excursion into one of the city’s maps.
During a raid, whether as a PMC or a Scav raider, your goal is to scavenge as much loot as possible. If you manage to extract, you can either hoard or sell your loot for profit. However, failing as a PMC incurs the cost of healing and gear replacement.
ESCAPE FROM TARKOV BEGINNER’S GUIDE
To avoid the constant dread of losing your gear and funds, survival is paramount. Here’s how you can improve your EFT skills while staying alive:
RUN SCAV RAIDS FIRST
mbark on raids as a friendly Scav to minimize risks and score free gear. As a Scav, you’ll join ongoing raids with random gear, free from attacks by other Scavs unless provoked. Escape successfully, and you’ll secure valuable loot while bolstering your arsenal.
COMPLETE QUESTS
Undertake quests to unlock new items and traders, essential for progression in the game. Each quest presents unique challenges, offering rewards in the form of cash, items, or improved trader relationships. As your reputation with traders grows, access to better gear becomes available.
MAKE USE OF YOUR SECURE CONTAINER
Utilize your secure container during PMC raids to safeguard found items, ensuring they aren’t lost upon death. Upgrade your container size as you progress through the game.
BRING ONLY WHAT YOU NEED TO A RAID
Exercise caution and carry only essential gear that you can afford to lose. Plan your loadout meticulously, prioritizing medical supplies and decent armor. Familiarize yourself with the hierarchy of armor, helmets, and ammunition to enhance survivability.
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HEALTH
Invest in various medical supplies to maintain your health during raids. Salewas, splints, and painkillers are indispensable, especially for treating heavy bleeds. Consider acquiring CMS or Survivor Kits to reattach limbs if incapacitated during combat.
KEEP AN EYE ON MAP TIMES
Monitor raid countdowns and extract locations by double-tapping ‘O’ upon loading into a raid. This ensures you allocate sufficient time for scavenging and extraction, avoiding penalties for premature exits.
MAKE USE OF OFFLINE RAIDS
Practice Tarkov’s mechanics and explore loot routes through offline raids. Engage in solo expeditions or combat scenarios with Scavs to hone your skills without risking valuable gear.
ADD MEDS TO YOUR QUICK BAR
Organize your medical supplies on the quick bar for quick access during combat. Assign numbered slots to your med supplies, streamlining healing processes during intense firefights.
WIGGLE IF YOU’RE FRIENDLY
Adhere to the unwritten rule of “wiggle” to signal friendliness to other players. While not foolproof, this gesture may prevent unnecessary conflict, allowing for peaceful interactions when warranted.
BE WARY OF BOSSES
Exercise caution when encountering boss NPCs on maps, as they pose formidable threats. These heavily armed adversaries are guarded by Scavs and exhibit aggressive behavior. Avoid confrontations unless adequately prepared to engage.
WORK ON YOUR HIDEOUT
Invest in upgrading your hideout to unlock new functionalities and benefits. Upgrades provide access to features like the Workbench for weapon modding and enhanced rest times for post-raid recovery.
In Conclusion
Escape From Tarkov isn’t a game for the faint-hearted, but its complexities reveal themselves through immersive gameplay experiences. Dive into the fray, embrace the challenges, and sharpen your skills—one raid at a time.
