4.11. Keys and Keycards: Usage and Value
Keys and keycards are essential items in Escape from Tarkov, acting as your ticket to unlocking valuable loot and progressing through quests. Their importance cannot be overstated, as many of the best caches and rooms are locked behind these seemingly simple objects. Understanding their usage, spawn locations, and market value is crucial for any PMC looking to maximize their gains.
Keys are typically found as loot on Scavs, in filing cabinets, on dead bodies, or as quest rewards. Keycards, on the other hand, are primarily associated with the Labs map, though some may appear elsewhere. Each key is unique and corresponds to a specific locked door or container on a particular map. Once used, a key is consumed and disappears from your inventory, so it's vital to know which keys are worth using and which might be better sold.
Types of Keys and Their Importance:
- Quest Keys: Many quests require you to find or use specific keys. Examples include the Marked Key for Customs, the RB-ST Key for Reserve, and various keys for rooms on Interchange. These are often highly sought after and can be valuable.
- Loot Keys: These keys unlock rooms or containers filled with high-tier loot, such as weapons, armor, medical supplies, and valuable barter items. Examples include the Key to the Safe Room on Interchange, the RB-K.A.L. Key on Reserve, and various office keys on Customs.
- Keycards: Primarily used for accessing the underground areas and specific rooms on the Labs map. The most common are the Red Keycard, Blue Keycard, and Yellow Keycard. These are extremely valuable due to the high-tier loot found within Labs.
Where to Find Keys:
- Scavs: A common source for many keys, especially lower-tier ones.
- Filing Cabinets: Excellent for finding quest keys and some loot keys.
- Dead Scavs/PMCs: Always check the pockets and backpacks of fallen enemies.
- Specific Loot Spawns: Some keys have desated spawn locations on maps (e.g., the Key to the Office on Customs often spawns on a desk).
- Trader Purchases: Some basic keys can be purchased from traders like Jaeger or Mechanic.
Key Value and Selling:
The value of a key is determined by several factors: its rarity, the loot it unlocks, its necessity for quests, and current player demand. High-demand quest keys or keys to rooms with guaranteed high-tier loot (like the Key to the Server Room on Interchange) will fetch a premium on the Flea Market. Conversely, keys to rooms with mediocre loot or those that are rarely used for quests will have little to no value.
Before using a key, it's wise to check its current market price on the Flea Market. If the potential loot inside a room is worth less than the key itself, it's often more profitable to sell the key. However, if you need the loot for a quest or personal use, the decision becomes more nuanced. Always consider the risk of dying before you can extract with the loot.
Keycard Usage on Labs:
Keycards are single-use items. Upon entering Labs, you insert your chosen keycard into a terminal, which then grants you access to the facility for that raid. The rarer the keycard (Red > Blue > Yellow), the more valuable the loot areas it typically unlocks. Be aware that other players will also be using keycards, so Labs is a high-stakes environment from the moment you enter.