This guide is dedicated to Tarkov players who still struggle to obtain the max PMC level in the game. We will share useful tips and tricks that will help you get through those starting quests much faster and ultimately get to that max lvl at which point playing as your PMC will become much more comfortable. We understand that in EFT a lot depends on personal luck and random elements, however, you can significantly increase your chances of success by following this guide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Escape from Tarkov, as gamers well know, is absolutely unforgiving and a lot of success comes from luck. Yet, you must have seen players who have their PMCs with extremely high level during the first weeks of the wipe. How do they do that? Well, there are definitely those who are absolutely no-lifing this game, playing it in 12-hour sessions only making toilet brakes or whatever. There are also those who have been playing for so long that they have established their new wipe routine which they follow and it allows them to level much faster. They already know which map they go to in order to find specific items, in which order to do quests, which ones interlap, and so on. These Tarkov players have become so comfortable with their routine and the hardships that Tarkov throws at them that they have managed to speed through those starting levels with ease.
Gamers in general might not have a lot of free time on their hands to play long sessions to just brute-force their way through levels or they might not have some in-depth knowledge about the game and its mechanics to speed up the leveling process, so we’ve decided to make this guide to help you get to that max level fast.
Benefits of Having High Level PMC in Escape From Tarkov
You don’t know how much better it is to have a high-level PMC? Let’s fix that:
- Endurance and Stamina: High-level PMCs can run longer and recover stamina faster, allowing for swift movement across the battlefield.
- Efficient Looting: Advanced Search skills mean quicker looting of bodies and containers, reducing exposure time.
- Better Recoil Control: With improved Recoil Control and Assault Rifle skills, high-level PMCs handle weapon recoil more effectively, leading to accurate sustained fire.
- Faster Reloading: Skills like Magazine Drills decrease reloading time, a crucial advantage in intense firefights.
- Enhanced Hearing and Stealth: Perception and Covert Movement skills boost your ability to detect distant noises and move silently, offering tactical advantages.
- Faster Healing: High-level PMCs recover quicker from injuries, ensuring they’re battle-ready sooner.
- Increased Resilience: Advanced Health and Vitality skills mean less bleeding and better overall health.
- Access to the Flea Market: Unlocked at level 15, this player-driven marketplace offers a vast array of gear and economic opportunities.
- Better Trader Deals: Higher reputation with traders leads to reduced prices, better items, and improved barter deals.
- Quest Progression: Higher levels unlock more complex and rewarding quests, essential for trader progression and game lore.
- Skill Progression: As players perform various actions, their soft skills level up, providing passive bonuses in raids.
Earning XP: The Fundamentals
In Tarkov, your progress is measured by the XP you accumulate. But not all sources of XP are created equal. Some actions will fill your XP bar faster than others, and discerning which ones is crucial.
Combat and Eliminations
Engaging in combat is one of the primary ways to earn XP. The type of enemy and the manner of elimination can influence the XP gained:
- PMCs: Taking down another player yields more XP than eliminating Scavs. The gear and level of the PMC can also influence the XP amount.
- Headshots: Landing a headshot can grant bonus XP.
- Long-distance kills: Eliminating enemies from a distance can offer additional XP, especially if it’s beyond 100 meters.
Looting and Exploration
Tarkov maps are filled with loot, and every item you pick up contributes to your XP:
- High-value items: Certain items, like graphics cards or LEDXs, not only have a high market value but also grant more XP when looted.
- Containers and stashes: Searching containers, crates, and hidden stashes can provide a steady stream of XP.
Survival and Extraction
Making it out of a raid alive multiplies the XP you’ve earned during that raid. It’s not just about the actions you take but ensuring you survive to tell the tale:
- Successful extraction: Extracting from a raid can provide a significant XP bonus based on your activities during the raid.
- the time you need to spend in a raid to get a “Survived” status is 10 minutes. If you extract before the 10-minute mark, even if you successfully leave the raid, you will receive a “Run Through” status, which results in receiving significantly less XP for the actions you performed during that raid.
- It’s worth noting that while the 10-minute rule is a general guideline, there are other factors that can influence whether you get a “Run Through” or “Survived” status, such as the amount of XP you earn during the raid. However, spending at least 10 minutes in the raid is a commonly accepted method to avoid the “Run Through” status.
Quests and Tasks
Quests provided by traders and NPCs are a goldmine for XP:
- Quest completion: Completing quests can offer large XP rewards, especially main storyline quests.
