[2025 Latest Edition]Escape from Tarkov (Tarkov) Super Complete Beginner's Guide | Thorough explanation of operations, recovery, equipment, money planning, and hideout from the beginning! All basics that lead to 100% survival rate[EFT 1.0 PvE/PvP compatible]

Escape from Tarkov, commonly known as Tarkov, is a monumental survival FPS where you survive grueling raids and take home the spoils. This game's realistic system is appealing, but for beginners, the biggest hurdles are the complexity of the controls and the fear of instant death. In fact, the majority of players repeatedly get wiped out in their first raid, and many become frustrated. However, if you acquire the correct knowledge, your survival rate will dramatically improve. This guide is compatible with the 1.0 version as of 2025, and provides comprehensive explanations from faction selection to advanced recovery techniques. By the time you finish reading it, you will be able to take on raids with confidence.

1. Before starting Tarkov: Master the differences between faction selection, initial settings, and editions.

The first step to start playing Tarkov is to create an account and register a character. Download the launcher from the official website and select your faction after logging in. The main options are BEAR (Russian mercenaries) and USEC (Western mercenaries). BEAR has a high affinity with eastern weapons such as the AK series, and has a tough image that emphasizes durability, but recoil control is difficult and tends to be difficult for beginners. On the other hand, USEC is recommended for players who are not used to Western weapons such as M4 and AUG, as it is easy to use and the recoil is easily reduced. Faction selection can only be changed during a wipe (all reset), so choose carefully.

In actual data, it has been reported that the first week survival rate for those who choose USEC is 1.2 times higher than that for BEAR.

Next, perform the initial settings. To change the language to Japanese, select “Language Settings” from the gear icon in the menu and select Japanese. However, some parts of the UI may remain in English, so we recommend using English as well until you get used to it. Graphics settings should be kept above “Medium” to stabilize FPS, and visibility will be improved by turning off POSTFX. Sound is very important, so turn on 3D sound, which is a must in your headset. The default shortcut is sufficient, but assign quick heal (4-0 keys) to medicines.

Differences in editions cannot be ignored either. The standard edition has a narrow stash capacity of 10 x 28, making it more difficult in the early stages, but it is expandable. On the other hand, Unheard Edition and above are generous at 10×52 or higher, so it's worth buying your time. The expansion method is Hideout's stash module, +10 rows at Lv1, and the materials are rubles and metal scraps. Beginners should start with the minimum standard and aim to open the flea market (Lv15).

If you master these, you can greatly prevent unnecessary deaths. Next, we will move on to the main menu and begin the full-scale preparation.

2. Complete understanding of the main menu and stash: the basics of equipment management

The main menu is the hub of Tarkov. Click “ESCAPE FROM TARKOV” in the center to proceed to the PMC/SCAV selection screen. Open the stash (storehouse) under “Character” on the right, and create a preset on the equipment screen on the left. Manage your stash with drag and drop, rotate with R, filter with Tab, and split with Ctrl+drag. You cannot move items that are over capacity, so always make it a habit to organize them.

The main point on the equipment screen is the pouch (secure container). It is the only insurance that will not be lost upon death, and can be expanded from Alpha (2×2) to Epsilon (2×4, task “The Punisher Part 6” reward). Prioritize storage of expensive loot (LEDX, GP coins) and medicines. SPECIAL SLOTS (for quest items) and armbands (for identification) will also be fixed here. Presets can be created on the workbench (Hideout) and saved for each weapon. As an example, set PPSH-41+7.62x25mm TT LRNPC as the early preset “SKAV Farmer”.

As a measure against stash pressure, we will immediately sell miscellaneous goods to Fence. Maximize profits by allocating medical supplies to Therapist and weapon parts to Prapor. Check the item details in the handbook and identify the Fir item (quest only). With this management technique, you can reduce post-raid confusion to close to zero.

3. Progress efficiently with Task Trader Hideout

Progressing in Tarkov is all about tasks. Orders are accepted from the tab on the trader screen, and the types include subjugation (PMC kill), collection (obtaining items), and reconnaissance (staying in the area). At the beginning, start with Prapor's “Debut” (defeating 5 SCAVs at Ground Zero) and increase your reliability. Products are unlocked by increasing reliability, for example, 5.45×39 PS GZH ammunition at Lv2. Daily tasks (Lv5 open) have good experience gain efficiency, and weekly tasks (Lv15) have generous rewards.

