Guide · Walkthrough
Escape from Tarkov: new player survival and early quests
Objective
Which maps to learn first, how to keep loot, and the early trader quests that unlock the economy.
6 steps · 3 min read
- 1
Start on Ground Zero: it's the beginner map every new PMC starts on, and only players under level 20 can queue it as a PMC (Scavs can go any time). Move on to Customs, Factory, Woods and Interchange after that. Know at least two extracts per map before you take good gear in.
- 2
Scav runs: play as a Scav between PMC raids
Free kit, no gear risk, and a quick way to learn spawns and extracts.
- 3
First quests are on Ground Zero: Therapist's First in Line (bring back medical items), Prapor's Shooting Cans (kills on the map) and Luxurious Life, Skier's Burning Rubber (use the paid car extract) and Mechanic's Saving the Mole. They unlock traders and pay in money and items — do these before side tasks.
- 4
Secure what matters: keep valuables in your secure container and insure gear before every raid.
- 5
Hideout: build Generator, Medstation and Workbench early
They unlock crafts that make money while you play.
- 6
Medical: always carry a tourniquet or bandage, a splint, and painkillers. Most early deaths are bleeds, not shots.
Ask Nexus AI
Have a question about Escape from Tarkov after reading this?
Related reading
GuideEscape from Tarkov task squads: survive the objective together
Form a raid around one task, clear communication and an agreed extraction plan.
GuideEscape from Tarkov: ammo, armor and budget kits
Why ammo matters more than guns, how armor classes work and how to kit on a budget.
