Tarkov Guide for Beginners – How to Start Playing EFT
Published on: 15 August, 2024 | Last Updated on: 11 December, 2024
Ok, my dear little friend, if you’re reading this, you’ve maybe come to us with a new Tarkov Wipe and want to… what? Learn how to play Escape from Tarkov. That’s why we’ve prepared the Tarkov Guide for beginners, where you’ll learn how to:
- Move.
- Stance.
- Choose the proper ammo.
- Pick the right weapon.
- Learn how to heal your teammates.
- Find the secret ways to level up.
- Learn how to get rubles, not just spend them.
- Find shortcuts to get the Kappa.
- Learn about Timing in EFT.
- Master quests.
And many other things, but this guide is just an introduction. If you really want to master all aspects, we recommend you read our following guides, which are much more comprehensive than this beginner’s guide.
- Escape From Tarkov Ammo Guide
- Tips For Success in Early Wipe Tarkov
- Escape from Tarkov Rubles Guide – How to Farm Currency Fast in EFT
- Escape From Tarkov Kappa Guide – How to get EFT Container
- Escape from Tarkov A Shooter Born in Heaven Guide
- Escape From Tarkov Collector Guide – EFT Tips
- Therapist’s Task — Population Census
- How to Fix Backend Error in Escape from Tarkov
- Gunsmith – Part 2 Guide | How To Get It?
And we’re move towards!
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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Escape From Tarkov Core Gameplay
Alright, newbie, let’s break it down. Escape from Tarkov isn’t your typical first-person shooter—it’s more like a brutal test of your survival instincts. You’ve got to keep an eye on your health points, manage your own HP value, and make sure your body parts stay intact. Moving slowly and making the most noise can get you killed faster than a single shot, especially if you’re not packing better gear. Your goal? Stay alive, loot, and get to the extraction points. But be warned, a broken leg or a red means bleeding, and you’ll need medical supplies to stop further damage. And hey, completing quests, selling items, and stacking up money in your stash space are all key if you want to survive longer in this game. Get used to slow walking, returning fire, and navigating other players who are just as eager to take your stuff.
| Map Activity | What to Do |
| Extraction Points | Locate your extraction points early and plan your route to get out safely. |
| Looting | Search for essential items, better gear, and equipment to stash or use. |
| Combat | Engage carefully—return fire only when necessary, and aim for body parts. |
| Health Management | Keep track of your health points, use medical supplies to stop bleeding. |
| Movement | Move slowly, avoid making noise, and be aware of other players’ positions. |
| Quest Completion | Focus on completing quests to earn rewards and progress further. |
| Gear Upgrades | Swap out your gear for better equipment whenever possible. |
| Avoiding Danger | Use cover, avoid open areas, and keep moving to reduce exposure. |
| Planning | Plan your movements on the map to maximize loot and avoid encounters. |
| Survival | Stay alive, prioritize safe extraction, and avoid unnecessary risks. |
EFT Movement guide
it’s a delicate dance that could mean the difference between life and death. Unlike other first-person shooters, Tarkov’s movement model mimics real-life soldier behavior like in other Battlestate games, so every step counts. Whether you’re slow walking to avoid detection or sprinting to dodge gunfire, understanding how to move through the terrain is crucial. Slow and steady wins the race—especially when every piece of broken glass or metal debris can give away your position. And remember, headsets in Tarkov can pick up even the faintest footsteps, so always move with purpose.
| Movement Type | Description |
| Sprinting | Press Left Shift to sprint; drains stamina and creates the most noise. |
| Walking | Default movement speed; limited by the weight of your body armor. |
| Slow Walking | Press Caps Lock or scroll Mousewheel Down to reduce noise; ideal for stealth. |
| Sidestepping | Press Left Alt + Q / E to sidestep; useful for peeking around corners. |
| Sliding | Press C while sprinting; locks you into forward movement and generates a unique noise. |
| Vaulting | Hold Spacebar near obstacles to climb over them quietly; saves stamina compared to jumping. |
EFT Stances guide
Your stance can determine whether you walk away with loot or lose it all in a firefight. Standing lets you move fast, but makes you an easy target. Crouching gives you a lower profile, better recoil control, and less noise—perfect for sneaking around and staying under the radar. Going prone gives you the best recoil control and smallest silhouette, but you’ll be slow and noisy getting up. The key is knowing when to use each stance and how to shift between them to keep yourself alive. And don’t forget to lean around corners—it’s a game-changer in close-quarters combat.
