Tarkov is unforgiving. Here are crucial tips for new players:
- Sound is King: Wear good headphones. Footsteps, gunshots, and environmental sounds provide vital information about enemy positions.
- Learn the Maps: Use online maps (e.g., Mapgenie) to understand layouts, extract points, and common loot areas. Offline raids are perfect for this.
- Don't Over-Loot: Focus on high-value items (graphics cards, LEDX, specific quest items) rather than filling your backpack with low-value junk. Learn what sells well to traders or on the Flea Market.
- Always Bring Meds: A basic medkit (AI-2 or Salewa), painkillers, and a splint are essential. Learn to hotkey them for quick use.
- Insurance is Your Friend: Insure your gear with Prapor or Therapist. If you die and no other player loots your insured items, they will be returned to you after a delay.
- Avoid Open Areas: Stick to cover, move slowly, and check your corners. Open ground is a death trap.
- Extract Early, Extract Often: Don't get greedy. If you have good loot, extract. Surviving is more important than getting one more item.
- Understand Ballistics: Different ammo types have varying penetration and damage. High-penetration ammo is crucial against armored opponents.
- Play with Friends: A squad significantly increases your chances of survival and makes the game more enjoyable.
- Don't Be Afraid to Die: Death is a part of Tarkov. Learn from each death, analyze what went wrong, and improve.