Gear fear in Tarkov is what every player deals with, no matter how good they are. So let’s find out how to get rid of it quickly.
It all started when I realized that losing my gear is not just a chance, but it was bound to happen. That anxiety made every raid feel like a risky gamble I wasn’t ready for.
My stash ended up overflowing with gear I never used because I was too scared to take it out. I figured out that hiding from the fear only made it worse. Eventually, I learned to tackle it by facing it head-on instead of avoiding it.
Are you having a tough time with gear fear in Tarkov? Through this guide, we’ll know why it happens, how it affects your game, and most importantly, how to get past it.
What is Gear Fear in Tarkov?
Gear fear in Tarkov is simply the fear of losing your gear. Regardless of how many hours you’ve invested in the game, this fear has likely affected you at some point. It started from a lack of confidence.
I lacked confidence in my aiming skills, map knowledge, and decision-making under pressure. This insecurity caused me to hesitate and second-guess myself, ironically resulting in more deaths. What I realized is that gear fear often stems from seeing your items as irreplaceable tools.
We all know it’s in our nature to appreciate tools since they’ve helped us survive over time. But in Tarkov, letting that mindset take over can actually hold you back the longer you stick with it.
Here are six (6) tips or strategies I’ve compiled for you to beat gear fear in Tarkov.
1. Starting with Small Gear
One of the first steps I took to tackle gear fear in Tarkov was starting small. When I was new, I avoided high-tier gear and focused on learning the maps and mechanics with cheap kits.
For example, I’d grab a budget AK and some low-tier armor, then run offline raids to familiarize myself with the terrain. When I felt ready, I switched to live raids, sticking to scav runs or lower-risk PMC kits.
The key here is to play within your comfort zone while slowly pushing your limits. Over time, you’ll realize that gear is replaceable. The knowledge and skills you gain from practice are what truly matter. Here are the best budget loadouts in Tarkov.
2. Insurance and Gear Management
Insurance fraud was a game-changer for me. If you’re not familiar, it’s when you ditch your insured gear in a hidden spot and take someone else’s loot.
For example, if I killed a player with a decent M4 and I had an insured M4 of my own, I’d toss mine and take theirs. This strategy made me feel like I had a “free” loadout.
Insurance fraud is not only about saving money, it’s also about creating a mental safety net. Knowing I had a good chance of getting my gear back reduced my anxiety and let me focus on playing better.
3. Loss as a Learning Tool
The biggest breakthrough for me came when I shifted my mindset about losing gear. Instead of dreading it, I started seeing it as part of the learning process.
I remember one raid where I brought my prized AKS into battle. I lost it, but that run taught me more about positioning and map awareness than hours of playing it safe ever did. When you embrace the idea that losing gear is inevitable, it becomes less stressful.
Every death is a lesson in EFT. The goal isn’t to avoid dying—it’s to make every death meaningful.
4. Playing Aggressively
One of the best ways to conquer gear fear in Tarkov is to dive headfirst. At one point, I forced myself to run my best gear loadouts in back-to-back raids. Yes, it was nerve-wracking, but it also taught me something crucial. Gear doesn’t win fights, game sense and skill do.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve taken down fully-geared players with a budget kit. The thrill of using a PACA vest and a basic rifle to outplay someone in high-tier armor is unmatched.
The more you put yourself in these situations, the more you realize that the gear you’re so afraid to lose isn’t what defines your success.
5. Stash Hoarding Habit
One mistake I made early on was hoarding gear in my stash. I kept telling myself, “I’ll use it when I really need it.” The problem? That “perfect moment” never came. Meanwhile, other players were using their good kits, improving their skills, and gaining an edge.
You have high-tier gear sitting in your stash? Use it. Because the longer you wait, the less valuable it becomes. Early in a wipe, a Zabralo armor is great. But weeks later, when everyone else has better gear, it’s just another item. Don’t let your stash collect dust.
If you want to learn how to manage your stash in Tarkov then we have a full guide for you.
Every piece of gear is meant to be used, not stored.
6. Pixels Are Just Pixels
Here’s a harsh truth that helped me break free: your gear is just pixels. Collecting and using gear is fun, but it doesn’t define your success. I used to let losing gear ruin my mood, but once I realized how trivial that was, everything changed.
Would you let a few pixels control your emotions in any other context? The sooner you accept that gear is temporary, the more you’ll enjoy the game.
Conclusion
Beating gear fear in Tarkov is not about avoiding loss, it’s about embracing it. From starting small and mastering insurance to breaking stash hoarding habits and shifting your mindset, every step you take brings you closer to freedom.
The goal isn’t to hoard gear, it’s to use it, learn from it, and improve. So now, get out there, take risks, and enjoy Tarkov to its fullest!
But if you want to make sure you get home safe with not just your loadout and gear, but the best loot in every raid, our Tarkov Cheat will be your best partner. So go check it out!