We utilize 9 traders: Prapor (cheap bullets), Therapist (medical supplies), Fence (all purchases, SCAV karma linked), Skier (attachments), Peacekeeper (Western weapons paid in dollars), Mechanic (high tech), Ragman (armor), Jaeger (hunting gear), and Ref (rare items). Selling is 1.2 times the value with a dedicated trader, and it will be even more expensive on the free market (Lv15).

Hideout is a generator priority unlock (fuel magazine lasts 3-5 hours). Automatically generate rubles with Bitcoiner, preset on the workbench, and speed up recovery in the medical room. Craft is ideal for manufacturing fire products, for example, modular fuel tanks extend power generation duration. This loop can shorten the time it takes to reach level 15 by one week.

4. Sortie strategy that takes advantage of the differences between PMC and Scab

The PMC gains experience points/skills with its own equipment and reflects the task, but it is a total loss if it dies. Scav (SCAV) is random equipment (worth 200,000-500,000 rubles on average), has a cooldown of 20 minutes, and can be obtained if you survive. Beginners should use 90% Scab to make money, and 10% to PMC to practice.

Select INTERCHANGE or CUSTOMS as a way to use Scab, check inside the building after spawning, and escape along the wall. Friendly Scabs (F1 line) will not shoot, and PMC/enemy Scabs (irregular movement) will gain karma by actively defeating them. High karma increases Fence reliability and boss drop rate. According to player reports, there are many cases where you can save 1 million rubles by surviving 10 scabs in a row.

PMC gets used to the map in practice mode (offline). Insurance is required and Prapor (24-36 hour return) is recommended. As a strategy, prioritize reconnaissance with light armor (class 3 armor).

5. Essential equipment that determines survival rate: Optimal selection of headset, armor, and pouch

Headsets are the lifeblood of sound. ComTac2 (class 3, gunshot reduction + sound collection) or GSSh-01 (cheap class 2) are standard in the early stages. Ear protection reduces head damage.

Armor is class 3-4: 6B5-15 Zhuk (low movement penalty), BNTI Zhuk-3 (light). Penetration > Class invalidates, meat damage reduces part HP. The helmet is Altyn (class 3 full head protection), but it's heavy, so I'll start with a 6B47 (class 2).

After expanding the pouch, IFAK/AFAK will be on hand. Weapons are ADAR 2-15 (5.56×45 M855A1, moderate recoil) or AK-74N (5.45×39 PS). Ammunition is an early game that focuses on physical damage. Minimizes inertia within a total weight of 40kg.

6. Complete overview of the recovery system: complete coverage of physical strength areas, bleeding, hunger, and pain relief

There are 7 parts of physical strength (head/chest/abdomen/left arm/right arm/left leg/right leg, maximum 110 HP each, total 440 HP). If the head/chest is 0, you will die instantly, and if the legs are 0, you will not be able to run. Thigh meta is effective with damage dispersion (legs 0.7x).

Bleeding is mild (green, gradually decreasing HP) → Aseptic Bandage, severe (red, rapidly decreasing) → Esmarch. Fracture (tremor) → Splint. Painkillers are Analgin (15 minute run) and Morphine (strong). Necrosis (black, 0HP) → CMS/Surv12 (1HP revival, treatment after return).

Hunger/water decreases during raids, and 0 means HP decreases. Bring cheese (cheap full recovery) + water bottle. The composite kits are IFAK (light bleeding + 65 HP) and Grizzly (all support + fractures). Quick use doubles survival rate.

The recovery steps are as follows.

1. Hide in cover.
2. Check the parts using Tab.
3. Uses 4 keys.
4. Muscle recovery after surgery.

7. Basic combat operations: Tips on movement, lean, map utilization, and insurance

Movement is Shift dash (loud stamina consumption), Caps Lock walk (quiet), C crouch, and X prone. Lean (Q/E) reduces bullet damage, Alt+Lean for precision. The map is the escape point by pressing the O key twice.

The map strategies are CUSTOMS (dormitory key route) and WOODS (avoiding the logging area). All equipment is insured and will be returned if not picked up. Instant buff with syringe.

Reload with 1-R (don't drop it) and check the magazine Alt+T.

8. Summary: 5 most important points and next steps that beginners should put into practice immediately

Put the following 5 points into practice immediately.

1. Earn money with Scab and progress with tasks.
2. Secure medicines in pouches.
3. Practice PMC with insurance + light clothing.
4. 1 map thoroughly mastered.
5. Hideout generator will start working immediately.

This will increase the survival rate to over 50%. Next, move on to the intermediate guide. Tarkov is a game where you learn by dying, but with this knowledge you can dramatically reduce unnecessary deaths and enjoy it to the fullest. Let's go to the raid!