- Task objectives: Even if you don’t complete a quest in one go, achieving specific objectives within a quest can grant incremental XP.
Healing and Maintenance
Post-raid activities also contribute to your XP pool:
- Healing: Using medical items to heal injuries post-raid grants XP.
- Gun maintenance: Repairing and maintaining your weapons can offer small XP gains.
In Tarkov, every action has a purpose, and understanding the XP value of these actions can significantly expedite your leveling journey. Whether you’re in the heat of combat or meticulously planning your next raid, keeping these XP fundamentals in mind can set you on the path to rapid progression.
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The Role of Scavs
You do have the option to enter raids as either their main character (PMC) or as a Scavenger (Scav). Scavs are essentially non-primary characters equipped with random gear, providing a risk-free way to gather loot and experience the game. However, when it comes to leveling up your main character, relying on Scav runs might not be the most efficient strategy.
Why Scav Runs Aren’t Optimal for Leveling:
- No XP Transfer: The most significant drawback is that the XP earned during a Scav run does not transfer to your PMC. While you might have a successful raid, gather loot, and eliminate other players or Scavs, none of the XP gained benefits your main character’s progression.
- Limited Quest Progression: Quests are a major source of XP in Tarkov. When playing as a Scav, you cannot progress in your PMC’s quests, missing out on potential XP rewards and task completions.
- Randomized Loadouts: Scav runs start with randomized gear, which might not always be optimal for combat or the specific objectives you might want to achieve in a raid.
- Cooldown Period: After each Scav run, there’s a cooldown period before you can play as a Scav again. This waiting time could be spent on PMC raids, further progressing and leveling up your main character.
- Missed Skill Progression: As mentioned earlier, Tarkov has various soft skills that level up based on actions performed. Playing as a Scav means missed opportunities to level up these skills for your PMC.
While Scav runs have their purpose, especially for new players learning the ropes or those looking to gather loot without risking their gear, they aren’t the go-to option for players aiming to level up their PMC efficiently.
Choosing Your Playstyle: Aggressive, Safe, or Your Own?
Before diving into the specifics of leveling strategies, it’s essential to address the elephant in the room: What playstyle is the most effective in EFT?
- Aggressive Playstyle: This approach involves actively seeking out engagements, taking risks, and pushing the boundaries of your gameplay. The aggressive playstyle can yield high rewards in terms of XP and loot, especially if you’re skilled in combat. However, it also comes with increased risk, as you’re more likely to encounter other aggressive players or squads.
- Safe Playstyle: A more cautious approach, the safe playstyle focuses on survival. Players adopting this method prioritize staying alive over engagements, often avoiding high-traffic areas and taking their time to loot and move. While this can ensure a higher survival rate, it might result in slower XP gain due to fewer engagements and potentially missed looting opportunities.
- Personalized Playstyle: Every player is unique, and so is their approach to Tarkov. Some might find a balance between aggression and safety, while others might develop niche strategies that suit their strengths. The key is to understand the game mechanics, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and adapt your playstyle accordingly.
While aggressive gameplay can offer faster XP gains and more loot opportunities, it’s not necessarily the best approach for everyone. The most effective playstyle is one that aligns with a player’s skills, knowledge, and comfort level. It’s crucial to find a balance that allows you to progress efficiently while still enjoying the game.
Importance of Being Aggressive
That last section didn’t give you a definite advice did it? That’s fine, like in life, in Tarkov there are more than one right answers. Regardless of your playstyle, I’m going to reccomend to try the aggressive style, and here is why:
Almost all actions in Tarkov grant the player experience. Among these, combat actions such as kills, headshots, and dealing heavy damage are some of the most rewarding in terms of XP. For instance:
- A headshot on a PMC grants a 1.2x multiplier on the base kill XP.
- Killing a Scav offers an additional 1.1x multiplier.
- Engaging in kill streaks can provide bonus XP, with the value increasing for consecutive kills.
Looting is another significant source of XP. When you search a container or body, you gain “Search XP” for every item you discover. Additionally, you earn “Loot XP” for moving an item from a container or the environment onto your PMC. Efficiently looting high-value items and ensuring you search a variety of containers can quickly accumulate XP.
A common challenge for many players is the fear of losing their hard-earned gear, often referred to as “gear fear.” This apprehension can hinder aggressive gameplay, as players might avoid engagements or high-loot areas to minimize risk. However, this cautious approach can slow down progression. Embracing risk, learning from losses, and understanding that gear is replaceable can help players adopt a more aggressive playstyle, leading to faster leveling.
