
Source: sim590
Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore tactical first-person shooter (FPS) game that combines elements of RPG, survival shooter, looter shooter, and military simulation. Developed by Battlestate Games, a Russian studio, Escape from Tarkov has been in closed beta since 2017. Released in closed beta since 2017, Escape from Tarkov continues to evolve and is known as one of the most realistic and brutal FPS games ever.
It’s not for everyone—it’s incredibly challenging, stressful, and requires careful planning, high-precision shooting skills, and rigorous resource management. However, that’s what makes it beloved by the hardcore gaming community.
Story Background Escape From Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov is set in the fictional city of Tarkov, located in the Norvinsk region of Russia. The town is at the center of an armed conflict between two private military companies: USEC and BEAR, and various local bandit factions.
You play as a mercenary caught in the chaos of Tarkov. Your primary goal is to survive, escape the city, and retrieve as much loot as possible.
The story unfolds through missions, intel logs, and NPC characters you encounter in your hideouts. Tarkov isn’t just about war—the game has a dark story of corruption, secret experiments, and resource wars.
Main Gameplay Escape From Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov has highly complex and realistic gameplay mechanics. Here are some of its key gameplay features:
1. Raid and Extraction
Each game session is called a Raid. You’ll choose a map, day/night time, equipment, and enter the conflict zone. Your objectives are:
- Loot
- Defeat enemies (other players or AI)
- Exit through the extraction point within a certain time
If you die before you can escape, you lose all your belongings, including weapons, armor, and loot. This adds incredible tension to each Raid.
2. Looting System
Loot in Tarkov isn’t random like in other games. Every weapon, bullet, electronic component, food, medicine, and accessory has its value and use. These items can:
- Sold at the Flea Market
- Used for missions or crafting
- Stored in a personal stash
- Used in the next raid
The loot you bring back can be very valuable, especially rare items like GPUs, LEDX, Lab keycards, or military-grade weapons.
3. Combat Realistis
Tarkov has the most realistic shooter system in the gaming world. Its key features include:
- Each weapon can be modified with high precision.
- Bullets have real ballistics (penetration, velocity, armor effect).
- Heavy recoil and no aiming aids.
- Every body part can be injured separately (head, thorax, arms, legs).
- Injuries can cause bleeding, fractures, unconsciousness, or even immobilization.
4. PMC vs SCAV
You can play as, and you can play both:
- MC (Private Military Contractor): The main character has their gear, earns XP, and completes missions.
- SCAV (Scavenger): A random character who can loot without risking losing their main items. The cooldown time is around 20–30 minutes.
SCAV mode provides the opportunity to loot without the risk of losing your main inventory.
5. Hideout System
An additional RPG feature that allows players to build underground bases (Hideouts). Here you can:
- Increases item production
- Restores health
- Increases storage capacity
- Crafts, ammunition, medicine, or trade items
- Adds passive bonuses such as stamina regeneration
This hideout can be upgraded using items from loot and money from trading.
6. Trading & Flea Market
In this game, you can trade with NPC traders (Therapists, Prapor, Fence, etc.) or other players through the Flea Market. This economic system is dynamic and influenced by supply and demand in the global community.
Graphics and Sound Escape From Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov is built using the Unity Engine, but the visual quality is very realistic:
- Weapon models are highly detailed, down to the bolts and tiny engravings.
- Map environments like forests, factories, and cities look vibrant and eerie.
- Weather effects like rain, fog, and nighttime significantly impact gameplay.
Sound design in Tarkov is very important and profound:
- Footsteps can distinguish between different types of surfaces (metal, wood, concrete).
- Gunshots sound different depending on distance and position.
- Observant players can detect enemies just by sound.
Types of Weapons in Escape from Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov is known as one of the most realistic and complex weapon systems in the FPS world. Each weapon can be modified with various attachments such as scopes, suppressors, grips, barrels, and more.
1. Assault Rifles
Used for medium to long distances. Flexible and reliable in a variety of conditions.
- AK Series (AK-74, AKM, AK-103, etc.) – Very popular due to their availability and modifiability.
- M4A1 – High precision, highly modifiable for various play styles.
- HK416A5 – German-made alternative to the M4, very stable and accurate.
2. Submachine Guns (SMG)
Suitable for close combat inside buildings or fast-paced combat.
- MP5 – Lightweight, low recoil, suitable for beginners.
- PP-19-01 Vityaz – Russian SMG version of the AK, ideal for close combat.
- UMP45 – Moderate recoil and a fairly powerful .45 ACP round.
3. Sniper Rifles & DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle)
Weapons for long-range combat require high accuracy.
- Mosin Nagant – A cheap but deadly manual (bolt-action) sniper rifle.
- SV-98 / DVL-10 – A silenced sniper rifle with high accuracy.
- RSASS / M1A – A semi-auto DMR with high damage and high flexibility.
4. Shotguns
A deadly close-range weapon.
- MP-133 / MP-153 – Russian-made pump-action and semi-auto shotguns.
- Saiga-12 – AK-based automatic shotgun with a high rate of fire.
- TOZ-106 – Cheap shotgun, usually used during early raids (budget runs).
Maps in Escape from Tarkov
Some of the maps available include:
- Customs – suitable for beginners, lots of missions, intense combat
- Interchange – a large shopping mall, electronic loot
- Shoreline – a large area, a hotel full of medical and tech loot
- Factory – small, intense map, suitable for close combat
- Reserve – military base with high-end loot
- Lighthouse, Streets of Tarkov, Woods, Labs – various challenges and high risk
Difficulty Level and Community
Tarkov doesn’t have a minimap, enemy indicators, or HUD like other games. Players must:
- Memorizing maps manually
- Determining enemy positions from sound
- Marking loot and extraction without automated assistance
The community of players is dedicated, and many content creators (Twitch streamers, YouTubers) provide tutorials and entertainment from this game.
Pros & Cons of Escape from Tarkov
Advantages Escampe From Tarkov
- Incredible realism
- Thrilling loot and survival experience
- Dynamic player economy
- Active community
- Regular updates with wipe (resets progress)
Disadvantages Escampe From Tarkov
- Very difficult for beginners
- Not friendly for casual gamers
- Servers can be unstable at times
- Not available on Steam (must purchase directly from the official website)
FAQ Escampe From Tarkov
1. What is Escape from Tarkov?
Escape from Tarkov is a first-person shooter (FPS) game with survival and role-playing elements. Developed by Battlestate Games, the game features a semi-realistic world with a loot system, permadeath, and a complex player economy. Players take on the role of mercenaries trying to escape the fictional city of Tarkov, which is engulfed in armed conflict.
2. Can Escape from Tarkov be played offline?
Yes, but with the following caveats:
- Offline mode is only available for practice.
- No progression, and loot won’t be saved.
- Only for testing weapons, maps, and AI.
3. What is the file size of Escape from Tarkov?
Game file sizes vary depending on the update, but are generally around 12–15 GB. Make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space and a stable internet connection for regular updates.