Escape from Tarkov

Raid Timing

Escape from Tarkov punishes people who loot like the map is empty. Time is a resource. Spend it on extracts, not on one more duffle.

IGN cover art for Escape from Tarkov

First six minutes are the loudest

PMC spawns collide early. If you spawn hot, either fight with a plan or immediately path to a side loot room. Standing still in a bush hoping the lobby forgets you rarely works on Customs.

Late spawns should skip contested dorms and go for safer stashes. You already paid the time tax.

Leave a buffer for the extract

If the raid timer says eight minutes, you do not have eight minutes of loot left. Pathing, doors, and a blocked extract eat that clock.

Night raids change audio. Players sprint more. Slow your own feet so you hear them first.

Insurance is a timer too

Do not sit in a bush for 20 minutes to “secure” a kit you already insured. Play the next raid. Tarkov rewards reps more than one perfect screenshot loadout.

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