Escape from Tarkov has finally reached Version 1.0, and with its global Steam launch, the largest wave of new players in the game’s history is flooding into Tarkov. If you’re one of them—welcome. You’re about to enter one of the most intense, punishing, and rewarding shooters ever made.
To ease that notoriously painful early-game experience, Battlestate Games has introduced massive onboarding improvements:
✔ A fully voiced tutorial
✔ A narrative campaign with branching storylines
✔ A final escape mission on the new Terminal map
✔ A rebalanced early-game economy
✔ More forgiving—but still deadly—AI behavior
This guide breaks down everything you need to begin your Tarkov journey with confidence instead of confusion.
🧭 Your First Raids: The Optimal New Player Roadmap
1. Complete the New Tutorial (Non-Negotiable)
The new tutorial is the single best onboarding tool Tarkov has ever had. It teaches:
-
Basic movement
-
How gun stamina works
-
Looting containers
-
Ammo types & armor penetration basics
-
Extraction mechanics
-
Healing, bleeding, and fracture management
Skipping this is the #1 mistake new players make.
2. Use Your Scav to Build Your Early Wealth
Your Scav is your most valuable tool early on. Zero risk. Free gear. Free money.
Use Scav runs to:
-
Learn maps without fear
-
Build your starting stash
-
Sell loot for fast roubles
-
Practice AI fighting
-
Practice positioning and audio awareness
Pro Tip: Scav runs on Interchange and Shoreline often yield massive loot because PMCs don’t fully clear every store/wing.
3. Start in Offline Mode Before ANY Live Raid
This one step will save you dozens of failed early raids.
Use Offline Mode to learn:
-
Map layouts
-
Spawn locations
-
Extraction points
-
Common loot hotspots
-
Sightlines and ambush zones
Turn on AI to simulate real combat. There is no punishment for dying—so experiment freely.
4. Early-Game Economy: Spend Smart, Not Hard
Money is tight early on—don’t waste it.
Beginner economic rules:
-
ALWAYS insure early PMC gear
-
Sell barter items to the correct traders
-
Don’t buy expensive armor—use what your Scav brings
-
Only bring 1–2 meds to raid (don’t overpack)
-
Extract early and often
What to always pick up early:
-
Screws, Bolts, Nails, Duct Tape
-
CPU Fans, Power Cords, T-Shaped Plugs
-
Bandages, Painkillers, Splints
-
Ammo boxes
-
M870, SKS, small AKs
These sell well AND help with early progression.
🛡️ PvE vs PvP: Which Should You Start With in Tarkov 1.0?
PvE mode is the biggest new-player buff Tarkov has ever added. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | PvE Mode | PvP (Main Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Enemies | AI only | AI + Player PMCs |
| Wipes | No wipes | Mandatory wipes |
| Queue Times | Near instant | Slower, especially post-wipe |
| Cheaters | None | Rare but possible |
| Difficulty | Controlled, predictable | Highest stress, highest stakes |
| Best For | Beginners, casual players, story campaign | Veterans, adrenaline seekers |
Recommended Path
Start in PvE → Learn maps → Transition to PvP when you’re comfortable.
Thousands of new players are switching back and forth between both modes—there is no wrong choice.
🔫 Best Beginner Loadouts & Modding Tips
Meta guns don’t matter early. Control and cost-efficiency do.
Top Beginner Weapons (Cheap + Effective):
-
SKS – great damage, low recoil
-
MP-153 / M870 shotgun – extremely strong up close
-
AK-74N / AKS-74 – easy to mod, cheap parts
-
PP-91 Kedr – low recoil SMG for close quarters
Modding Priorities for Beginners:
-
Muzzle brake (big recoil reduction)
-
Foregrip
-
Ergonomics upgrade
-
Red dot sight
Do NOT spend early roubles on:
✘ Suppressors
✘ High-end scopes
✘ Endgame ammo you can’t afford to stockpile
Ammo Matters More Than Guns
Early wipe rules:
-
Use PS or BT for AKs
-
Use 7.62 PS for SKS
-
Use AP 6.3 for SMGs
A cheap gun + good ammo > expensive gun + bad ammo.
🧟 Understanding AI: Your First Real Enemy
Tarkov’s AI has been reworked for 1.0.
Recent AI Changes (Community Verified):
-
Reduced detection speed
-
Reduced long-range accuracy
-
Slower reaction times
-
Less instant headshot potential
-
Better voice line cues telegraphing aggression
Still True:
AI Scavs and bosses can kill you instantly at close range.
AI Tips for Beginners:
-
Fight at mid-range when possible
-
Use cover more than you think you need
-
AI voice lines often reveal flanks
-
Don’t stand still when reloading—AI punishes static targets
-
If a Scav yells “Chuvak!”—they’ve spotted you
🗺️ Beginner-Friendly Maps (Ranked Easiest to Hardest)
1. Factory (Beginner Friendly but Chaotic)
✔ Small
✔ Easy extractions
✔ Great for combat practice
✘ High PvP density
2. Customs (Best for Learning Core Mechanics)
✔ Good loot progression
✔ Linear layout
✔ Many quests
✔ Predictable AI routes
3. Woods (Safest for New Players)
✔ Open areas
✔ Easy to avoid fights
✔ Stable FPS
✘ Harder to find loot as a beginner
4. Interchange (Loot Heaven, Audio Hell)
✔ High loot density
✔ Great Scav runs
✘ Very dark
✘ Boss routes can be dangerous
🏃 Survival Fundamentals New Players Always Miss
1. Stamina Management = Life Or Death
Running drains aim and recoil control. Fight with full stamina whenever possible.
2. Sound Is 70% of Tarkov
Your footsteps are as loud to enemies as theirs are to you.
3. Never Loot Immediately After a Kill
Players use gunshots to hunt you.
4. Extract Early—Not with a Full Backpack
Survival > loot.
Your stash grows faster that way.
❓ FAQ
Q: Should I start in PvE or PvP?
Start in PvE to learn mechanics. Switch to PvP when you want full Tarkov intensity.
Q: What is the best beginner gun?
The SKS for damage or AK-74 for reliability.
Q: How many maps should I learn at once?
Just one. Most players succeed when they stick to Customs or Woods first.
Q: Should I insure my gear?
YES. Early gear usually returns within 24–48 hours.
Q: What is the best early-game armor?
Any Class 3 chest armor. Don’t buy Class 4+ yet.
🧩 Conclusion: Your First Steps into Tarkov 1.0
Tarkov 1.0 is the most accessible the game has ever been, but it’s still deliberately brutal. Your first 20 raids will feel rough—everyone’s do. What matters is that you’re learning, improving, and extracting more each time.
Survive. Reset. Learn. Extract. Repeat.
You’ve officially begun the most intense FPS journey available today.
Comments
Post a Comment