| Stance | Description |
| Standing | Fastest movement speed, but highest visibility and noise. |
| Crouching | Balanced movement, low noise, better recoil control, and reduced weapon sway. |
| Prone | Almost immobile, excellent recoil control, reduced silhouette, but noisy when moving out of position. |
| Leaning | Use Q and E for maximum lean; hold Left Alt + A/D for variable lean. Peek around corners with minimal exposure. |
| Variable Stance | Adjust stance with C + Mousewheel Up/Down to peek over cover or shoot from unexpected angles. |
| Sideways Prone | Press Left Alt + Q/E while prone to turn your body and weapon sideways, offering a smaller target. |
| Shoulder Swap | Use Mouse 4 to swap your gun between left and right shoulder, allowing minimal exposure when peeking. |
EFT Ammo guide
Picking the right rounds is what separates a quick death from a glorious raid. The right ammo can pierce body armor, turn a slow fight into an instant death, or just help you survive long enough to extract. Don’t skimp on your ammo—whether you’re taking on other PMCs or just a bunch of scavs, the right bullets make a huge difference
| Caliber Battlestate games | Ammo Types |
| .366 TKM | AP-M, EKO, FMJ, Geksa |
| 11.43x23mm ACP | AP, FMJ, HydraShok, Lasermatch, RIP |
| 12.7x108mm | B-32, BZT-44M |
| 12.7x55mm STs-130 | PS12, PS12A, PS12B |
| 12ga | .50 BMG, 5.25mm, 7mm, AP-20, CSP, DualSabot, Express, FTX, Flechette, Grizzly 40, Magnum, Piranha, Poleva-3, Poleva-6u, RIP, SFormance, Slug |
| 20ga | 5.6mm, 6.2mm, 7.3mm, 7.5mm, Devastator, Poleva-3, Poleva-6u, Star |
| 23x75mmR | Barrikada, Shrap-10, Shrap-25 |
| 30x29mm | VOG-30 |
| 40x46mm | M381, M386, M406, M433, M441, M576 |
| 5.45x39mm | 7N40, BP, BS, BT, FMJ, HP, PP, PPBS, PRS, PS, SP, T, US |
| 5.56x45mm NATO | 6mm BB, FMJ, HP, M855, M855A1, M856, M856A1, M995, RRLP, SOST, SSA AP, Warmage |
| 5.7x28mm | L191, R37.F, R37.X, SB193, SS190, SS197SR, SS198LF |
| 7.62x25mm Tokarev | AKBS, FMJ43, LRN, LRNPC, P, PT, Pst |
| 7.62x35mm | AP, BCP FMJ, CBJ, M62, V-Max, Whisper |
| 7.62x39mm | BP, FMJ, HP, MAI AP, PP, PS, SP, T-45M1, US |
| 7.62x51mm NATO | BCP FMJ, M61, M62, M80, M993, TCW SP, Ultra Nosler |
| 7.62x54mmR | BS, BT, FMJ, HP BT, LPS, PS, SNB, SP BT, T-46M |
| 8.6x70mm | AP, FMJ, TAC-X, UCW |
| 9x18mm Makarov | BZhT, F1 Shrapnel, P, PBM, PPT, PPe, PRS, PS PPO, PSO, PSV, Pst, PstM, RG028, SP7, SP8 |
| 9x19mm Parabellum | AP 6.3, GT, Luger CCI, M882, PBP, PSO, Pst, QuakeMaker, RIP |
| 9x21mm Gyurza | BT, P, PE, PS |
| 9x33mmR | FMJ, HP, JHP, SP |
| 9x39mm | BP, PAB-9, SP-5, SP-6, SPP |
| HK 4.6x30mm | AP SX, Action SX, FMJ SX, JSP SX, Subsonic SX |
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EFT weapon guide
So you’ve got a gun in Tarkov. Great! But it’s not just about pulling the trigger like in other Battlestate games. Your weapon is your best friend, and knowing how to use it means you get to live another day. Different guns are good for different things—close combat, long-range sniping, or just spraying and praying. And don’t forget about the little details, like weapon sway and recoil. Modding your gun can make a world of difference, turning a shaky shooter into a headshot machine.
