A Beginner’s Guide to Escape from Tarkov

A Beginner's Guide to Escape from Tarkov

As a seasoned survivor of Tarkov’s treacherous terrain, I can confidently say that this game is not for the faint-hearted. From my years of looting, shooting, and escaping, I’ve gathered some invaluable wisdom to share with those just starting their journey.


Breaking free from Tarkov can prove challenging, but surviving within it is even more difficult – especially for newcomers or those returning to Battlestate Games’ shooting game focused on extraction. Here are some helpful strategies, shortcuts, and advice to help you navigate your way towards triumph.

Take it slow

A Beginner's Guide to Escape from Tarkov

Mastering Escape from Tarkov is a gradual process that requires patience, as it’s not something you can quickly excel at. Many novice players may attempt initial tasks repeatedly, become disheartened, and ultimately abandon the game. However, instead of rushing through tasks, concentrate on expanding your inventory (stash) and improving your hideout, and tackle tasks as secondary objectives.

During raids, novice players often grab a scarce item or quest objective and then rush to leave the area. However, taking your time to explore can lead you to encounter other players. Plus, searching for loot like crates, bodies, or cabinets gives you experience points, even if you don’t manage to escape alive. So, in essence, you’re still advancing in the game by gathering items.

Learn the maps

A Beginner's Guide to Escape from Tarkov

As a Tarkov enthusiast myself, I’d advise you to start small when diving into this game. Instead of attempting to master all maps at once, focus on learning one or two thoroughly. The internet is brimming with valuable resources that you can keep handy on your desktop for quick reference.

If you’re looking for a map exploration experience under the intensity of Player versus Player (PVP), consider trying Scavenger (Scav) runs. In these runs, you’ll start in an ongoing raid as a Scavenger, and your main threat will be Player Character Models (PMCs). Since most valuable loot would have been taken by this point, you won’t gain any experience, but it’s an excellent way to accumulate some cash without putting your gear at risk.

You can always run

In the game Escape from Tarkov, battles can be fiercely fast, with just one well-placed bullet deciding the outcome. Therefore, if you’re engaged in a shootout, it’s perfectly fine to retreat. However, this calls for strategic planning of your location and choosing spots that provide multiple exit points. The time it takes your enemy to realize you’ve vanished is usually sufficient for you to create some space and barriers between you and them.

Play Aggressively

A Beginner's Guide to Escape from Tarkov

Catching opponents off guard often leads to victory. Attacking swiftly, before they can anticipate your move, is an effective strategy for securing player eliminations. Much of this success relies on experience, but many players tend to falter under even minimal stress.

If you’re pinned down, this tactic won’t be effective because it often takes too long for you to emerge from cover and shoot back, which can result in getting shot in the head. Unless they’re using explosives to force you out, it’s generally safer to stay put and let them approach you. Keep in mind that an unusual shooting position will give you an advantage. Find vantage points like shelves, beds, or anything else that offers a higher elevation to get a better view.

Find Someone to Play With

A Beginner's Guide to Escape from Tarkov

While it may seem quite straightforward, consistently playing Escape from Tarkov with a group can significantly simplify your experience. Whether it’s completing missions, gathering loot, or causing mischief, teamwork is key. If you lack regular gaming partners, the official Escape from Tarkov Discord server serves as an ideal starting point for finding like-minded individuals. Not only do you often find seasoned players who are eager to guide novices, but there’s usually someone ready to join you on quests.

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2024-08-25 15:05