Did you just pick up the game? Welcome to Tarkov! I'm sure you're aware by now that EFT is a hard and challenging game and you will likely struggle with the overwhelming mechanics and unique systems – but fear not, I'm here to help.
The basics and some first objectives
SETTINGS
For starters, we'll keep it simple and look at some settings. Tarkov is becoming a more and more demanding game with each wipe, but there are some tricks to make it more playable.
First of all, assuming you have an SSD – Tarkov should ALWAYS be installed on it. It helps with performance greatly.
GAME SETTINGS
Automatic RAM cleaner and Only use physical cores are entirely dependant on your system. There is no clear answer here. Play around with both settings and see what's best for you. Personally I keep Automatic RAM cleaner ON and Only use physical cores OFF.
My main system specifications are as following:
- Ryzen 7 5800x3D
- NVIDIA RTX 3070
- 16GB DDR4 3200Mhz RAM
Now these following settings are mostly based on personal preference, but I'll mention what I personally use and why.
Quick Slots – Always shown
This does exactly what it says. It essentially shows you you're inventory hotbar and what items you have bound to your number keys. This makes it easier to keep track on what healing you have left and what you have depleted without having to go into your inventory.
Stamina and stance – Always shown
There is no reason to hide these. It showcases your main stamina, arm stamina, stance and the speed at which your PMC moves.
Health condition – Always shown
Should speak for yourself. Allows you to quickly check your health situation without going into the health tab in the inventory.
Alternatively you can turn all three of these settings into the Autohide mode. What this does, it that the game hides these HUD elements when it sees fit. However, in my experience there has been more moments where I've wished it was there rather than wishing it was not.
Field of view (FOV)
This also comes down to personal preference. I'd recommend trying some different configurations and seeing what's best for you. Most players use an FOV between 60-75.
GRAPHICS SETTINGS
Unfortunately this sub-reddit doesn't allow me to put photos, so I'll go through them manually.
Screen resolution and Aspect ratio
Use whatever your monitor supports. For most people, native is ideal – but there are some higher level players that use a stretched resolution for PvP purposes (4:3).
Screen mode
This should ALWAYS be set to full-screen unless you have another reason not to do so.
VSync
This too should ALWAYS be turned off, unless you have another reason to turn it on.
This next part of the graphical settings I will simply put the settings that I suggest for most players, despite your system.
Texture quality: Medium or low
Shadows quality: Low
Object LOD Quality: 2.5
Overall visibility: 1500
Anti-aliasing: Off
Resampling: 1x off
Nvidia DLSS: Off (in it's current state)
AMD FSR 1.0 and 2.1: Off (in it's current state)
HBAO and SSR: Off
Anisotropic filtering: Per texture
NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency: On + Boost OR On
Sharpness: 0
High-Quality color: Off
Z-Blur: Off
Chrom. aberrations: Off
Noise: Off
Grass shadows: Off
Mip Streaming: Off
POSTFX SETTINGS
I recommend keeping this the PostFX turned OFF at all times. It affects your performance enough for it to not be worth it. The only exceptions would be certain settings for NVGs etc. Simply use NVIDIAs' or AMDs' colour settings to adjust how the game looks.
If you wish to use PostFX anyway, I'd recommend to look at some gameplay through Twitch or YouTube, find a look that you like and copying the settings.
SOUND SETTINGS
The sound levels are entirely based on personal preference, but there is a setting here that we are going to look at.
Binaural audio
This should be turned OFF. As of patch , this setting is still completely broken and absolutely obliterates your performance and causes your game to stutter. BSG has promised to fix this in the future, but for now – keep it turned OFF.
CONTROLS
These are entirely based on your own personal preference. However, if I were you I would give ADS (Press) a try over ADS (Hold). I use hold in all FPS games except for Tarkov. Try it, I promise!
Another change I personally would recommend is binding Switch between sights and Change scope magnification to your mouse buttons for easier access. By default it can be very finnicky to utilize these mechanics, but they are so important.
There are some tricks you could do here, for example binding your key bind for heavy bleeds and regular heals to the same button, but I won't go into that in this guide.
SOME GENERAL TIPS
- The wiki is your friend. This is the easiest way to research quests, find out if items are worth keeping, etc. USE IT!
- Always have a map on your second monitor or phone. I cannot stress this enough. If you're new, it's easy to get lost. I use to use a map for the first ~100 hours I put into this game. I still use them whenever a new map releases. I'd recommend using MapGenie or the Wiki.