- Prioritize High-Value Items: Always be on the lookout for items with high market value or those required for quests. These items not only provide good loot XP but also bolster your in-game economy.
- Quickly Scan and Move: Time is of the essence in Tarkov. Quickly scan bodies and containers for valuable items and move on. Lingering can make you an easy target.
- Use Secure Containers: Place the most valuable or essential items in your secure container. Even if you don’t survive the raid, these items will be safe.
So, while there are various ways to earn XP, adopting an aggressive playstyle and mastering looting strategies can significantly expedite your leveling process. Remember, while the game has its RNG elements, skill, knowledge, and strategy play a pivotal role in consistent progression.
But do keep in mind that successful extraction, i.e. survival yields XP multiplier. So, don’t go Rambo on me!
Yes, it does seem like this guide is asking a lot from you and it feels overwhelming. But keep playing the game and try to follow these and next tips and you will get better at the game.
The Money-XP Connection
To maximize your XP and in-game wealth, you must adopt a distinct playstyle during the early stages of a Tarkov wipe. Survival and resource accumulation should be your primary focus. By concentrating on these aspects, you can set the foundation for rapid leveling and comfortable gameplay as you progress.
Quests Are the Path
In the pursuit of XP, quests play a central role. While quests may seem secondary to new players who are still learning the game’s mechanics, they are, in fact, an essential source of XP. Some early quests may yield modest XP rewards (ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 XP). However, they serve as stepping stones to mid-game quests that can provide substantial XP gains (ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 XP).
As you progress, you’ll also encounter daily and weekly tasks. These tasks become available at level 5, offering three daily tasks that rotate every 24 hours, and at level 10, a weekly task becomes accessible, rotating on a weekly basis. While these tasks may not yield substantial XP rewards at level 15, it’s advisable to prioritize the main questlines over these tasks to maximize efficiency.
Here’s why quests are essential:
- Structured Progression: Quests offer a structured path through the game, guiding you to explore different maps, complete specific objectives, and interact with various in-game mechanics. This structured progression can help you become familiar with the game’s mechanics and maps while earning XP.
- Consistent XP Rewards: Unlike random encounters or looting, quests provide consistent and predictable XP rewards. This reliability makes them a valuable tool for players looking to level up quickly and efficiently.
- Unlocking New Content: Completing quests often unlocks new traders, items, and gameplay features, expanding your options and enhancing your capabilities in Tarkov.
Tips for Optimizing Quest Completion for Maximum XP
While quests are integral to leveling, optimizing how you approach them can significantly impact your XP gains. Here are some tips for getting the most XP out of your questing experience:
- Prioritize Quest Efficiency: Focus on quests that offer higher XP rewards for the time and effort invested. Some quests might provide relatively low XP compared to the difficulty, so be selective in your choices.
- Complete Quest Chains: Many quests are part of quest chains, and finishing one often leads to the next. Completing these chains efficiently can provide a steady stream of XP as you progress through related tasks.
- Combine Objectives: Whenever possible, try to complete multiple quests or objectives in a single raid. For example, if two quests require you to visit the same location or retrieve similar items, plan your raids to fulfill both requirements simultaneously.
- Minimize Risk: Some quests involve high-risk activities, such as facing heavily armed enemies or entering dangerous areas. While these quests are necessary, consider completing them strategically and minimizing unnecessary risks to maximize survival and XP gain.
Specific Quests with High XP Rewards
In your quest for rapid leveling, some quests offer notably high XP rewards. Here are a few examples:
- “Delivery from the Past” (Prapor): This quest can yield substantial XP for completing its multiple stages. It involves retrieving specific items and safely delivering them to a designated location.
- “Punisher – Part 6” (Prapor): A series of tasks focusing on eliminating PMC opponents. The final task in this series, “Punisher – Part 6,” can provide a significant XP boost for eliminating PMC targets.
- “Shooter Born in Heaven” (Jaeger): This quest challenges your sniper skills by requiring long-range kills on different maps. While it may be challenging, the XP rewards for each successful long-range kill can be substantial.
These quests, among others, can contribute significantly to your XP gain and leveling progress. However, keep in mind that Tarkov’s questing landscape may evolve with updates, so always stay informed about the latest quests and their associated rewards.
Start Trading With Players Through Flea Market
The Flea Market is a pivotal element of post-wipe gameplay in “Escape from Tarkov.” It enables player-to-player item trading with flexible pricing. However, to access this invaluable resource, you must reach PMC level 15. The quickest way to attain this milestone is through successful raid extractions and efficient quest completion. If needed, external services can assist in unlocking the Flea Market.
