Starting Escape from Tarkov can feel like jumping into the deep end of a pool. This hardcore first-person shooter stands apart from other games with its intense focus on realism, complex mechanics, and unforgiving gameplay.
Your success in Tarkov depends on learning efficient looting routes, understanding the map layouts, and mastering basic combat tactics before jumping into raids. The game throws you into a war-torn Russian city where every decision matters – from the gear you bring to the paths you take.
The steep learning curve might seem scary at first, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can turn from a fresh recruit into a skilled operator. You’ll need to learn the basics of movement, inventory management, and extraction points while dealing with both AI enemies and real players who want your hard-earned loot.
Understanding the Basics
Escape from Tarkov requires mastering specific mechanics and skills to survive raids. Learning proper movement, controls, and survival tactics will give you an edge over other players.
Game Mechanics and Controls
Your character has vital stats to monitor: Health, Hydration, and Energy. Keep these above 0 at all times.
The health system splits into different body parts. Each needs protection and healing with specific medical items.
Key Controls to Master:
- WASD for movement
- Left Ctrl for crouch
- C for changing stance height
- Left Alt for steady aim
- Right-click to aim down sights
- Left-click to fire
Practice these controls in offline mode before jumping into live raids.
Survival Strategies
Always bring water and food into raids. Your Hydration drops faster during sprinting and Energy decreases over time.
Essential Survival Items:
- AI-2 medkit for quick healing
- Bandages for bleeding
- Painkillers for fractures
- Water bottle
- Energy bar
Check your inventory often. Use consumables before stats get too low.
Movement and Stealth
Walk instead of running when possible. Running makes lots of noise that attracts enemies.
Stealth Tips:
- Crouch walk near cover
- Listen for enemy footsteps
- Use free look (middle mouse) to check corners
- Stay in shadows when possible
Change your stance height based on cover. Lower stances make less noise but slow you down.
Pick your fights carefully. Sometimes avoiding combat is smarter than engaging.
Preparation and Loadout Management
Your survival in Tarkov depends heavily on bringing the right equipment and managing it properly. Smart choices about gear and efficient inventory management will give you a big advantage in raids.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Always match your gear to your mission and budget. For new players, the SKS rifle offers a good balance of power and cost.
Armor Class 4 provides solid protection without breaking the bank. The 6B3TM armored rig is a great starter choice.
Pack at least 2 spare magazines and enough ammo for your planned route. 7.62×39 PS ammo works well early on due to its decent penetration value.
Essential Items for Every Raid:
- Primary weapon with 2-3 magazines
- Armor and tactical rig
- Medical supplies: 1 AI-2 medkit, 2 bandages
- Backpack (MBSS or larger)
- Headset for better sound detection
Effective Use of Gear and Armor
Keep your best armor in your stash until you’re comfortable with the game mechanics. Practice with cheaper loadouts first.
Your armor protects specific body parts. Class 3 armor stops most pistol rounds, while Class 4+ handles rifle rounds better.
Armor Tips:
- Check durability before each raid
- Repair when below 80%
- Use armored rigs to save space
- Keep your stomach protected
Inventory Management
Sort items by value per slot. Some small items are worth more than larger ones.
Use your secure container for valuable items and backup meds. Keep extra ammo in your tactical rig for quick reloads.
Storage Priority:
- Valuable small items
- Mission items
- Spare ammo and meds
- Barter items
Stack similar items to save space. Keep meds and extra ammo in your vest pockets for quick access during fights.
In-Game Progression
Your success in Tarkov depends on building up your character’s skills, trader relationships, and hideout. To enhance your gameplay, transform your EFT experience with sophisticated targeting features. These systems work together to make you stronger and give you better gear.
Leveling up and Experience Gain
You get experience points from almost everything you do in raids. Looting items gives you 10-100 XP each. Killing enemies nets you 100-500 XP depending on distance and difficulty.
Completing tasks from traders gives huge XP rewards. These tasks should be your main focus early on.
Quick XP Tips:
- Always search containers and bodies
- Take on scavs from safe positions
- Focus on completing early trader tasks
- Extract with found items when possible
Mastering the Traders and Flea Market
Level 15 unlocks the flea market where you can buy and sell items with other players. Until then, you’ll rely on traders.
Each trader needs both money spent and reputation to level up. Higher levels unlock better items and prices.
Key Trader Tips:
- Sell items to their preferred trader
- Complete tasks to boost reputation fast
- Save rare items for future tasks
- Check trader stock after each reset
Unlocking Hideout Potential
The hideout is your base of operations. Each module gives different benefits when upgraded.
Start with the essentials:
- Workbench for crafting ammo and mods
- Med station for healing items
- Generator to power other modules
Upgrade your hideout whenever possible. The benefits stack up over time through passive income and crafting options.
Focus on modules that give immediate benefits. The Bitcoin Farm and Scav Case can wait until you’re more established.
Combat and Raids
Success in Tarkov comes down to smart movement, efficient looting, and staying alive during firefights. Your gear and medical supplies won’t help if you make basic mistakes in these areas.
Navigating Maps and Extraction Points
Start with simpler maps like Customs or Woods. Learn the main landmarks and common player paths before taking on complex areas.
Keep a map open on your second monitor or phone while playing. This helps you spot extraction points faster.
Key Movement Tips:
- Stay close to cover
- Walk instead of running to minimize noise
- Use Alt + W for slow walking near enemies
- Check corners before entering new areas
Your extraction point changes each raid. Check it by double-tapping ‘O’ at the start. Green smoke signals mark many extraction spots.
Effective Looting and Task Management
Fast looting keeps you alive. Learn valuable items through the flea market prices.
Priority Loot Items:
- Graphics cards
- Military equipment
- Keys and keycards
- Sugar and condensed milk
Complete tasks during quiet raid times. Mark task locations on your map before starting.
Press ALT + Left Click to quickly grab items. CTRL + Left Click auto-equips gear.
Handling Combat and Damage
Treat every gunshot as a real threat. Use painkillers before fighting to prevent limping if shot.
Combat Essentials:
- Aim for head or legs if unarmored
- Use cover between shots
- Reposition after firing
- Keep bandages and tourniquets ready
Heavy bleeding needs immediate treatment. Pack healing items in your secure container.
Don’t re-peek the same angle after taking damage. Most deaths happen from predictable movement.
