Your First Steps: PMC vs. Scav
When starting in Escape from Tarkov, you have the option to play as a PMC or a Scav. Understanding the differences and advantages of each role is vital for your survival and progression. This guide will help you decide which role suits your current objectives and how to maximize your chances of success.
IGN's Beginner's Guide covers essential mechanics for both PMC and Scav gameplay. The main story chapters, such as "Tour," feature tasks from traders like Therapist, Ragman, Skier, and Mechanic, which are typically completed as a PMC. However, playing as a Scav can be beneficial for gathering loot without risking your main character's gear.
Looting as a Scav:
Loot is what you scavenge from the depths of Tarkov. As a Scav, you can collect items without the same risk as a PMC. Use the categorized tables to prioritize what to take and what to leave behind. Some items, like the "42 Signature Blend English Tea," are needed for quests such as "Collector" and must be found "in raid."
| Icon | Name | Barter Item | Crafting Item | Auxiliary crafting Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 Signature Blend English Tea | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | Quests - 1 needs to be found in raid for the quest Collector |
Valuables are also important to scavenge. Examples include:
- Ragman figurine
- Raven figurine
- Ref figurine
- Reshala figurine
- Right half of a Physical Bitcoin
- Roler Submariner gold wrist watch
- Ryzhy figurine
- Scav figurine
- Silver Badge
- Skier figurine