Ref Tarkov Trader Guide

Check out the new merchant in town with our Ref Tarkov trader guide!

In the brutal underground world of Tarkov, I didn’t expect to meet someone like Ref. He’s not your ordinary trader, you can’t just walk up and buy some meds or ammo. No, Ref is the gritty, no-nonsense mastermind of the pit fights, and earning access to his shop felt like getting into an exclusive fight club. 

This Ref Tarkov Trader Guide isn’t your usual shopping list. It’s about survival, reputation, and proving yourself in PvP. Over time, I’ve learned what Ref really offers, what he expects from me, and why he’s such a critical part of my wipes now. Let me break it all down from my hands-on experience.

Also Read: How to Trade in EFT- Tarkov Traders Guide

Ref Tarkov Trader Guide: Who is Ref?

Ref is this shadowy figure tucked away in Tarkov’s Arena. He’s not just a trader, he’s the guy behind those bloody, intense fights that test your PvP limits. At first, I didn’t even know he existed until I completed Skier’s “Easy Money – Part 1” quest. That’s the only way to unlock him, and believe me, once you do, it opens up a whole new world of hardcore gear.

Here’s what makes Ref unique:

• Location: Tarkov Airport (Arena mode only)
• Access: Complete Skier’s “Easy Money – Part 1”
• Currency: GP Coins, not your typical rubles or dollars
• Exclusive to PvP: No PvE—Ref lives and breathes combat

He stocks some seriously rare stuff: high-tier weapons, modified gear, containers, and even some signal pistol kits. And if you’re looking to sell, he’s interested in weapons, mods, and ammo. Only the good stuff. Trust me, you won’t bother with him unless you’re serious about surviving the Arena.

Ref has a rep system that forces you to stay consistent in your PvP performance. Here’s how his loyalty levels break down:

• Loyalty Level 2: Level 15, 0.25 rep, ₽600k in sales
• Loyalty Level 3: Level 25, 0.50 rep, ₽1.2M in sales
• Loyalty Level 4:  Level 35, 1.20 rep, ₽2M in sales 

Also Read: Jaeger Tarkov Trader Guide

Ref Trades

What He Takes

I remember the first time I browsed through Ref’s trade menu, I was surprised at how much value he placed on GP Coins. Unlike other traders who are fine with rubles or barters, Ref’s economy revolves around one thing: glory, measured in GP Coins. Everything revolves around performance and reputation in the Arena.

He buys,

• Weapons (especially high-damage, PvP-relevant guns)
• Ammo (top-tier rounds)
• Attachments and Mods

It’s clear that Ref only deals in top-shelf gear. You won’t see him bothering with duct tape or Tushonka cans.

What He Gives

Ref’s gear isn’t cheap but it’s worth it. I’ve scored a few things from him that completely turned the tide in my PvP runs. His trades are tailored for Arena dominance, and that means:

1. Modified Weapons – Fully modded out-of-the-box killers.
2. Rare Armor – I’ve picked up armor pieces from him that I’ve never seen outside Arena mode.
3. Signal Pistols & Kits – One of the more unique items, used for certain mechanics in Arena fights.
4. Backpacks, Containers, Keys – Compact and practical for tight, intense PvP matches.

I particularly remember a trade where I exchanged several GP Coins for a kitted-out HK416, making him worth every coin. 

Also Read: Peacekeeper Tarkov Trading Guide

Ref Quests

Quests from Ref aren’t your average fetch-and-run type. They’re intense, PvP-centered, and you better be ready to sweat. I’ve had my fair share of stressful nights grinding through his tasks, but the rewards? Worth the pain.

What He Usually Requires

1. PvP Kills – Most quests revolve around getting a number of kills in Arena mode.
2. Weapon Mastery – Some require you to use specific guns or kill with precision (headshots, melee, etc.).
3. Survivability Challenges – Survive multiple Arena rounds or win consecutive fights.

In short, Ref’s quests push you to improve your combat game. There’s no easy way out, you either get good or get wrecked.

Typical Rewards

From what I’ve gathered, Ref’s quest rewards are incredibly practical if you plan on sticking with Arena:

• Experience Points – Ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 depending on difficulty
• GP Coins – He pays you in the same currency you need to trade with him
• Weapons and Mods – Often specialized for PvP
• Containers – Small, Arena-focused storage options
• Armor – Unique variants I haven’t found from other traders

One memorable quest involved getting 15 kills with a suppressed weapon in Arena. It was brutal, but I walked away with a rare vest and some serious bragging rights.

Why Ref Matters in Every Wipe

At first, I didn’t think Ref would matter outside of Arena mode. But the deeper I got into wipe progression, the more I realized how vital he is.

Here’s why Ref makes a difference every wipe:

• Exclusive PvP Access – In a game where PvP dominates endgame content, Ref helps sharpen your combat edge early on.
• Unique Loot and Trades – Some of the gear he offers gives you a huge leg-up even in regular raids.
• Currency Shift – The GP Coin economy forces you to think differently. It’s a refreshing break from the ruble grind.
• Progression Advantage – His quests reward you with items that significantly improve your survivability and loadout efficiency.

Conclusion 

This Ref Tarkov Trader Guide isn’t just about knowing where he is or what he sells, it’s about adapting to his style of warfare. 

If you thrive in PvP and want an edge in Arena, Ref is your guy. From the exclusive gear to the challenge of his quests, Ref keeps me coming back every wipe, and I don’t plan on stopping.