Escape from Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov

Getting Started: First Steps in Tarkov

Begin your Escape from Tarkov journey. Learn essential first steps, from faction choice and settings to mastering Scav runs and surviving your first PMC raids.

1.6. Getting Started: First Steps in Tarkov

Welcome to Escape from Tarkov, a hardcore survival shooter that demands patience, strategy, and a willingness to learn. Your first steps in this unforgiving world will be crucial for setting yourself up for success. This guide will walk you through the initial setup and early gameplay essentials.

Starting Tarkov can be overwhelming. The game throws you into a harsh environment with limited resources and unforgiving mechanics. This guide focuses on the absolute basics: choosing your faction, understanding the initial setup, and surviving your very first raids. The goal is to get you functional and ready to learn the ropes without getting immediately discouraged.

1. Choosing Your Faction: BEAR or USEC

At the start, you'll choose between BEAR (Russian) and USEC (American). This choice primarily affects:

  • Voice Lines: BEARs speak Russian, USECs speak English.
  • Starting Skills: Each faction has slightly different starting skill distributions. BEARs tend to have a slight edge in Strength and Endurance, while USECs have a slight edge in Perception and Vitality. These differences are minor and become negligible as you level up.
  • Starting Gear: Both factions receive a similar basic loadout.

Recommendation: For most new players, USEC is recommended due to the English voice lines, which can be helpful for communication and understanding in-game callouts.

2. Initial Setup and Settings:

  • Graphics: Prioritize performance over visual fidelity. Lower settings like shadows, anti-aliasing, and texture quality to achieve a stable frame rate (FPS). A minimum of 60 FPS is highly recommended.
  • Controls: Familiarize yourself with keybinds. Essential ones include Aim Down Sights (ADS), Sprint, Jump, Crouch, Prone, Reload, Check Magazine, and Interact.
  • Audio: Ensure your audio is set up correctly. Sound is critical for detecting enemies. Use headphones and consider disabling any "spatial sound" enhancements in Windows.
  • Server Selection: Choose servers with the lowest ping to minimize lag and desync.

3. Your First Scav Run: The Safest Start

Before diving into your PMC (Player Character) raids, it's highly recommended to start with Scav runs. Here's why and how:

  • No Risk: You spawn with a random loadout and don't lose your PMC's gear if you die.
  • Free Gear: You get a free weapon, armor, and items.
  • Learning the Maps: Scav runs are perfect for learning map layouts, loot spawns, and extraction points without pressure.
  • Earning Money: You can find valuable loot and sell it on the Flea Market or to traders to build up your PMC's stash.

How to do a Scav Run:

  1. Select "Scav" from the main menu.
  2. Choose a map (Woods or Customs are good for beginners).
  3. Spawn in, assess your gear, and move cautiously.
  4. Loot anything valuable you find.
  5. Head towards an extraction point.
  6. Sell your loot via the Trader menu or Flea Market.

4. Your First PMC Raid: Survival Focus

Once you've got a feel for the maps and have some basic gear from Scav runs, it's time for your first PMC raid. The primary goal is survival, not kills.

  • Map Choice: Start with Customs or Woods. They are generally less complex than Shoreline or Interchange.
  • Gear: Use the best gear you've acquired from Scav runs or bought from traders. A basic AKM or Mosin rifle, a low-tier armor vest (like a GZHEL-T), and a helmet are good starting points.
  • Objective: Your main goal is to extract. Find your extraction point and make your way there safely.
  • Avoid Combat: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid engaging other players. Listen for gunshots and move away from them.
  • Looting: Loot containers (filing cabinets, toolboxes, jackets) and any loose items you see, but don't spend too long in one place.
  • Extraction: Once you reach your extraction point, wait for the timer to count down.

5. Essential Early Game Tips:

  • Learn the Maps: Use online maps as a reference.
  • Understand Medical Items: Know how to use bandages, splints, and basic medical kits.
  • Manage Hydration and Energy: Carry water and food items.
  • Don't Insure Everything: Initially, insure only your most essential gear.
  • Patience is Key: Tarkov is a marathon, not a sprint.

Key Takeaway: Start with Scav runs to learn maps and earn gear, then focus on survival and extraction in your first PMC raids.