One of the most common questions new Escape from Tarkov players ask is, “How do I know if I’m facing a PMC or a Scav?” It’s a crucial question because knowing who or what you’re up against can change your entire strategy.
If it’s a Scav, you can relax a bit and maybe save those grenades. But if it’s a PMC, you might want to think twice before rushing in. Spotting the difference helps you plan your moves, save your resources, and know when to take risks.
So, what is a Scav in EFT? In this guide, we will answer that and other important questions about different characters in the game
What is a SCAV in EFT?
A Scav in EFT, short for Scavenger, is one of the two types of characters you can play. A Scav is a rogue group that roams the game, steals, and attacks anyone’s location. Usually, Scavs are AI-controlled, but players can also play as a Scav.
When you pick a Scav, you get random gear and spawn in a random spot on the map. This randomness makes playing as a Scav different from using your main character, the PMC (Private Military Company), who has pre-selected gear and levels up over time.
The cool part about being a Scav is that you can play without risking the gear you’ve earned for your PMC. Plus, anything you loot as a Scav can be taken back to your stash if you survive the match. It’s a fun, low-stakes way to explore and gather loot in EFT.
Is it a Scav or PMC?
It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a PMC and a Scav player. Honestly, it often comes down to gear and how aggressive they are. Player Scavs usually have basic equipment they didn’t have to buy, so they might take risky fights, hoping to snag better loot from more geared-up players. That’s why it’s key to spot the differences between them.
Let’s start by comparing how Scavs and PMCs look. Here are five key things to consider:
Gear
You can usually tell a Scav from a PMC just by looking at their gear and how they’re dressed. A Scavs often looks a bit scrappier—no big backpacks or fancy equipment. They wear basic, mismatched clothes like skinny brown pants and maybe a striped jacket. PMCs, on the other hand, tend to have more tactical gear.
Most PMCs will have gun holsters, while Scavs rarely do. Scavs don’t usually carry pistol holsters or wear knee pads, which makes spotting a PMC a bit easier since they’ll typically have both.
Footwear
Another thing to check is their boots. PMCs usually wear solid combat boots or sneakers, while Scavs might be wearing dirty boots, rain boots, or even sandals. You can also take a quick look at their gloves—PMCs tend to wear nice, clean gloves, whereas Scavs are more likely to have worn-out gloves, bandages, or nothing at all.
PMCs generally wear sturdy combat boots or clean sneakers, while Scavs often have worn-out boots, dirty shoes, or even sandals. Gloves can also give them away—PMCs typically have high-quality gloves, while Scavs might have torn gloves, bandages, or none at all.
Helmet
Also, you can also tell if a player is a Scav, by looking through its Helmet. Scavs usually don’t have helmets, and if they do, they’re basic. PMCs, though, will often have decent helmets or at least something protective on their heads.
Outfit
As for the rest of their outfit, Scavs often wear bright, random clothes like yellow or blue raincoats, while PMCs go for a more polished, tactical look. A PMC’s upper body outfit is usually cleaner and more fitted, whereas a Scav might have something dirty or casual like a raincoat or an old jacket. PMCs also have better pants—cleaner and more uniform compared to Scavs’ dirtier or worn trousers.
Overall, Scavs look like regular people stuck in a warzone, trying to survive with whatever gear they can find, while PMCs are more geared up and ready for battle.
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Scavs Locations in EFT
To figure out if you’re up against a Scavs or a player is to know where Scavs usually spawn. If you’re in a spot that’s far from those known AI areas, it’s most likely a player.
For example, on the Customs map, places like bus station, dorms, and gas stations are where AI Scavs often appear. But if you’re in the fields, near the train tracks, or away from these spots and see someone, you can bet it’s a player.
Over time, playing more will help you memorize these areas, and you’ll get a feel for where Scavs typically hangs out.
Scavs Movement
Next, let’s talk about movement—the other way to tell if you’re facing an AI Scavs or a PMC. Scavs tend to move in straight lines, following set patrol paths. They don’t really look up or down, and their guns stay parallel to the ground.
They’ll often stop in the open, stand still, and then suddenly turn and run in a different direction. Players, on the other hand, move more unpredictably. They’ll zigzag, crouch, or dive for cover when being shot at, and they’re constantly scanning the area.
Scav Karma
Scav Karma is a cool system that rewards you for helping other player-controlled Scavs. Doing positive things, like helping a Scav or a boss, increases your Karma, while killing a friendly Scav without reason lowers it. For example, killing a traitor Scav gives you +0.03 Karma, but killing a regular Scav could drop your Karma by 0.05 to 0.1.
Your Karma level affects how AI Scavs treat you. If your Karma is high (6 or above), AI Scavs and bosses will help you. But if it’s low (-5 or below), AI Scavs will attack you on sight. Higher Karma also gets you perks like cheaper car extractions, faster Scav cooldowns, and better loot when you spawn as a Scav.
Raiders
Scav Raiders are tougher, more tactical versions of regular Scavs. They usually have better gear like modded AKs, SKSs, or MP5s, and they patrol in groups, mostly in the Labs or Reserve.
Raiders are smarter and more aggressive than regular Scavs—they’ll flank you, rush in, and pin you down. Unlike normal Scavs, Raiders also use voice lines, sometimes in English, so it’s easier to tell them apart.
At first, they won’t attack other Scavs, but if you get too close or someone provokes them, they’ll become hostile to all Scavs. You should be careful, raiders can be deadly.
In conclusion
Distinguishing between a PMC and a Scav in Escape from Tarkov can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be better equipped to spot the differences.
With this knowledge, you will be able to distinguish between Scavs and PMS and make better decisions that will increase your odds of getting more loot and making it out of Raids alive.
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