Escape From Tarkov - 5 Top Tips
The Bears in Military Outfits
Why is Escape from Tarkov so good? Anxiety Attack Inducer. Hoarding Inventory Simulator. Ooo I love juice.
Recently I have been playing my new Laptop which I saved so many pine cones for. So many - traded with a squirrel two forests over. One game has caught my attention and many other gamers online. Escape from Tarkov, a PVP/PVE loot system game based in a city border city between Europe and Russia, called Tarkov. One of the last bastions for humanity with food, weapons, medical supplies, and other miscellaneous loot.
It plays with Hardcore Mechanics of First Person Shooters (FPS) where different bullets can damage different body parts and affect the way you move within the game. Players feel their mortality when trying to escape with that snickers or energy drink; unless you’re a pro like me claiming all that milk and juice to drink as loudly as possible hiding in the bushes.
Seriously, you’re sneaking around a post-apocalyptic world surrounded by armed and violent scavengers and your character will crack open a packet of cheddar crackers, rustle for 20 seconds, fist the package and munch with his mouth open. Seriously? Seriously.
So why is this so fun?
My opinion is that it’s one of the many genres where dying in-game has a negative impact. It plays on the emotional attachment Humans build with material objects. In addition, I also think it’s intensified by the idea that someone will pick through your character after they’ve cleared the area and that prized item will now be someone else’s trophy.
Here are five tips for you to consider when playing this for your first time, or if you’re looking for new things to consider.
Number 1
Use it or lose it.
If you have a large store of weapons and supplies in your cache but only ever take into combat a a small select items. Sell it.
Find a load-out that suits your playing style and then only concern yourself with those tools. I myself prefer SMG’s and Snipers. I like to sit on the fringes and shoot my prey from afar and then surprise attack those who come too close to my position. It’s been a long time sinceI’ve played a game where I’m able to sit quietly in a shrub and watch players run past without any idea I was 1 feet from them.
Number 2
Don’t be afraid to run. But monitor stamina.
So many players are afraid to make noise. This game has incredible sound, from crunching glass, metal and heavy footsteps. When playing with others I am often told to be quiet, but in my opinion agility and gun skills trump moving slow and listening to every little sound.
Sound is important though in this game. Keep your ears open for motion in buildings, bushes and other motion because it could save your life. But don’t be afraid to move fast.
Number 3
Meds.
Just a few things to Bear-in-mind about medical supplies.
1. Different meds do different things. Splints, fractures, bandages. You will need a variety of meds to fix your field injuries.
2. Painkillers and other healing tools cause de-hydration. In-game this can kill you fast.
3. Meds are valuable and they also take up space in your pack. I recommend: IFAK, Ibuprofen (-5 Hydration), Golden Star, CMS (Surv12 if you can fit it in your Gamma), and a Propital.
Number 4
Bullets. Ammo.
Purchasing ammunition on the Flea Market can be expensive especially if you’re strapped for cash.
Memorize the types of ammo that are effective for your load-outs, and also what to look for when in-game looting. You can then quickly move between the map and prioritize collecting high-value items and the items you need to keep your weapons loaded.
Google Search and theres a lot of guides about Tarkov Ammo - I use this GamePedia ammo guide and have found it the best wiki so far for this game. It’s really organized.
Number 5
Know your exits.
It’s in the title of the game “Escape” you can learn maps by playing the games offline mode and exploring the maps. But I would also recommend having a map on a separate monitor or tab available whilst you run around the game.
Remember: Not all exits are simple. You need certain items to escape or have met specific criteria. I always have a plan for where I am going, what route am I going to take, and what buildings am I going to check for loot.
Here are the maps I use on GamePedia.
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