[2025 Latest Edition]Escape from Tarkov TOP 3 early stage tasks that 100% of beginners stumble on | Full coverage of cause analysis, detailed countermeasures, and fastest clearing procedure

Escape from Tarkov, commonly known as Tarkov, continues to fascinate players around the world as an extremely realistic survival FPS. The biggest appeal of this game is that it's not a simple battle royale where you just shoot each other, but the ability to grow your character through resource management, building relationships with traders, and accomplishing a huge number of tasks. Especially early tasks are a top priority for beginners, as they lead to leveling up traders, expanding hideouts, and unlocking powerful weapons and ammunition. However, Tarkov raids are full of unpredictable PvP and AI Scav threats, and there are tasks that are almost always a stumbling block for beginners.

In this article, based on the latest patch (compatible with updates after 0.15), we will thoroughly explain the top 3 early-game tasks that beginners have the most trouble with, in a ranking format. We will dig deeper into the cause and describe specific countermeasures and the fastest clearing procedure step-by-step. It covers equipment examples, route map points, and ways to avoid failure patterns. By reading this, anyone can clear it smoothly. The time required can be reduced to about 1-5 raids per task. Don't rush, let's tackle them one by one.

Why do beginners have trouble with Tarkov's early tasks? Common causes and overall countermeasures

Tarkov's early tasks can be ordered at around level 10, but there are common pitfalls such as the following.

1. There is a need to pass through a battleground. Item collection and kills under certain conditions will occur at hotspots on popular maps (e.g. Customs' dormitory, Woods' USEC camp). The player density is high, and the survival rate for beginners is extremely low.
2. There is a strong luck element. The item drop rate is low (less than 1% rare items such as flash drives), and dozens of raids become a swamp.
3. There are high technical demands. Close-range precision shooting and stealth movement are required, and your inexperience with AIM and positioning will be exposed.
4. There is a fear of equipment loss. If you challenge with expensive equipment, there is a high risk of total loss, and psychological pressure will lead to failure.

The overall measures to be taken are as follows.

• I'll take on the challenge with light equipment, assuming I'm lost. Challenge with a pistol (MP-153 shotgun or PM) + minimal armor (PACA armor). Keep it within 5000 rubles per raid.
• Practice with offline raids. Increase PMC in settings and memorize the map.
• Group play is recommended. Duos/trios spread the risk more than solos.
• We will proceed with hideout priority. Earn experience points and expand at the same time to maximize your rewards.
• Check the latest information. Patches may change tasks (e.g. simplifying Easy Money Part 1).

Based on these, we will announce the ranking. The difficulty level increases from 3rd place onwards.

3rd place: KD Business (Flash Drive Swamp) – The ultimate game of luck, the despair of not being able to deliver even if you pick it up

Task summary

Skier's “What's on the Flash Drive?” task. Obtain and deliver two USB flash drives (Secure Flash Drive) in the raid. The latest version requires two for this task. Carefully select items with a mark (task item icon) for in-raid pickup.

Why do beginners stumble? (Cause analysis)

• It has a low drop rate. It is about 0.5-1% of the total. It rarely appears when searching for jackets/drawers.
• There are many fakes. If the drive you picked up is not marked, it is not eligible for the task. Confirmation of all slots is required.
• The exploration area is at high risk. Custom dormitories (Dorms) and interchanges (OLI/Kiba offices) are the main areas, but it is a fierce battleground for PMC.
• There is psychological damage from multiple deliveries. After clearing the first one, motivation decreases due to repeated raids.

Reward list

item	detail
Experience points	+14,000 XP
Skier intimacy	+0.03
funds	45,000₽ (maximum at Int Center Lv2)
Lifting of the ban	Next task “Shady Business”

Fastest clearing procedure (step by step)

1. Prepare for order (5 minutes).
   Skier level 1 or above, level 8 or above will be accepted.
   Prepare a document case in the hideout (for pouch storage).
2. Perform optimal map selection. Customs (Factory) is recommended. High extraction rate and good search efficiency.
3. Fixed loop route (10-15 minutes per raid).
   In the custom route, spawn → thorough search of dormitory 1F/2F jackets and desks (check marks) → dormitory back drawer, check safe → safety extract (Big Red).
   On the interchange route, OLI office (2nd floor desk), Kiba pre-extraction drawer. Don't forget to check your scabs.
   The Woods/Reserve alternative is a camping tent jacket and extraction camping.
4. Understand the picking gimmick.
   Flash drives hide in quad drawers, safes, duffel bags, and jacket pockets.
   Once you pick it up, immediately check the mark (blue quest icon) in your inventory. If there is no mark, throw it away immediately.
   After getting the first one, store it in the safety pouch and move on to the next raid.
5. Practice efficiency tips.
   In night raids, you are less likely to be seen and have more time to explore.
   Scav run reduces the luck game.
   Flea market purchases are prohibited. Inlay is required.
   The average number of raids required is 10-20. It can be cleared in one day.

