Beginner’s Guide to Escape from Tarkov
Early Game Strategy (Level 1–15)
Recommended Gear:
- Weapon: SKS from Prapor Level 1 with 7.62 PS ammo.
- Headgear: GSSH-01 headsets, "penis helmet," balaclava (all from Ragman Level 1).
- Backpack: Any backpack works.
- Armor: Optional; Pacca for anti-Scav protection.
Tips & Resources:
- Avoid fighting PMCs early, focus on building your economy.
- Learn maps thoroughly by playing a single map repeatedly (aim for 500 raids).
- Use the Field Guide for youtube content click here
Ammo Tips
Budget Ammo Priority:
- 7.62 PS > 5.45 BT > M855
Always use the best ammo for your weapon—ammo is more important than expensive gear.
Tips & Resources:
- Use the Ammo Chart click here
Barter Trades
- 3 Tushonka → AKM (great with PS ammo).
- 4 TP + 3 Soap → Uley armored rig (great early wipe value).
- Rechargeable Battery → ADAR (great for adding sights).
Check barter trades before buying directly from the Flea Market.
Scav Tips
- Use your scav whenever it’s off cooldown to make easy money.
- Interchange is great for hideout items; Factory is quick for extracting kits.
- If you can’t survive 8 out of 10 scav raids, stick to scav runs before moving to new maps with your PMC.
Raid Tips
- Always have a goal before entering a raid (e.g., make money, complete quests).
- Never enter a raid with a blacked-out body part; extract immediately.
- Nail down a confident loot route to overcome gear fear.
- Consume non-quest food and drinks to increase your metabolism skill.
Trading and Economy
- Therapist pays the most for barter items and meds.
- Jaeger buys melee weapons, shotguns, and sniper rifles.
- Mechanic offers good rates for other weapons and attachments.
- Upgrade your hideout as quickly as possible; sell unneeded items.
Combat Tips
- Use freelook while running to keep an eye on your surroundings.
- Never run unless you’re sure no one can hear you.
- Don’t repeek; hold smart angles and change cover frequently.
- Desync is a factor—play aggressively but smart.
Leveling and Questing
- Complete quests to level up quickly.
- Don’t finish sniper rifle quests until your sniper skill is at level 6.
- Always touch and search bodies for XP, even if you’re not looting.
Additional Tips
- Insure your gear; it’s worth it unless you’re on Labs.
- Get a Lucky Scav Junk Box as a first big-ticket item.
- Watch streamers to learn advanced tactics.
- Use lasers for recoil reduction.