Get your survival needs with our Jaeger Tarkov trader guide!
Unlocking Jaeger in Escape from Tarkov wasn’t really a treat at first. His trades looked a little strange, his quests were punishing, and most of his early rewards felt like more of a burden than a boost. But over time, I started to see how crucial Jaeger actually is.
He’s not just another trader with niche gear, he’s a foundational figure in every wipe. If you’re aiming for Kappa or simply trying to survive the early raids with reliable long-range options, knowing Jaeger inside and out is key.
In this Jaeger Tarkov Trader Guide, I’ll walk you through my first-hand experiences with him, who he is, what he offers, his brutal quests, and why he’s actually one of the most underrated traders in the game.
Also Read: How to Trade in EFT- Tarkov Traders Guide
Jaeger Tarkov Trader Guide: Who is Jaeger?
When I think of Jaeger, I picture a grumpy woodsman hiding in a forest, probably judging my PMC from behind some pine branches. His full name is Ivan Yegorovich Kharitonov, and he used to be a hunter stationed at the Priozersk Natural Reserve before Tarkov turned into the war-torn zone we now fight through. He’s all about survival, hunting, and rugged practicality.
At first, Jaeger is locked. You can’t access him until you finish the “Introduction” quest from Mechanic, which involves finding a letter in Woods.
Once unlocked, Jaeger becomes your go-to guy for:
- Post-Soviet weapons like Mosins and SKSs
- Scopes, mounts, and stocks tailored for snipers
- Lightweight gear that’s forest-friendly
- Survival equipment like thermometers and compasses
- Storage containers and even secure containers
But he’s not just a seller, he also buys a bunch of different items:
- Tactical rigs and backpacks
- Long guns like marksman rifles and shotguns
- Melee weapons
- Barter items like building supplies and medical goods
- Storage and secure containers
- Even food and meds
To climb the loyalty ladder with Jaeger, you’ll need to hit certain thresholds:
- Loyalty Level 2: Level 15, 0.20 rep, ₽560k in sales
- Loyalty Level 3: Level 22, 0.35 rep, ₽1.125M in sales
- Loyalty Level 4: Level 33, 0.50 rep, ₽1.725M in sales
It takes a while, but the gear he unlocks at higher levels is absolutely worth it.
Also Read: Ragman Tarkov Trader Guide
Jaeger Trades
What He Takes
One thing that makes Jaeger stand out in this Jaeger Tarkov Trader Guide is how odd his trades can feel, especially early on. He’s big on naturalistic, survival-themed barters. He takes in:
- Knives, tools, and axes
- Food and hydration items
- Hunting-related gear like thermometers or rangefinders
- Rare woodsman-type loot like antique axes
- Barter items including matches, gas analyzers, and repellents
It sometimes felt like I was emptying my Scav junk box into his offers, but it made sense because he’s a hunter and survivalist. He’s not interested in high-tech gadgets or military tech; he wants practical, raw materials that would help someone live off the land.
What He Gives
In return, Jaeger offers some fantastic weapons and gear if you know what to look for:
- VPO-101 “Vepr Hunter”: You can trade for this using a few packs of screws. It’s a 7.62×51 semi-auto beast and one of my early-game go-tos.
- MP-133 Shotgun: He’ll hand this over for a few knives. Great for early quests like “Debut” from Prapor.
- Mosin Rifle: This bolt-action classic can often be traded for food or antique items. Perfect for budget sniping.
- Containers: At higher loyalty levels, you can trade for Ammo Cases and Food Containers using various barter items like propane tanks and fuel conditioners.
Also Read: Skier Tarkov Trader Guide
Jaeger Quests
What He Requires
Jaeger is notorious for having some of the most frustrating missions in the game. His early quests throw you into Woods with minimal gear and high expectations. I can’t count how many times I got one-tapped trying to do “Ambulance” or “Huntsman Path – Secured Perimeter.”
Common themes across his quests include:
- Sniping Scavs from long distances
- Finding obscure items hidden deep in dangerous maps
- Killing PMCs or Scavs with specific weapon types (especially bolt-actions)
- Visiting certain locations without dying
- Surviving for multiple raids while fulfilling very specific conditions
What You Get
Despite the frustration, Jaeger’s quests do reward you with:
- Solid XP (5,000 to 10,000 per quest is common)
- Weapon attachments and unique sniper rifles
- Access to better trades and his higher loyalty levels
- Reputation gains that push you toward Kappa requirements
- Barter items or cases that can be used in hideout upgrades
Some notable quest rewards I really liked:
- Jaeger’s version of the MP-155 shotgun (tight spread, great durability)
- Ammo Case after finishing later quest chains
- Specialized scopes perfect for long-range sniping on Woods or Shoreline
Why Jaeger Matters in Every Wipe
To put it simply, Jaeger gives you access to survival tools that nobody else does. He may not be flashy like Peacekeeper or loaded with tech like Mechanic, but he sets you up with practical, effective tools that help you thrive in tough maps.
Here’s why I always prioritize unlocking and leveling Jaeger:
- Early-Game Power: He offers Mosins, Vepr Hunters, and scopes when other traders are still locked behind levels. That gives me a tactical edge on maps like Woods and Customs.
- Barter Efficiency: With Jaeger, my junk actually matters. I use my loot to trade instead of constantly chasing roubles.
- Container Access: The Ammo and Food Containers he offers are a godsend for stash management.
- Kappa Progression: His quests, though hard, are required for the endgame. You can’t dodge him if you’re serious about progression.
- Long-Range Mastery: If you like sniping, Jaeger has the best sniper kits in the early to mid-wipe.
Conclusion
I’ll be honest, Jaeger and I had a rocky start. His forest-bunker vibes and punishing tasks were off-putting at first. But over time, I learned to appreciate what he brings to every wipe.
This Jaeger Tarkov Trader Guide is here to remind you that even the grumpiest trader has a purpose. If you commit to his questline and understand his trade logic, he’ll pay you back with gear, containers, and crucial access to high-level sniping tools