| Weapon Type | Description |
| Assault Rifles | Good all-rounders. Fast shooting, decent damage. Great for taking down other PMCs in most situations. They allow for multiple ways of engagement, making them flexible in other maps. |
| SMGs | Quick and low recoil. Perfect for close-quarters, but don’t expect to hit much at long range. Ideal for new players due to their ease of use and low cost in standard edition loadouts. |
| Shotguns | One shot, one kill (usually). Awesome up close, but slow to reload and not great at distance. Effective at close range, but you might lose out in long-range fights. |
| Sniper Rifles | Pick ‘em off from a distance. High damage, but slow to fire and heavy on the weapon sway. Excellent for shooting range control, but missing a shot can have negative effects. |
| DMRs | Best of both worlds. Good for mid to long-range, with more firepower than your standard assault rifle. Provides multiple ways to engage both other PMCs and scavs. |
| Pistols | Quick draw and easy to carry. Good backup when your main gun runs dry. Great for new players needing a cheap sidearm. Keep it handy for a quick double tap when taking damage. |
| Bolt-Action Rifles | Super accurate, hits like a truck, but slow as molasses. Use when you need to drop someone with one shot. A well-placed shot to a body part like the left arm can end a fight quickly. |
| Weapon Mods | Slap on a scope, suppressor, or grip to greatly increase your gun’s performance—customize it your way. Important for expensive loadouts aiming to minimize negative effects. |
| Ammo Selection | Don’t skimp on ammo. Armor-piercing for PMCs, high-damage rounds for scavs. It makes a huge difference. Matching ammo to your gun can greatly increase your effectiveness. |
| Recoil Management | Control that kickback. Add grips, stocks, and other mods to keep your aim steady when taking shots. Key to keeping important stats like accuracy high. |
| Suppressed Weapons | Stay quiet and hidden. Suppressors keep your shots low-key, perfect for sneaky plays on open maps. Keeps your presence hidden, reducing status effects like panic in other games. |
EFT insurance guide — managing health points with own hp value
Always insure your loadout before heading into a raid (except for The Lab). Prapor is cheaper but slower; Therapist is faster but pricier. Whether you’ve got an expensive loadout or just the basics, insurance gives you a chance to get your stuff back if another PMC doesn’t swipe it. And while you’re focusing on gear, don’t forget about your health system. Managing your HP during and after a raid is crucial. Knowing how to handle blacked body parts or negative effects can be the difference between survival and a long, painful limp to the extraction point.
| Category | Description |
| Insurance | Always insure your gear before a raid (except The Lab). Prapor is cheaper but slower; Therapist is faster and gives more time to claim items. |
| Health System | Each body part has its own HP. Losing HP in key areas like the head or thorax can mean instant death. Use meds to manage status effects and restore health. |
| Blacked Body Parts | If a body part hits 0 HP, it’s blacked out and can’t be healed normally. Use surgical kits like CMS or Surv12 to restore it to minimal HP, but it will have greatly increased vulnerability. |
| Movement Options | Blacked legs severely limit movement options. You’ll move slower, and jumping or sprinting will hurt other parts of your body. Consider painkillers to keep moving. |
| Post-Raid Healing | After a raid, you can pay roubles to heal up, or wait for your hideout’s stash module to regenerate HP. Paying is faster, but manual healing gives you some EXP. |
| Example | If your left arm gets blacked, your aim and reload speed take a hit. If you lose your thorax or head HP, any further damage means game over. Keep an eye on your health during fights and after you extract. |
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EFT Leveling guide
Leveling up in Tarkov isn’t rocket science like in other Battlestate games, but it’s definitely a grind. Want to know the secret? Do quests, play smart, and avoid getting killed—simple as that. Focus on headshots for extra XP, loot fast, and don’t burn through your rubles on expensive gear too early. Upgrade your stash and hideout as you go, and remember, every raid is a chance to level up, so make the most of it. Whether you’re taking down other PMCs or just trying to survive, the key to hitting max level is consistency and strategy. Now, let’s break it down a bit more.
| Level Range | Preferred Zones or Quests |
| 1-10 | Customs, Factory — Focus on early quests like ‘Debut’ and ‘Shortage’ to unlock the flea market. |
| 11-20 | Customs, Woods — Complete quests like ‘Delivery from the Past’ and ‘Operation Aquarius’ for XP. |
| 21-30 | Shoreline, Interchange — Go for quests like ‘The Punisher’ and ‘Anesthesia’ for better gear and levels. |
| 31-40 | Reserve, Shoreline — Prioritize high-value quests like ‘Peacekeeping Mission’ for solid XP and loot. |
| 41-50 | Reserve, Interchange — Focus on ‘The Bunker’ and trader tasks to get top-tier rewards and level up fast. |
| 51-60 | Labs, Reserve — Complete remaining high XP quests and engage in PvP for rapid leveling. |
| 61-70 | Labs, Shoreline — Grind PvP and hit high-loot areas to rack up the final XP needed for max level. |
EFT Rubles guide
Rubles, Roubles, Rubles—whatever you call them, they’re the lifeblood of Escape from Tarkov. Earning rubles isn’t just about looting and shooting; it’s about smart choices, good timing, and knowing where to farm. Whether you’re crafting in your hideout, running high-value quests, or looting hotspots like Shoreline and Interchange, the key is to maximize your ruble gains while minimizing risk. And don’t forget—trading on the Flea Market can turn small profits into big ones if you play it right. Let’s dive into the best ways to fatten your wallet in Tarkov like in other Battlestate games.
