Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore tactical FPS and survival game set in the fictional Norvinsk region of Russia. The core gameplay loop involves loading into raids with your own gear, navigating dangerous maps filled with AI Scavs and other players, collecting valuable loot, and extracting safely to keep everything you've found. If you die, you lose everything you brought in — a punishing but thrilling risk-reward system.
You have two characters: your PMC (main character who levels skills and completes quests) and a Scav (a free character you can play on a cooldown timer with random loadouts). Always use your Scav runs — they're risk-free ways to learn maps and earn money. When starting out, focus on learning one map at a time. Customs is the recommended starter map since many early quests take place there.
The Hideout is your persistent base that you upgrade over time. Investments in the Hideout pay off through passive bonuses — the Bitcoin Farm generates income, the Medstation crafts healing supplies, and the Workbench lets you modify weapons and craft ammunition. The Stash holds all your items between raids. Early on, upgrade your Stash size (if you have the Standard edition) and build essential stations.
Quests from traders (Prapor, Therapist, Skier, Peacekeeper, Mechanic, Ragman, Jaeger) are your primary progression path. Completing quests unlocks better items at lower prices from traders and rewards experience points that level your overall PMC. Accept every quest available and check their requirements before raids — many quests overlap on the same maps, letting you accomplish multiple objectives per run. Insurance through Prapor or Therapist returns gear that wasn't taken by other players, so always insure your loadout.