- Be persistent. You are going to die. A lot. You will lose, lose and lose. The key to mastering Tarkov is pushing through, sticking with it and learning as you progress. Too many players give up on the game or deem it "too hard", too early.
- Overcome gear-fear. This is the biggest thief in all of Tarkov. Don't get attached to your gear. What use does it have taking space in your stash? Either sell it, or use it. The better gear you're using – the better your chances of survival are. Besides, it's fun! 🙂
- Play solo. Playing with a team can be some of the most fun playstyles in Tarkov. But if you truly want to improve, you have to play solo as well. This way you cannot rely on your teammates to kill other PMCs for you, bring out your gear etc. Don't get me wrong, playing with a friend can help – especially for learning maps and quests – but don't hesitate to play solo as well. That way you will experience true loss, and improve from your own mistakes.
- Learn at least the fundamentals of all the maps. Some people will recommend a map like Customs or Woods for beginners, but from my own experience – switch it up! Play whatever you feel like playing, and build up your knowledge of the game.
- Utilize your scav. Early on this is an easy way to get "free" raids where you can learn maps or get some easy money.
- Take breaks. Had a bad couple of raids? Take a break. Go for a walk, talk to your family or play a different game. Reset that mindset and come back fresh.
- Checkmarks on items means FIR (found-in-raid). Found-in-raid symbolizes that the item has been found in a raid and it was extracted with. Items that are crafted in the hideout also count as FIR. Usually, items are required to be FIR for quests. In order to sell items on the flea market they are also required to be FIR.
- Don't get hung up on rouble count. Money can always be made, it comes and it goes.
- Bind your healing items to your number keys. Any healing item in your rig or your pockets can be bound to a number key for easy access. This also works for grenades, flares, food and some special items.
- Take advantage of night-time raids. Having a hard time completing a certain quest? Try doing it in night-time! They're usually far more quiet and chances are you'll complete the quest first try. This is also a good way to make money.
- Stack bags in bags. It is the best way to store your backpacks without taking up too much stash space.
- Upgrade your hideout when possible. This is very important. Gives you better stats, allows you to craft items, ammo, quest items and more!
- Have "fun"! Play the game the way you want to and enjoy it.
THE SECURE CONTAINER
There a couple of different ones. The Alpha, Beta, Epsilon, Gamma and Kappa. They differ in size from a 2×2 to a 4×3 (left to right).
The secure container can be found at the bottom of your PMCs inventory. These slots are the only ones that aren't lost on death. You can either bring items with you into a raid through these slots or put valuable loot inside of it to ensure that you keep them – even if you die. Keep in mind that the items will lose their found-in-raid status upon death.
It is a good idea to bring some items with you in raid through this container. Some good examples are:
- Keys, often put into a key tool, documents case, SICC case or similar.
- Spare ammo for your gun.
- Surgery kits and a splint.
- Painkillers such as the Vaseline.
FIRST OBJECTIVES
- Unlock Jaeger as soon as you can by completing the quest from Mechanic called Introduction.
- Get to level 15 and unlock the Flea Market.
- Level up your traders to LL2 by completing the first couple of quests.
Health system
The health system in Tarkov can seem intimidating at first, but it's fairly easy to get the hang off.
THE BASICS
Every limb in Tarkov has it's own share of health points. Whenever it hits zero your limb will turn black and you will have to perform surgery on it in order for it to work properly again. More often that not, a black thorax or head will almost always mean immediate death.
There are a couple of different ways your character can get hurt in Tarkov.
Heavy bleeds
Symbolized by a dark red icon with blood. The heavy bleed effect will deplete your health at a significant rate. It is recommended to heal this whenever you are given the time to. If you don't you might find yourself losing limbs or even dying.
Light bleeds
Symbolized by a light red icon with blood. Similar to the heavy bleed effect this will deplete your health, but this time at a slower rate. These aren't as urgent to get on top of, but of course – you should heal them whenever you can.
Fractures
Symbolized by a broken bone in red and white color. This can happen to both your arms and your legs. These works similar to them being completely blacked out, but it's a lot easier to heal. A broken arm will lead to you having greater sway when aiming down sights and a blacked leg will cause you to limp and take damage whenever you run. A broken leg is far more dangerous than a broken arm since it affects your ability to move. A fracture will also bring your PMC pain.
Pain
Exactly what it sounds like. This doesn't actually damage your character but it makes your vision blurry and can often affect your effectiveness in combat.
THE HEALING ITEMS
I will put some of these into the same categories since they do the same thing.