| Method | What to Do |
| Hideout Crafting Stations | Use stations like the Workbench and Lavatory to craft high-value items like wires and magazine cases. |
| Loot High-Value Areas | Hit up Shoreline, Interchange, and Reserve for big-ticket items—especially in low-population zones. |
| Sell on Flea Market | Buy low from traders and sell high on the Flea Market for a quick profit. |
| Run Scav Raids | Use Scav runs to gather free gear and loot without risking your main character. |
| Complete Quests | Focus on high-reward quests that offer rubles and valuable gear. |
| Barter Trades | Use barters to flip items for more profit, especially with traders like Mechanic and Therapist. |
| Craft in Hideout | Craft items like Purified Water and Bitcoin in your hideout for consistent income. |
| Avoid Expensive Loadouts | Don’t blow all your rubles on fancy gear early on—save it for when you really need it. |
| Upgrade Stash | Spend rubles to upgrade your stash size, giving you more room to store valuable loot. |
| Use Scav Case Operations | Spend rubles to send your Scavs out to retrieve random items, which can be valuable. |
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EFT Kappa Guide
So, you’re eyeing that sweet Kappa container, huh? It’s the ultimate flex in Tarkov, the holy grail of loot storage that proves you’ve conquered the game’s toughest challenges. To get it, you’ll need to grind through a mountain of quests, hit level 62, and find a bunch of rare streamer items in raid. This bad boy has 12 slots, perfect for stashing your most precious loot, but remember—you can’t store weapons or armor in it. If you’re ready to embark on this grueling journey, let’s break down what you need to do to snag that Kappa and become the envy of every PMC in Tarkov like in other Battlestate games.
| Objective | What to Do |
| Complete Quests | Knock out quests for Prapor, Therapist, Skier, Peacekeeper, Mechanic, Ragman, Jaeger. |
| Reach Level 62 | Grind your way to PMC level 62—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. |
| Find Streamer Items | Locate 36 unique streamer items in raid and turn them in to Fence. |
| Survive Raids | Successfully extract from raids while completing objectives and collecting loot. |
| Check Quest Changes | Stay updated with TarkovTracker or Wiki for any quest changes or requirements. |
| Manage Your Loot | Use the Kappa container’s 12 slots to secure quest items, keys, and other essentials. |
| Bragging Rights | Flaunt that Kappa—it’s the ultimate symbol of prestige in Tarkov! |
EFT Time Guide
Time in Tarkov moves fast—7 times faster than in real life, to be exact. So, while you’re in a raid, the game world is zipping through day and night at an accelerated pace. This means you can experience dawn, sunrise, sunset, and full darkness all in a short period. Understanding how time works can give you an edge, especially when picking the best time for a raid. For example, night raids offer more stealth but might require night vision gear. If you’re a beginner, keep an eye on the clocks when you select a raid, and choose the time that best suits your strategy.
| IRL Time | In-Game Time | Description |
| 1 min | 7 min | Time passes quickly—7 minutes in-game for every real-life minute. |
| 8 min 34 s | 1 hour | Experience a full hour in Tarkov in just over 8 minutes of real time. |
| 1h 43 min | 12 hours | A full half-day cycle in Tarkov happens in less than 2 hours of real life. |
| Event | EFT Time | Notes |
| Dawn | 05:00 | Light begins to appear on the horizon. |
| Sunrise | 05:45 | Direct sunlight starts to shine. |
| Sunset | 21:30 | Sun starts to dip below the horizon. |
| Night | 21:50 – 22:15 | Full darkness settles in—ideal for stealthy operations. |
| Moonrise | 00:00 | The moon appears, providing some natural light depending on weather and map location. |
Time management is a crucial part of Tarkov strategy, from choosing the right raid time to understanding how the day and night cycle affects gameplay. Keep this in mind, especially as you progress through the Tarkov beginner’s guide and tackle more complex Tarkov features. Adjust your strategies depending on whether you’re dealing with other PMC players in daylight or sneaking around at night, and always be aware of how time impacts visibility and movement options.