Should You Insure Your Stuff Before Raid?
Insurance can greatly benefit your progression. You can insure various items, including weapons, body armor, containers, and cases, with a few exceptions. This ensures that if you lose insured items in a raid, they can be reclaimed. Two insurance options are available: Prapor and Therapist. Prapor offers cheaper rates but returns items within 24-36 hours, while Therapist charges 75% more but returns items in 12-24 hours. There’s also the Mechanic’s insurance with his own return times and costs
A cunning tactic in raids is to drop insured items in secluded bushes, making them less likely to be found by other players. However, this method works both ways, as you may also discover items left behind by other players.
The Ideal Gear for Leveling Up
After a wipe, a diverse range of gear options becomes available. Choosing the right gear for your leveling journey is paramount. Here are some top recommendations:
Weapons:
Armor and Backpacks:
While bigger backpacks enable carrying more loot, they increase your visibility to other players. On the other hand aiming at the back of your head will be a problem because of that too, so it’s all give and take. Pick backpack based on how much storage you’d be most comfortable with, while keeping in mind that too much weight will affect your PMCs movement speed and stamina depletion, which in turn can be lethal for you. Another tip is to pick a backpack based on its price.
Headsets for Enhanced Awareness:
Headsets are essential as they enhance your hearing, allowing you to detect important audio cues like footsteps, door openings, and looting sounds while reducing your own noise.
Additional Tips and Tricks
You think we’re done? Hell nah! In your pursuit of fast leveling, there are more things you might want to consider besides specific strategies, the role of quests, and other critical aspects. So, these are additional insights can further enhance your efficiency:
- Player Skill Matters: Beyond any in-game mechanics or strategies, your personal skill and experience as a player are paramount. Practice, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics can significantly accelerate your leveling speed. Engage in regular raids to refine your shooting, navigation, and decision-making skills.
- Map Knowledge: In Tarkov, knowing the maps inside out is invaluable. Familiarity with loot spawns, extraction points, and high-traffic areas can help you navigate efficiently, find valuable items, and avoid dangerous encounters. Use offline mode or explore maps in scav runs to enhance your map knowledge.
- Time Management: Be mindful of your playtime. Long, uninterrupted gaming sessions can lead to fatigue and reduced performance. Consider dividing your gameplay into focused, productive sessions rather than marathon sessions. Shorter, well-planned raids can be more efficient.
- Communication: If you choose to play in a group, effective communication with teammates is crucial. Coordination, callouts, and clear instructions can lead to smoother raids, quicker eliminations, and increased XP gain. A well-coordinated squad can also share resources more efficiently.
- Weapon Modding: Experiment with weapon modifications (mods) to optimize your firearms. Recoil reduction, improved ergonomics, and better sights can enhance your combat effectiveness. However, be mindful of the cost of mods and their impact on your budget.
- Secure Containers: Use your secure container wisely. Valuable items or quest items can be stored in your secure container to ensure they’re not lost upon death. This can be especially useful for securing high-value loot and quest items during raids.
- Analyze Your Raids: After each raid, take a moment to review your performance. Identify what went well and what could have been done better. Learning from your mistakes and successes can lead to continuous improvement and faster progression.
- Utilize Online Resources: The Tarkov community offers numerous online resources, including maps, quest guides, and strategy discussions. Use these resources to your advantage, but remember to cross-reference information for accuracy, as the game’s mechanics may change with updates.
Remember that in Tarkov, leveling up efficiently is not solely about following a specific recipe but rather adapting and honing your skills over time. By combining these additional tips with the strategies outlined in previous sections, you can really make it to the max level before the wipe cycle ends.
Make A Name For Yourself in Tarkov!
And here we are – finally made it to the last portion of this guide. This guide definitely turned up to be way bigger than I anticipated but then again, EFT is not a simple game where all you gotta do is make that one build or loadout and learn how to use it. There are many paths to success and I hope you will find the one for you.
Also, if you do get Tarkov’ed too much there’s always an option to use LFCarry services. LFCarry.com has an entire category of offers, some of which you’ve already seen through out this article. So, if you’re having a particularly bad day in EFT, give our services a go and we’ll get you to where you want to be easy and fast.
I hope this guide helps you in your Tarkov adventures. Stay tuned for more guides and I’ll see you in the next one!
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