Where to find the pocket watch in Escape from Tarkov

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As a seasoned survivor of the harsh wastelands of Tarkov, I’ve navigated through countless raids and emerged victorious more times than I can count. But there are always those quests that test your mettle, and “Background Check” is one such challenge.

After completing Ground Zero, your next series of tasks will lead you to Escape from Tarkov‘s Customs map. Among these quests, one that requires a bit more effort is “Background Check,” which involves locating a bronze pocket watch. In this guide, we’ll help you find the watch and show you how to obtain the key needed to open the truck it’s hidden in.

Where to find the machinery key

Obtaining the machinery key could prove to be the most challenging aspect of this adventure. Rest assured, it will appear exactly once during each raid within the three-story dormitory situated in the south region of the map. The dorms are notorious for being treacherous due to the constant presence of scavengers and fellow players. If you’re looking to retrieve the key without putting your gear at risk, consider attempting it while playing as a scav.

To locate the key, you should proceed to the three-story dorm and ascend to the second floor. At the northern end of the hallway on that level, you’ll come across a barrier that you need to scale to enter room 205. Inside this room, you’ll find two navy-blue jackets beside the wardrobe. The machinery key will always be present in both jackets, duplicated twice. If you’ve obtained it as a PMC, remember to store it safely in your secure container before departing from the building.

Bronze pocket watch location

The pocket watch made of bronze is hidden inside the refueling vehicle, which is situated in the hub of all the fuel storage tanks on the map. Since it’s near everything else, there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter some scavengers, including the sniper scavenger, on the factory building and other players in the vicinity. To minimize risks, we strongly advise bringing along at least one more player or venturing out during nighttime. Prior to your journey, be sure to scan the surroundings of the fuel tanks for potential scavenger threats and eliminate the sniper scavenger if necessary.

Following your successful passage beyond the enclosures, you’ll discover a truck stationed beside a modest, partially constructed structure nearby. If you happen to possess the key for the machinery, simply ascend the small crate positioned next to the vehicle and unlock the door. The bronze pocket watch will be sitting near the driver’s seat. All that remains for you now is to securely exit Customs to wrap up your mission.

Based on your starting point, it might be a bit challenging. If you originated from the western part of the map, you’ll likely find it easier to extract since you can use the RUAF roadblock to the north, which is just up the street. Another option is to move southwards along the river, checking if the Smuggler’s boat is operational. The boat will be accessible if you notice a lit campfire next to the Sniper roadblock.

If you’re originating from the east on the map, your situation may be more challenging.

Opting for a longer route via the forest in the southwest of the map, away from notable attractions, may prove safer. You could slip past the gas station and the military checkpoint, then find your way into the factory complex through a gap in the wall near the Scav Checkpoint. Subsequently, you can move northward towards the ZB-1011 exit. However, be cautious while traveling along that street, as it’s commonly used for player ambushes, with campers often hiding in bushes next to the train tracks.

Here’s how you wrap up the “Background Check” mission, and don’t forget to check out our detailed guide specifically for Escape from Tarkov on our designated resource page.

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2024-12-20 18:28