Escape From Tarkov is getting a new boss NPC in the form of an armored personnel carrier
Escape From Tarkov is getting a new boss NPC in the form of an armored personnel carrier

The gritty and borderline-terrifying raids in “Escape from Tarkov” offer some of gaming’s most tense and immersive tactical shooter experiences to date, but beyond the frantic gunfights and long treks to exfiltration zones lies a slew of confusing systems that might overwhelm new players.

“Escape from Tarkov” doesn’t exactly hold anybody’s hand, and the game will punish those who are unprepared. Here’s a condensed guide on the basics of raiding and a few other important mechanics that all players should be aware of.

Trader Tasks

Before setting off on a raid, always check if the traders have any tasks that need to be done. Completing these quests will reward players with money, weapons, trader favor and other valuable goods. These will also give players a clear direction when raiding a location, eliminating some of the guesswork involved in terms of where to go and what to do.

Exfiltration Zones

The clear lack of a map in “Escape from Tarkov” means that players will either need to know the locations of exfil zones by heart or at least have a third-party map ready before deploying.

For those who want to play the game without relying on community resources, keep an eye out for signs that may indicate an active exfiltration zone, such as:

  • Green chem lights
  • Open doors
  • Running car engines
  • Lit light bulbs
  • Exit signs

Bullet Variants

The damage that a gun inflicts depends on the type of bullet that they fire. Larger rounds tend to have more stopping power, but caliber isn’t the only thing players should pay attention to.

Escape From Tarkov is an immersive tactical shooter that borrows some elements from battle royale and survival games

Escape From Tarkov is an immersive tactical shooter that borrows some elements from battle royale and survival games Photo: Battlestate Games

Even within certain calibers, there exists ammo types that have varying properties. For example, HP rounds deal grievous wounds when hitting soft targets at the cost of armor penetration, while AP rounds can pierce tough body armor in exchange for stronger recoil or harsher durability penalties.

There’s an entire rabbit hole that players can dive into concerning bullet types in “Tarkov.” For now, it’s best to read item descriptions to find out which bullet type is best for what scenario.

Body Armor and Helmets

Armor is classified into six categories, with Class 6 being the strongest. Simply shooting at someone with body armor will often lead to no effect, giving the impression of them being bullet sponges. However, the typical bulletproof vest only protects the chest, so try to aim for the arms or legs to cripple an armored enemy before finishing them off.

Helmets, on the other hand, have a chance to deflect bullets. Those with a high “Ricochet Chance” will have a better shot at deflecting bullets. This won’t always work, however, so it’s best to wear a helmet with a high armor class for better protection.

Keep in mind that helmets will not protect wearers from shots to the face unless a ballistic mask is equipped.