How the heck do you survive Escape from Tarkov night raids? Get through the darkest nights with our guide.
You are diving into a night raid. The silence is almost too much, broken only by the occasional distant gunshot or a Scav cursing in the shadows. You take a deep breath and strap on your night vision goggles, feeling your heart race as you scan for any movement.
When night hits in Tarkov, everything changes, and even the most careful players need to watch their step. But what if you could turn that darkness to your advantage?
This Escape from Tarkov night raids guide will help you get into those fearless nights, share some handy tips, and figure out how to make the pitch-black vibe of Tarkov your secret weapon.
Why Raid at Night in Tarkov?
Nighttime in EFT has a whole different vibe compared to daytime raids. The dark can really change things up, giving you some perks but also throwing in a bunch of challenges that can totally shift how you play the game.
The main draw of night raids is stealth. The cover of darkness makes it much harder for enemies to spot you. Even experienced snipers can struggle to see targets at long range, and without thermal optics, PMCs in the brush are almost invisible. This stealth advantage means you can move more freely, avoid long-range engagements, and even lose pursuers in dense areas.
However, darkness is a double-edged sword. It can be harder for you to spot threats as well, especially PMCs who are moving slowly and using sound to track their surroundings.
With the right prep and tactics, you can overcome these challenges and thrive in the shadows.
Also Read: What is a Scav in EFT? How to Distinguish Scavs from PMCs
Essential Gear for Escape from Tarkov Night Raids
Also Read: Top 10 Best Headsets in Tarkov – Top-tier Sound Detection
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)
Night raids almost demand the use of NVGs. While you can technically manage without them, certain areas of the map are pitch black, making navigation nearly impossible.
1. PNV-10Ts and Armasight N-15
These are the most affordable NVGs in Tarkov. They provide basic light amplification and work well for close-range movement. However, they’re grainy, and spotting targets at medium or long distances can be difficult.
2. PVS-14 Monocular
With improved image quality, this option gives you a clearer view but limits your vision to one eye. While the realism of adjusting to bright areas is immersive, it can be disorienting for some players.
3. GP-NVGs
The best NVGs in Tarkov. These offer sharp images and a wide field of view, making them perfect for players who want a tactical edge. The only downside? Their high price.
Flashlights
Even with NVGs, a flashlight can be invaluable. Certain areas, like the second floor of Shoreline’s West Wing, have bright work lights that render NVGs useless. In these situations, switching off your NVGs and using a flashlight allows you to regain vision.
Flashlights are also useful in combat. When pushing an enemy, especially one using NVGs, a flashlight can temporarily blind them, giving you a critical advantage.
Movement and Strategies
Night raids require a slower, more deliberate approach than daytime runs.
Outdoor Movement
Use the shadows to your advantage. Stick to low ground, like trenches or valleys, to avoid silhouetting yourself against the horizon. Moonlight can illuminate open areas, but these spots make you vulnerable. Instead, move along dark, covered paths to stay concealed.
Indoor Strategy
Inside buildings, sound becomes your greatest ally. Stop often to listen for footsteps or movement. Night raids are typically quieter, so even faint sounds can alert you to nearby threats. Move slowly and avoid sprinting unless absolutely necessary.
Combat Tips
Engaging enemies in night raids is different. Players often move cautiously, making audio cues critical. Use suppressed weapons to maintain stealth and avoid alerting others in the area. If you suspect an enemy nearby, wait and let them make the first mistake.
Dealing with Cultists
Cultists are a unique and terrifying threat in Tarkov’s night raids. They’re deadly, stealthy, and can ruin your raid if you’re unprepared.
Cultists are silent, even when sprinting, making them almost impossible to detect through sound. They’ll often lie in wait, hidden in bushes or grass, until you get close. Once engaged, they use poison knives or high-powered rifles with laser accuracy.
Cultists appear on Woods, Shoreline, Customs, and Factory during night raids. Learn their spawn locations and avoid them if you’re not ready for a fight. On Shoreline, for example, they spawn near the resort and the swamp areas, while on Woods, they’re often near the marked circles.
If you must engage, long-range combat is the safest. Use a thermal scope to spot them from a distance, take out one, and wait for the rest to lose interest before picking them off one by one. Alternatively, the “door method” can work in indoor areas like Shoreline’s resort. After killing one, retreat into a room and cover the doorway, eliminating them as they approach.
Maximizing Night Raid Success
Also Read: How to Die Less in EFT: 4 Strategies to Stay Alive Longer
Escape From Tarkov night raids offer unique opportunities for profit and progress if approached correctly.
Looting in Peace
Because night raids attract fewer PMCs, you’ll often find areas unlooted. Use this chance to hit high-value locations or complete tasks without interference.
Tasks and Quests
Nighttime is perfect for tasks requiring stealth or navigation through high-traffic areas. Whether you’re planting items, marking locations, or finding key loot, night raids allow you to focus without constant engagements.
Avoiding Risks
Know when to avoid conflict. If you’re completing a task, steer clear of PvP hotspots or suspected cultist spawn points. Escaping with your loot and progress is more valuable than a risky firefight.
Conclusion
Night raids in Escape From Tarkov are super exciting and really test your tactical skills. If you’ve got the right gear, know the map layouts, and play it smart, the darkness can actually work in your favor.
So, embrace the shadows, move strategically, and watch as your night raids become some of the most rewarding and memorable moments in Tarkov.
But if you want to be 100% sure you make the most out of those night raids, the ESP tool from our EFT hack is your best friend. So make sure you go check it out.
