Are you lost on what to do first in Escape From Tarkov?
With such a massive amount of stuff to learn and the insane learning curve, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed in EFT. Many new players try to make money right away, but that can be a bit of a trap. In reality, many of the best ways to make money are locked behind level requirements and tasks.
So instead, your first priority should be leveling up and getting the hang of the game’s mechanics. As you gain experience, the money will start coming in more easily, and you’ll unlock more ways to really up your income later on.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the basics, and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to do first in Escape from Tarkov.
What to Do First in Escape From Tarkov
To start your best in Escape from Tarkov, it’s important for you to level up quickly. Instead of rushing to make money, it’s better to focus on leveling up your Traders first. Here are the things that you should do first in Escape from Tarkov to get off to a strong start.
Trader Tasks
One of the best ways to level up your Traders is by completing their tasks. Every Trader has a series of quests, and many give you daily tasks as well. If you ever find a task that’s too difficult, feel free to use the replace option. This way, you’ll keep earning experience (XP) and moving forward.
Try to focus on stacking tasks for specific maps, for knocking out multiple quests in a single raid saves you time and effort. For example, if you have several tasks on Streets of Tarkov, plan your route and aim to complete them all in one go. This method will help you level up your Traders faster, which unlocks better gear and more opportunities down the road.
Also Read: How to Trade in EFT- Tarkov Traders Guide
Hideout
Upgrading your Hideout can significantly boost your XP gains, especially by focusing on stations like the Library, which gives you a whopping 165% extra raid XP. This extra XP allows you to level up faster without needing to grind as hard.
While it can be expensive to upgrade the Hideout, it’s worth the investment early on. Prioritize upgrading your Intel Center and Library, as they will boost your experience and efficiency in future raids. Additionally, the Hideout has crafting options that can help you earn money and further increase your skills, particularly the crafting skill. The faster you level your crafting skill, the quicker your crafts will finish, and this can make a huge difference in the long run.
Crafting Skill and XP Boosts
To get the most out of your crafting, focus on tasks with shorter crafting times. By alternating between short and long crafts, you can maximize the XP gained from each. For instance, crafting items like the fleece fabric and then quickly switching to shorter crafts like gas mask air filters will help you rack up XP faster.
As your crafting skill levels up, crafting times will reduce, and at higher levels, you’ll be able to run two crafts simultaneously, doubling your efficiency.
Also Read: How to Die Less in EFT: 4 Strategies to Stay Alive Longer
How to Get Money in EFT?
One of the most frequent questions new players ask is, How can I make money in Tarkov? It’s true that you should start generating your stash early on, but it really shouldn’t be that hard. Here is a basic but effective way of making money in Escape from Tarkov:
Loot Runs: Your Best Friend
If you’re struggling with cash, your first step should be doing loot runs. You can create your own loot routes or check out tried-and-true ones that other players have shared. Consistency is key here—running the same loot route a few times can net you 10-15 million rubles. These runs will set you up to invest in better gear, Hideout upgrades, and more, making future raids easier.
Some of the best loot runs involve high-value areas like Reserve, Interchange, and Shoreline. Remember, though, your loot runs don’t have to be flashy. Sometimes, hitting less popular areas can be just as profitable and less risky. The key is to know the spots where valuable items spawn, like tech gear or high-tier barter items.
Spend Money to Make Money
A common mistake players make is holding back on spending their money. It might feel smart to stash your rubles, but investing in better gear will pay off. Higher-tier armor and weapons allow you to survive more raids, which means more loot to sell or use.
For example, once you find or buy level 5 or 6 armor plates, use them. These will protect you better, letting you last longer in fights and extract valuable loot. Don’t ever hesitate to invest in top-quality gear that fits your budget. Assuring you that it is the best investment that will definitely pay off in the future.
Tip: Always insure your gear. Most of the time, you’ll get it back if you die, which means you’re not losing as much money as you think.
Also Read: How to Manage Your Stash in EFT
Kit Out Your Weapon
Having the right gun setup is just as important as having good armor. Make sure your weapon is kitted out properly, focusing on scopes, recoil control, and ergonomics. A good scope, like the Razor or Specter, can make a huge difference. The Razor, for instance, avoids the annoying shadowing effect when aiming, which helps in high-stress firefights.
Also, take some time to figure out how to make your weapon more comfortable to handle. If you can lighten your weapon and aim faster, your missions will go more smoothly, and you’ll have a better shot at staying alive and grabbing some good loot.
Conclusion
To kick off strong in Escape from Tarkov, it’s essential to concentrate on completing tasks, leveling up your Traders, and upgrading your gear. Don’t stress about money early on—just complete your tasks, and the rewards will come later.
Of course, you can’t forget about our StealthCore EFT cheats. If you want to skip the steep Tarkov learning curve, it’s one of the few things that definitely worth picking up. Besides helping you reach these priorities faster, you’ll feel much safer during raids as well.
By building a strong foundation, you’ll find that the rubles start rolling in, and you’ll be well-prepared for tougher raids and higher-level play. So, what to do first in Escape from Tarkov? You should prioritize progress and not profit!