| Raid Time Selection | Description |
| Two Clocks | Most maps show two clocks for raid time selection, 12 hours apart, reflecting the 7x time rate. |
| Factory Clocks | Static times at 15:38 and 03:38—time doesn’t change for this map. |
| Labs | No time selection needed; lighting remains constant, as it’s an underground location. |
EFT containers guide
Containers in Escape from Tarkov are your best friends when it comes to managing loot and keeping your most valuable stuff safe. They help you organize your gear, stash loot you find in raids, and make sure you don’t lose everything when things go sideways. Different containers hold different types of items, from guns and ammo to medical supplies and quest items. Knowing which container to use and when can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Plus, smart use of containers can boost your movement speed by reducing the weight you carry. Let’s break down the most important containers in Tarkov.
| Container Type | Description |
| Alpha/Beta/Gamma | Secure containers that let you stash valuable loot—items inside are safe even if you lose the raid. |
| Ammo Case | Stores ammo, helping you organize different calibers without cluttering your stash. |
| Medcase | Perfect for stashing health items like meds and bandages, keeping them ready for the next fight. |
| Weapon Case | Holds multiple weapons and their attachments, saving you space in your stash and keeping your gun setup organized. |
| Grenade Case | Stores grenades, so you’re always ready to cause some chaos in your next combat situation. |
| Items Case | A large container for various equipment and stuff you find in raids—great for organizing loot. |
| Lucky Scav Junkbox | Holds barter items like tools, tapes, and valuables, giving you more room to stash the important stuff. |
| Documents Case | A small but essential container for keys, maps, and other crucial items that you don’t want to lose. |
| THICC Items Case | The ultimate stash organizer—holds a massive amount of loot, perfect for those with expensive loadouts. |
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EFT questing guide
Questing in Escape from Tarkov is your main way to level up, earn money, and unlock better equipment. Different factions in the game give out quests, each with its own goals and rewards. For example, Prapor focuses on combat tasks, while Therapist might ask you to gather medical supplies. As you complete these quests, you’ll gain loyalty levels with each faction, which unlocks more quests and better gear. There are many types of quests: some involve killing other players, some require finding specific items, and others might have you exploring open maps. The ultimate quest line is the Kappa container, the top reward in the game, which requires completing nearly every quest. Whether you’re new or experienced, knowing what each questgiver wants is key to making it in Tarkov.
| Faction (Questgiver) | Description |
| Prapor | Focuses on combat and gear. Often sends you into battle with other players or tasks you to secure weapons. |
| Therapist | Quests revolve around gathering medical supplies and helping you manage your health in the game. |
| Skier | Mix of combat and scavenging quests. Be ready to play dirty—sometimes his tasks involve tricky decisions. |
| Peacekeeper | Offers tasks that require finding rare equipment and weapons, often with a NATO focus. |
| Mechanic | Likes technical stuff—expect to modify weapons or gather parts. Perfect for those who enjoy tinkering with gear. |
| Ragman | Focuses on armor and clothing. Complete his quests to upgrade your equipment and protect your body parts. |
| Jaeger | Survival expert—sends you into the wild to hunt, escape, and survive with minimal gear. |
| Kappa Quest | The ultimate challenge—complete nearly every quest in the game to unlock the Kappa container, the best stash item in EFT. |
Conclusion
Escape from Tarkov is a game that challenges your survival instincts like no other. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, mastering the basics is key to thriving in this brutal world. Starting with movement and stances, understanding how to navigate the environment can mean the difference between life and death. Every step, every decision—whether it’s choosing the right weapon or picking the correct ammo—matters in your fight for survival.
As you dive deeper into the game, quests become your main path to progress. Different factions offer various tasks, each helping you level up, earn money, and unlock better gear. Completing these quests not only boosts your standing with the factions but also prepares you for the ultimate goal: the Kappa container. This coveted reward is a symbol of mastery in Tarkov, requiring you to conquer nearly every challenge the game throws at you.
Time in Tarkov moves at an accelerated pace, adding another layer of strategy to your raids. Whether you choose to raid during the day or under the cover of night, your awareness of time can give you a tactical edge. And when it comes to managing your loot, understanding how to use containers effectively can save you from losing valuable gear in the chaos of combat.
In essence, Escape from Tarkov is a game of patience, strategy, and skill. Each raid is a test of your ability to adapt, survive, and emerge victorious. So, gear up, stay sharp, and keep pushing forward—because in Tarkov, every decision counts.