Recommended equipment (total of 3000 rubles)

• Weapon: TOZ-106 shotgun (wipe out scabs with shotgun)
• Armor: PACA
• Pouch: Document case 1
• Medic: Surv12K (stops bleeding)

Avoid failure

Minimize drawer search sound (headphones recommended).
If you encounter a PMC, run away immediately. I don't aim for a kill.

If you complete this task, you will gain insight into flash drive luck. Next will lead to Shady Business.

2nd Place: Easy Money Part 1 (Fierce Battle New Construction Hidden Task) – 30 Seconds of Tension Hell

Task summary

Skier's “Easy Money – Part 1”. Obtain 3 “Bison VS Undertaker” posters when ordering, and hide one in Customs' new construction (Scav Base) (installation time: 30 seconds). The latest update has simplified the process so that Woods collection is no longer necessary.

Why do beginners stumble? (Cause analysis)

• New construction is at risk. Reshala boss spring area. PMC/Skav will gather in large numbers.
• Installation animation time is 30 seconds unprotected. It's easy to tell by the sound.
• There is a confusion of old specifications. Since it was collected from Woods USEC camp in the past, I am confused by the old information.
• There is a poster storage gimmick. It cannot be directly pouched and a case is required.

Reward list

item	detail
Experience points	+4,500 XP
funds	35,000₽ (maximum 40,250₽)
Lifting of the ban	New trader “Ref” unlocked

Fastest clearing procedure

1. We will prepare for orders.
   PMC level 10, Skier LL1.
   Equipped with a document case (poster storage).
2. The map is for customs only.
   The spawn location is aimed at the new construction side (southern part).
3. Run the best route.
   Installation location details (1 out of 3 locations is OK).

place	Detailed explanation
New construction 1F central room bed	It's under the bed on the left as you enter. Watch out for scabs.
2F locker	It's on the right at the top of the stairs.
outdoor tent	It is not noticeable around the base.

Example route: Spawn → Stealth along the fence → Infiltrate new construction → Set up → Extract Big Red.

4. Perform execution steps.
   Store the poster in the case.
   Clear the surrounding area (defeat 3-5 Scabs).
   To start installation, press and hold key E for 30 seconds. Use sound-muffling headphones.
   If successful, extract immediately.
5. Practice the tips.
   The time will be late at night to avoid server congestion.
   Place one person on guard for each group.
   If you fail, you can reuse the poster without destroying it (can be purchased at flea market/Skier).
   All you need is 1-3 raids.

Recommended equipment (total 4000 rubles)

• Weapon: MP-153 (close range scavenging)
• Armor: 6B3TM
• Spare: Frag Grenade

Ref unlocking will make the second half easier. Please ignore information from the old Woods specification.

1st place: The Tarkov Shooter Part 3 (25m bolt kill hell) – Final boss of skill and patience

Task summary

Jaeger's “The Tarkov Shooter – Part 3”. Kill 3 PMCs within 25m with a bolt action rifle. The firing interval is long, making it extremely disadvantageous at close range.

Why do beginners stumble?

• There is a bolt slowness. It takes 3-5 seconds to reload, and if you miss you will die instantly.
• There is a 25m limit. Precision AIM is required. Irons are more effective than scopes.
• PMC has priority. Scav is not allowed. Encounter rate is low.
• The position is difficult. It's easy to get caught in an open area.

Reward list

item	detail
Experience points	+10,500 XP
Jaeger intimacy	+0.02
funds	70,000₽ (maximum 80,500₽)
Lifting of the ban	Mosin Parts, .366 TKM AP-M Craft

Fastest clearing procedure

1. Prepare your weapons.
   The most suitable bolt is Mosin Infantry/Obrez (cheap and easy to handle). The bullet is 7N1 (damage 85+).
   Custom is short barrel + iron sight.
2. Make map selection.
   Shoreline is hilly and distance adjustment is easy.
   Customs is around the building.
   Factory has a lot of close combat (for advanced players).
3. Decide the position and route.
   In the Shoreline example, it is a PMC ambush from the eastern hill to the resort. Guide within 25m.
   Stealth approach → 1 shot to head/chest → Immediate cover move.
   Night raids utilize darkness without NVG.
4. Execute.
   1 kill/raid goal. Even if you die, you will collect Mosin.
   Distance measurement is by visual crosshair (practice offline).
5. Practice the tips.
   Bullet selection focuses on penetration. TKM AP instantly kills light armor.
   Stance is stable in crouch/plank.
   I am prepared for a 90% failure rate. There are many examples of clearing in 50 raids.

Recommended equipment (total amount of 8000 rubles)

• Main: Mosin + 7N1 x20
• Second: PM pistol
• Armor: Trooper

If you overcome this barrier, your AIM will improve dramatically. Let's move on to Part 4.

Summary: Completely conquered the early tasks! Tips for long-term success

If you clear the above three tasks, Trader LL2-3 will be unlocked, the Hideout level will advance, and you will be able to move quickly to the middle stage. The common considerations are as follows.

• Focus on one task each day.
• Manage progress by checking logs.
• I will proceed while consulting with my colleagues.
• Don't forget to follow updates.

In Tarkov, the accumulation of failures leads to strength. Don't give up and keep raiding. Let's do our best to aim for Kappa.