Bandages
There are two variations. The single-use white ones and the green ones with two uses. These heal your light bleeds, nothing less, nothing more.
CALOK-B Hemostat, Esmarch and Cat Tourniquet
These heal your heavy bleeds, nothing less, nothing more. Both the Esmarch and the Cat Tourniquet are single-use items. The CALOK-B Hemostat has three uses.
AI-2
Also known as cheese or cheddar in the community. This gives you health points. One hundred of them. Nothing less, nothing more.
Salewa, IFAK, AFAK
Similar to the AI-2 these items have health points that you can use to heal all of your limb's respective health pools. However, unlike the AI-2 these can also be used to heal heavy- and light bleeds. It is not recommended to heal your heavy bleeds through these unless you are forced to do so, since it depletes a large portion of the items health points.
Splints
There are two variations. The normal splint which is single-use and the aluminium splint which has five uses. These heal fractures.
The grizzly
The med-kit of all med-kits. This has 1800 uses and can heal HP, light- and heavy bleeds and fractures. They are 2×2 though so they can often be too bulky. They're also rather expensive.
Surgical kits
There are two variations. The 3×1 Surv-15 which has 15 uses and the 2×1 CMS kit that has 5 uses. They allow you to heal your blacked out limbs. The surgery kit can also heal fractures. Keep in mind that these take a long time to use and should only be used when in a safe space. You cannot heal a black thorax or head, it is advised to extract ASAP if they're blacked for whatever reason.
Painkillers
There are a lot of these. The ones most used are the Analgin painkillers, Vaseline, Ibuprofen and the Golden star.
These make you resistant to pain and also allows you to move, despite having a blacked leg (you will take damage though). Painkillers can be used to delay the need to heal certain effects such as a fracture. It is often a good idea to pop one of these if you expect to get into a fight.
Stims
There are a lot of these, so I'll just cover the most important ones. Using a stim is the fastest way to heal certain things but also the most expensive.
- Morphine – Painkiller
- Propital – Painkiller and slow regeneration
- ETG – Fast regeneration
- Zagustin – Stops all bleeds
- SJ6 – Improved stamina for a duration of time
- M.U.L.E – Allows you to carry more weight for 10 minutes
Combat
This is a topic I could go on and on about, but I will try my best to keep it simple by giving you some tips to master the fundamentals.
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGHTS AND KIT
Are you using an SMG or a shotgun? Try to keep all of your fights in close-quarters. If you're caught out in a long-range fight – reposition and give yourself the advantage.
Are you using a sniper or a DMR? Play the long-range. Reposition, find different angles and stay on your feet.
The same goes for your strengths. Do you find yourself having better success in long-range encounters. Then play the long-range! I promise you, your survival rate will increase greatly.
DON'T BURST FIRE
If you have experience from other FPS games, you might be tempted to fire your gun in bursts. In Tarkov, this is not ideal. With how the recoil works, this is actually worse than just mag-dumping or simply tapping. Do. Not. Burst. Fire.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HORRIBLE NET-CODE IN CQB
Has there been times where you've been killed and you're sat there asking yourself – how? How did he see me? How did I not see him before he killed me? Well, the simple answer is a lot of times just the games terrible net-code. However, there are ways for you to minimize the ways you are on the receiving end of this.
Peeker's advantage
Being the first man to peek gives a huge advantage in Tarkov. It's stupid, yes – but if you want to succeed in CQB, it is essential to utilize it. Whenever you can, be the one swinging. If you can't, try to pre-fire the player peeking you to counteract this.
I also want to add that right-hand peeks are far superior to left-hand peeks. The difference is ridiculously big. Try to always be the player that has the right-hand whenever you can, in order to put yourself at an advantage. When you peek around a corner through a right-hand peek – you will be able to see the enemy faster, acquire a target more quickly, expose less of your body, and give the enemy less time to engage you.
Here is a link to the wiki page that showcases the differences:
POINT-FIRING
In most FPS games, hip-firing means that you sacrifice accuracy greatly. However, this is not the case for Tarkov. When in CQB, you should almost always point-fire when in the open. It allows you to stay mobile when necessary and the recoil is, arguably ,easier to control.
If you have the shooting range unlocked in the hide-out, pick out a gun and try point-firing at different targets to get the feel of it down.
EXTRA TIP: Tactical devices (lights and lasers) actually improves your accuracy when point-firing. Crazy right?
STAY UNPREDICTABLE
One of the biggest benefits you can give yourself in combat is to stay unpredictable. Don't peek the same angle. Reposition when the opportunity is there. Keeping you enemy guessing on your where-abouts and where you'll engage from next is the key to winning fights in Tarkov, especially when you find yourself in long-range engagements.
