Escape From Tarkov – How To Tell If Someone Is A Scav Or PMC

Escape From Tarkov features two characters. While I have already explained which one you should choose in-game, there is some confusion between them. The main issue is how to tell which is which. As a beginner, you will not be able to tell which other player is a Scav or a PMC.

If you are playing as a Scav, you absolutely should not kill another one because there is a code to follow. However, if you are a PMC, there are no restrictions; you can do whatever you want. So, in this guide, I will explain how you can distinguish a Scav from a PMC.

Learn more about the game by heading to its official Steam page.

How To Distinguish A Scav From PMC In Escape From Tarkov

If you are a complete beginner who did not play the game in the beta, then it may be impossible for you to tell the difference. However, I will tell you some details that you can use to distinguish between them. You should keep in mind that Scavs are the peaceful ones. They do not usually initiate a fight and refrain from killing their fellow Scavs.

That is because if they do, there is going to be a penalty, which I will discuss shortly. However, on the other hand, PMCs are violent and do whatever they want. They do not care if you are a Scav or a PMC; they will open fire.

There is no indication in the game whatsoever that tells you whether it is a Scav or a PMC. However, if you are playing as a Scav, you will need to be able to differentiate one from another. That is crucial.

Both of the characters look almost the same. However, they act totally differently. Scav is a beginner-friendly class, so they will be playing carefully and will not shoot at first sight. You can tell that someone is a Scav by looking at their gear. If their gear is not particularly special, then they are most likely a Scav. However, on the other hand, if someone has good gear, they are most likely a PMC (although it can be the other way around, but that is too rare).

Other than that, you can also use voice chat to let others know you are a Scav. This way, many players will leave you alone, as it is a trend followed in-game. However, someone can troll by saying they are a Scav and ruin your experience, but that is part of the game.

What Happens If You Kill A Scav

Now, if you fail to differentiate a Scav from a PMC and kill the former in the game, there are going to be consequences. There is something called Scav Karma that is tied to Fence, who is one of the traders. Your actions in-game affect your reputation with the trader. The better your reputation is with the traders, the better deals and better gear you will receive.

However, if you kill Scavs as a Scav in-game, you will lose reputation with the Fence. Traders give you a lot of benefits in Escape From Tarkov, so you should always try to maintain a good reputation with them. If you hurt your loyalty level with them, you may lose access to many benefits. Some of those benefits are good gear, cheaper deals, reduced cooldown for using Scavs, AI Scavs helping you, and avoiding bosses pretty easily.

As a Scav, you need to live by the code. You can’t just kill another Scav. If you want to increase your Scav Karma, you should survive the raids by not killing a fellow Scav or by helping them in-game. Additionally, note that traitors are present in Escape From Tarkov. Traitors are the Scavs who have killed other Scavs. Killing them and killing PMCs will also reward you with Scav Karma.

That is pretty much everything you need to know about how to tell if someone is a Scav or a PMC.

Obaid Ur Rehman

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.