Escape From Tarkov is a highly detailed and realistic FPS for the PC. It also has one of the highest learning curves of any game out there. In Escape From Tarkov players will take on the role of a mercenary fighting through raids in the city of Tarkov. The goal of each raid is to grab as much loot as possible and then head to the various exit points throughout each level. If you die within a level, you lose all of your gear (unless you’ve paid for insurance), and you will die, often.
There is no tutorial for the game so any new player will be easily overwhelmed by the massive amount of realism with the weapon, armor, and inventory management inside Escape From Tarkov. Getting started in Escape From Tarkov isn’t as hard as it seems. This guide will provide 5 tips that help bring beginners into Escape From Tarkov more smoothly.
Getting Comfortable With The Controls in Escape From Tarkov
Escape From Tarkov is a serious game, so serious that basic shooter HUDS don’t exist here. Alongside the classic WSAD control scheme, players will need to master their hotkeys and learn to depend on spacial perception while shooting. A player’s most common hotkeys to remember are R for reloading, TAB to access inventory, ALT+T to check ammo, and Shift+T to check the chamber. If you didn’t catch that, there is no ammo amount display on the screen. Players will need to physically check their ammo inside of weapons, this can make a life or death difference if players end up fiddling with controls during a raid.
Utilizing crouch is incredibly important for players to master. C is the basic button for crouching but holding C and using the mouse wheel will adjust the stance of the crouch by tiny increments. This will allow a player to specify just how much they peek from around cover and could turn the tide in firefights. Q and E are also important as they will allow a player to lean out of cover just slightly and give positioning advantages. Players can even use ALT to hold their breath to steady an aim or even keep the noise down.
Building Your First Loadout in Escape From Tarkov
Before any raid in Escape from Tarkov, players will get to choose their loadout. It’s important to utilize the storage container as these items will not disappear in the event of player death. Pistols and full magazines are essential to survival for the first couple of raids. Magazines MUST be placed inside of a vest or pant pockets to be utilized in fast reloads.
Be sure to equip a vest and a backpack to carry any loot you find along your path. As far as armor goes, anything available to you in the early stages will do. Be sure to check the flea market often and try to score some better gear for a lower cost than the in-game shops. Also, if you have any, medkits and bandages should be a priority.
Playing Offline in Escape From Tarkov
This may seem like an obvious idea, but many players don’t realize the potential in playing off-line mode. Setting this mode will put you inside of raids with only AI-controlled bots. Gear will not be lost in the event of death, but anything looted will not be taken outside of the raid. It is still an important way to practice the controls and get comfortable with your weapon loadouts.
Looting Inside of Escape From Tarkov
The importance of a backpack cannot be overstated in Escape From Tarkov. Looting plays a pivotal role in the game. Not only is this the main way to acquire better weapons and gear, but items can also be utilized for trading inside of shops. Green chests that are littered around the raids can contain some decent military gear but the more lucrative stuff can be found on the bodies of your victims. Be aware, while looting you will be a sitting duck for sneaky players creeping up behind you.
Extraction Points in Escape From Tarkov
At the end of any raid, you will have to find the extraction point. Some exits are obviously open while others require you to find a special key or activate a switch within the level. Finding the exit first is a great way to make a proper loot run of Escape From Tarkov. Knowledge of the exit makes running back into the raid easier and gives players a better chance to loot and run.
In the end, practice and discipline will win out over brute force in a game like Escape From Tarkov. Learning the different maps and knowing your escape routes will help you be successful in the game. The most important thing though is to not get discouraged, keep pushing and eventually you will score some solid loot and well-earned experience.
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Escape From Tarkov is available on PC.
