Escape from Tarkov Beginner Guide: Survive Raids and Make Roubles
Escape from Tarkov is one of the most punishing shooters around: what you bring into a raid, you can lose. The learning curve is steep, but a few habits make the first weeks much less painful — and much more profitable.
Last updated: Beginner guide · Oct 18, 2026 · 2 min read
Learn one map at a time
Every map has different extracts, some of which need keys, items or conditions. Pick one map, study its extracts and main loot spots, and play it until you can navigate without a map. Knowing where to go is the biggest survival advantage for new players.
Gear: don't bring what you can't lose
Gear fear is real, so plan your loadouts:
- Run cheap loadouts while learning, so deaths don't hurt much.
- Ammo matters more than the gun — better ammo penetrates armour.
- Insure your gear for a chance to get it back.
- Use your secure container for the most valuable loot.
- Try scav runs between raids for free loot without risking your gear.
Quests and traders
Traders' quests unlock better items, levels and rewards. Do quests early, as many of them are easier at the start of a wipe when players are less geared. Trader loyalty levels unlock cheaper and better gear.
Make roubles
Sell valuable loot on the Flea Market once you can access it, and to traders when the market isn't worth it. Learn which small items are worth a lot per slot — electronics, valuables and keys often are. The Hideout can produce items passively once upgraded.
Survive more raids
Move slowly, listen for footsteps and avoid running in the open. Treat injuries before moving on, and don't loot bodies the moment you get a kill — others may have heard the shots.
Frequently asked questions
How do I survive more raids in Escape from Tarkov?
Learn one map and its extracts, run cheap loadouts while learning, use good ammo and move carefully.
What is the best way to make roubles?
Do trader quests, sell high-value small items on the Flea Market and upgrade the Hideout for passive income.
What are scav runs?
Raids as a scav with random free gear. You can extract loot without risking your own equipment.