How to Kill Kaban in Tarkov: A Complete Guide

He may be a big target but you’ll need to go through a lot to reach him. Learn how to kill Kaban in Tarkov with our detailed boss guide!

Taking down Kaban in Escape from Tarkov is never easy. Unlike other bosses who roam around the map, Kaban holds his ground inside his compound on the Streets of Tarkov, surrounded by well-armored guards and a deadly mounted turret. If you rush in without a plan, you’ll be shredded before you even get a chance to fight him.

I’ve fought Kaban multiple times, and after plenty of trial and error, I’ve figured out the best ways to handle him. The right weapons, smart positioning, and patience can make all the difference. 

In this guide, I’ll break down how to kill Kaban in Tarkov, from the best loadouts to strategies for clearing his guards and securing your loot. 

Also Read: All Bosses in Tarkov and How to Kill Them

Best Loadouts For Killing Kaban

Before you even step into Kaban’s territory, you need to have the right gear.

Best Weapons to Use

Kaban and his guards wear high-level armor, so you need weapons that can punch through it.

• M4 with M995 or M855A1 ammo – Fast-firing, high-capacity rifle that works well in prolonged fights.
• 7.62 rifles like the AKM or MDR – High damage and armor penetration, making them ideal for this fight.

I personally prefer the M4 because of its large magazine size, which helps in taking down multiple guards without reloading constantly.

Best Optics and Attachments

• Avoid 6x scopes unless you have a high-end PC, zooming in with a 6x can cause lag, which can get you killed.
• A holo sight or a 1x red dot works best for fast target acquisition and smoother performance.

Essential Items to Bring

• Grenades (at least 5) – Use M67 or F1 grenades to flush out enemies.
• Stims – Pop an SJ6 for extra mobility and a Propital before the fight to counter bleeding and damage.
• Armor and Helmet – At least Level 5 armor to withstand guard fire.

Also Read: How to Kill Tagilla in Tarkov: EFT Boss Guide

How to Approach Kaban’s Compound

Your entry point matters, as some approaches leave you more exposed than others.

Best Route: Check 15 Side

• Provides better cover while advancing.
• Avoids direct sightlines from the turret.
• Has fewer enemies compared to other routes.

Worst Route: Front Entrance

• Exposes you to the turret immediately.
• Guards will swarm you before you even engage Kaban.
• If you have no other option, use grenades to suppress enemies before pushing in.

Once inside, always hug the walls and use cover to minimize exposure. The biggest mistake players make is running out in the open. It is a guaranteed way to get shot by Kaban’s guards or his mounted turret.

Clearing Kaban’s Guards

Before you even think about engaging Kaban, you need to take out his guards first.

• Use grenades first – Toss one into common guard positions before pushing.
• Watch for turret guards – If a guard moves toward the mounted turret, kill him immediately.
• Right-hand peeking – Always peek from the right side of cover to gain a tactical advantage.
• Bait guards into bad angles – If they don’t push, make some noise and force them to reposition.

These guards wear Level 5 armor, meaning lower-tier ammo won’t be effective. Make sure you’re using AP rounds to take them down quickly.

Also Read: How to Defeat The Goons in Tarkov: Boss Guide 

How to Kill Kaban in Tarkov

Once the guards are down, it’s time to deal with Kaban himself.

Where to Find Kaban

Kaban spawns in two main locations inside his compound:

1. Back left corner near the forklift.
2. Close right spawn behind cover.

How to Engage Kaban

• Throw grenades first – This forces him out of cover and makes him easier to engage.
• Avoid fighting him on the turret – If he’s using the mounted gun, wait for him to move.
• Use sustained fire – Kaban has a lot of HP, so you need to keep up the pressure.
• Maintain distance – He uses a powerful shotgun that can one-tap you if you get too close.

If he rushes toward you, don’t panic. Use cover, reposition, and finish him off with precise shots.

Unexpected Situations

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Below are ways you can deal with unexpected problems during the fight.

If You Get Stuck in a Stalemate

• If Kaban and his guards aren’t pushing, use grenades to force them out.
• Reposition and create a new angle of attack.
• If you’re low on ammo, loot fallen guards for supplies.

If Another Player Squad Arrives

• Don’t loot immediately – Hide and let them make the first move.
• Listen for footsteps – Identify their location before engaging.
• Use grenades to create chaos – This can make enemy players hesitate or reposition.

Patience is key. If you rush into a fight with another squad right after killing Kaban, you’ll likely lose all your loot.

Looting Kaban and Extracting Safely

Killing Kaban is only half the battle, now you need to get out with your loot.

High-Value Loot to Grab First

• Kaban’s shotgun and armor – Both are valuable and worth taking.
• Ammo and stims – You’ll need these for your next raid.
• Any rare items from guards – Check their bodies quickly before moving.

Best Extraction Route

• Exit the same way you entered (Check 15 side).
• Avoid the front entrance – Other players might be watching it.
• If you suspect an ambush, wait – Let enemies make the first move.

Conclusion

Taking down Kaban in Tarkov requires a mix of patience, strategy, and firepower. Rushing in without a plan will almost always end in failure. 

After learning this complete guide on how to kill Kaban in Tarkov, you understand now that bringing the right loadout, using smart approach routes, and handling his guards efficiently, can surely increase your chances of success.