UTILIZE AUDIO
Almost everything in this game makes a sound. Even when entering your inventory or loading your mags. Sometimes, these moments can be the perfect moment to take those risks and fight.
One of the best moments to push is when someone stops to heal for a second or when they pull the pin on a grenade. They will have their gun down, giving you the advantage (most times haha).
EXTRA TIP: You can cancel the healing animations, even when performing surgery. Simply left-click two times and you'll be right out.
USE GRENADES
Continuing on the topic of grenades, they are some of the best pieces of utility in combat. They can be use to flush the enemy out of a room or force them to re-position. You can also use them to push down hallways that you know an enemy is holding. Most players will simply run the opposite direction when they hear a grenade bouncing near them, giving you the perfect opportunity to close that distance.
EXTRA TIP: Bait your enemy by pulling a grenade or starting the healing animation. For example: Pull out a grenade, and then quickly put it away. This may make the opponent push you, expecting to catch you with your pants down.
LEARN CALL-OUTS
If you play with a group this is essential for communication. There are a couple of universal ones, you'll learn these as you go. Some maps also put names on buildings etc. that you can use.
FIGHTING SQUADS AS A SOLO
As a beginner, you should avoid fighting squads whenever you can. If you have the opportunity, avoid an engagement. If you are forced to fight – there are a couple of things you should now.
- Position yourself in a good way to gain an advantage
- Isolate 1v1s
- Reposition when possible
- Don't get overwhelmed
- Take initiative – don't let them force you into a bad position
- Use VOIP! Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can avoid the fight entirely by talking to them. Be careful who you trust though. Follow your gut.
- Don't be afraid to leave. Let's say you kill 2/4 PMCs. If the opportunity arises, you can always disengage. Prioritize survival.
- There is ALWAYS ONE MORE. Did you kill 4 people? It's a 5-man. Did you kill a duo? It's a 3-man. Always be in this mindset and play accordingly. I cannot stress this enough.
USE YOUTUBE TO FIND GUN BUILDS
Of course, you should experiment with the gun-building in this game, it's one of the main features. But if you want something solid for different situations. Look it up! I recommend J Dog th3 Wise for some really good builds.
AI
There is a range of different AI in this game and they should be respected. A scav might seem weak, but there are times where they will kill you head-eyes when you least expect it.
Scavs
The native population of Tarkov. They have distinct voice-lines and often wear odd clothing and gear. They're often easy to kill, but don't underestimate them. You'll encounter them almost every raid.
Raiders
Essentially more advanced scavs. They have better loot, more health, they're more dangerous and have less places to spawn. They can be found on Labs and on Reserve in the bunker as well as at the train station. They should be treated with great respect and you should never engage them head-on. Try to make them push into your sights, or take slow right hand peeks. Don't repeek the same angle though.
Rogues
Can only be found on Lighthouse at the water treatment plant. They are displayed as rogue USECs and they can be identified by their English voice-lines. They are very dangerous and WILL KILL YOU from great distances if you are not careful. Deal with them from range or like how you'd deal with raiders if you're in CQC since they are very similar.
Scav Bosses
Tarkov has a range of different bosses, roaming on different maps. I won't go into each one, but engage them with great caution. They have a lot of health, aim-bot-like aim and good gear. Some of them even have guards in form of raiders. Fight them, if you dare.
Cultists
A strange and mysterious group of people that can only be found at night-time on certain maps. Their spawn chance is also extremely low. Chances are, you'll never even find them unless you're looking for them. They hide out in bushes and their footsteps are completely quiet. If you don't get stabbed by their poisonous knives then you'll likely fall victim of their aim-bot-like aim. Good luck killing them.
The goons
Essentially Rogue bosses. There are three of them, Knight, Big Pipe and Birdeye. They rotate maps and have a low spawn chance. They're extremely dangerous and you'll more than likely fall victim to them unless you are a very experienced player.
THE GUN DOES NOT MATTER IF YOUR AMMO IS BAD
Using the right ammunition is far more important than having a good gun. A 300k M4 will still suck if it has bad ammo in it. A 50k broken AK will be far better if it has good ammunition. I'd recommend using this chart to help you choose the right ammo for your gun.
I hope this guide has helped you in one way or another, thank you so much for reading!
This is my first time creating anything like this, so constructive criticism would be appreciated. If you are an experienced player and feel like I've missed out on some important piece of information – let me know!
Thank you!
// Zadexz
