Escape From Tarkov was recently released, and while the game is currently a mess, the developers are doing their best to improve it. The game launched to mixed reviews on Steam, with more players having negative impressions. That said, if you still want to pick it up and you are a new player, you will definitely be lost. That is because it is not like your average extraction shooter.
This game is extremely complex, and if you have not played it before, you would want to understand many things. That is exactly why I am creating a beginner’s tips and tricks guide so you can have the best possible experience in Escape From Tarkov.
If you want to know more about the game, head over to its Steam page.
Table of contents
Scav Runs Are Best For Beginners
If you are a beginner, then I would highly recommend you choose Scav for your raids. That is because there is literally zero risk, and let me explain why. The Scav mode is made for beginners. You do not lose anything, mainly because you do not take anything from your own main stash.
In the other mode, you will be taking your own items with you. So, if you die, you will lose them, which is the last thing you want as a beginner. On the other hand, in Scav mode, you are assigned random loot in every raid, and you do not lose anything. Surprisingly, that is not the only benefit you will get. That is because the AI Scavs will not shoot you. However, if you shoot them first, then of course, they are going to open fire.
Explore And Memorize As Much As Possible
One of the most important things to initially do in Escape From Tarkov is to explore. Search for loot and complete the tasks you are given. If you want to explore without any pressure, then choose Scav. This will give you free random loot at the beginning.
This is also the best way for you to build your stash. As you will not lose money or items from your own stash and there is no penalty, you will be able to explore freely. So, explore the maps and memorize the locations. You cannot get better in just a single day; it is going to take some time, so get ready to pour dozens of hours into mastering the basics.
Practice In Offline Mode
If you do not want to play against other players or you think there is a major difference between skill levels, then it is better to practice in the offline mode. There are going to be many players who have been playing this game for years. So, for a beginner to go against them is straight up unfair. That is why it is better to play in the offline mode, as that way you can explore freely and learn the map.
You can also enable AI Scavs if you want to practice against them, but do note that you cannot select the Scav mode to play in the offline mode. In this mode, your priority should be to learn all of the important locations and master the gun control.
Understand How The Health System Works
The health system in Tarkov is quite complicated. Each of your body parts takes damage, so choosing when and which part to heal can be crucial. If you are facing light bleeding, then using bandages will be enough to stop it. However, if there is heavy bleeding, then you need to immediately treat it with a tourniquet, as you will lose health very quickly.
You can also have fractures, which not only hinder your movement but also disturb your aim. You can fix the fracture temporarily with painkillers. However, if you want to fix it permanently, use splints. You can also get poisoned, and when that happens, use painkillers for temporary relief. If you want to fix it permanently, use an antidote (XTG-12).
Always Loot Valuable Items
Your main goal is to survive the raids, but that is not it. If you just survive a raid and come back with nothing, then that raid is most likely wasted, as you spent your resources. If you learned something, then it may be worth it, but you still need to bring back something. Survival is not your only goal; you need to look for valuables.
Your inventory space is very limited, so it is important to know what to pick and what to leave behind. You should always loot bitcoins, GPUs, SSDs, Meta ammunition, colored keyboards, rare keys, watches, jewelry, folders, and LEDX. You can also loot items other than this, but if their worth is less than 14 to 15k, they may not be worth bringing back.
Understand The Map
Understanding the map may be too much to ask for a beginner, but that is something you need to do. You can check your extractions by pressing O twice after spawning, so do that first. Entering without knowing where to extract will most likely lead to death. Before you start moving, mark a few extraction points so you know where to extract from.
You will not have full access to maps in the beginning, as they need to be acquired from traders like Therapist. From levels 1 to 10, you will be doing basic quests, which will help you a lot, so focus on them. If you still get confused, then I recommend using online maps to navigate, and the best website for that is Tarkov.dev. From here, you can find the map for each area, and it is pretty useful.
Again, I recommend exploring and understanding the map in the offline mode so you can have a risk-free experience.
Be Patient
You need to understand that Tarkov is not like your average FPS game. It is very different and much more difficult. Your main objective should be to survive, loot, and extract. It seems simple, but believe me, it is not. In order to do these simple tasks, you need to be patient.
You cannot be aggressive in this game, as such a playstyle is not rewarded. If you are patient, you are more likely to win battles and survive. Also, before engaging in a fight, you need to check if you have the resources for it. Even if you have the resources, consider an escape route in case things go south.
This game rewards a patient and dedicated playstyle. If you rush into things, you will just get more and more confused. So, be patient and learn things slowly at your own pace. It is okay if it takes you some time before you understand the basics.
That is pretty much it for my Escape From Tarkov beginner’s tips and tricks. Hopefully, this helps you in any way possible, because these are the tips I use when playing the game.
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Obaid Ur Rehman is a lifelong gaming enthusiast with a deep passion for writing about video games. While he enjoys all genres, he specializes in RPGs and Soulslike titles. After tackling some of the toughest bosses, he often unwinds with a cozy game to relax. Outside of gaming, Obaid enjoys watching anime, bingeing TV series, or staying active at the gym.
