Are you always overwhelmed by these cold-blooded killers? Here’s how to kill Cultist bosses in Tarkov easily.
Cultist bosses in Escape from Tarkov are one of the game’s most unpredictable and deadly threats. These silent killers don’t behave like normal AI enemies, they move without making noise, ambush players in the dark, and attack with poisoned blades that can kill in minutes.
Unlike Scavs or Raiders, they won’t respond to grenades or give away their position, making them a nightmare to fight unprepared.
In this guide, let’s get into everything you need to know about killing Cultist bosses in Tarkov. From the best guns and ammo to their spawn locations and behavior, I’ll share my experience hunting these silent killers and you’ll be dominating them in no time.
Also Read: All Bosses in Tarkov and How to Kill Them
Choosing the Right Guns and Ammo
If you’re hunting Cultists, you need to bring out your best guns and strongest ammo. These fights are tough, and low-tier rounds won’t cut it. I highly recommend using 7.62×51 NATO, .338 Lapua, or 7.62x54R rounds for high penetration.
If you prefer something more aggressive, an AS VAL or VSS with SP-6 ammo can shred enemies in close quarters.
I stay away from 5.56 and 5.45 when fighting Cultists because I’ve found them to be unreliable against armored targets. However, 7.62×39 BP is a decent option if you’re running a full-auto weapon.
If you’re feeling risky, you can even try an ASH-12 with PS12B rounds to deal massive damage up close. The key is to use ammo that can break through armor quickly, especially since some Cultist warriors wear Tier 6 Slick or HexGrid armor.
Cultist Health and Armor
When fighting Cultists, it’s crucial to know how much damage they can take.
- Cultist Priest (Boss):
- Total HP: 850
- Head HP: 50
- Thorax HP: 200
- No armor or helmet, meaning headshots are an instant kill.
- Cultist Warriors (Followers):
- Total HP: 850
- Head HP: 50
- Armor: Can range from a Tier 2 PACA to a Tier 6 Slick or Hexgrid
- Some wear shattered masks, but no helmets.
The Cultist Priest is much easier to kill since he doesn’t wear armor. However, his warriors are a different story. Some of them wear heavy armor, making it feel like you’re shooting rubber bullets. That’s why high-penetration ammo is a must.
Also Read: How to Defeat The Goons in Tarkov: Boss Guide
Where and When to Find Cultists
Cultists don’t spawn all the time, and they only appear during night raids (22:00 – 07:00). Their spawn rates also vary depending on the map.
- Customs: Best chance to find them (20% spawn rate). They appear around Fortress, Crackhouse, and Old Gas Station.
- Shoreline: Decent option (15% spawn rate). Found in Resort (East & West Wing) or the Swamp Boulder.
- Woods: Also 20% spawn rate, appearing at the Sunken Village or Cultist Circle near Sawmill.
- Factory & Ground Zero: Terrible spawn rates (2%). Not worth farming here.
At the start of a wipe, their spawn rates are only 5-10% but gradually increase. During events, like Halloween or pre-wipe, they can even have a 100% spawn rate.
Cultist Behavior and Combat Tactics
Cultists are not your typical AI. They don’t act like Scavs or even other bosses. Instead, they:
- Stay hidden in bushes until you get close.
- Don’t make footstep noises, making them hard to track.
- Won’t react to grenades or F1 voice lines, unlike other AI.
- Use top-tier ammo, meaning they can one-shot you if you’re not careful.
- Have insane aim, sometimes lasering you through bushes.
If you do manage to get their attention, be prepared for an ambush. The Priest and his warriors will rush at you with knives, trying to infect you with their Unknown Toxin. If you get stabbed, you need an XTG-12 or Perorin stimulant to counter the poison. Without an antidote, you’ll start losing health rapidly.
Also Read: How to Kill Killa in Tarkov – Boss Farming Guide
How to Kill Cultist Bosses in Tarkov
- Use Cover and Bottlenecks
- Fighting them in open areas is a death sentence. Instead, lure them into buildings where they can’t surround you.
- Customs Fortress and Shoreline Resort are great places to control the fight.
- Pre-Med Before Engaging
- Pop a Propital or ETG stim before pushing them. Their ammo will shred your armor, so you need passive healing.
- Use Night Vision and Flashlights
- NVGs can help, but Cultists are cold-blooded, meaning they won’t show up on thermal scopes.
- A bright flashlight can help you spot them in the dark.
- Shoot First, Ask Questions Later
- If you see a dark figure in a bush at night, assume it’s a Cultist and take the shot.
- Watch Your Back
- Since they don’t make noise, always check your surroundings. They can flank you without warning.
Using the Sacred Amulet
One of the most interesting mechanics when dealing with Cultists is the Sacred Amulet. If you equip this item in your special slot, Cultists won’t attack you unless provoked.
The amulet is limited to seven uses, but you can extend its lifespan by equipping and unequipping it before heading into a raid. You can obtain it by:
- Completing Lightkeeper’s “Snap Match” task (unlocks the ability to buy it for 3 Intel Folders + $1,000).
- Receiving it as a reward from a past event.
While this won’t help you if you’re actively trying to kill them, it can be a great tool for farming loot in high-risk areas.
Which Maps Are Best for Cultist Hunting?
- Customs – Best choice overall (Fortress provides solid cover).
- Shoreline – Great at Resort, not so much at Swamp.
- Woods – Risky due to lack of cover and thermal users.
- Factory & Ground Zero – Not worth the effort (2% spawn rate).
If you’re just starting out, stick to Customs or Shoreline until you get a feel for their behavior.
Conclusion
Hunting Cultist bosses in Tarkov is one of the most challenging PvE experiences in the game. So, if you want to consistently take them down, bring high-penetration ammo, use cover to funnel them, pre-med before engaging, and be ready for their knife attacks.
Now that you have the knowledge, it’s time to put it into action. Grab your best gear, head into a night raid, and show the Cultists who’s boss.
