Escape from Tarkov Beginner Guide 2025 – Gameplay, Maps, Weapons, Hideout & Traders Explained

• Escape from Tarkov is the most punishing extraction shooter – one death and you lose everything except your secure container.
• After the full 1.0 launch and latest wipe, millions are searching “how to play Tarkov 2025” and “Tarkov beginner guide 2025”.
• This complete guide breaks down raids, PMC vs Scav, best starter maps, realistic weapons, hideout upgrades and trader progression so you stop dying and start stacking roubles.
• Pair it with undetected EFT cheats or DMA radar for the fastest learning curve possible.
• All mechanics confirmed on the official Escape from Tarkov site and Tarkov Wiki.

Core Gameplay Loop – Raids, Extraction, PMC vs Scav

Every raid you choose PMC (your main character) or Scav (free AI gear, cooldown). Loot, kill, extract alive – or lose everything on death. This brutal risk-reward loop is what makes Tarkov unique.

Best Beginner Maps 2025

Customs → best quests + loot
Woods → long sightlines, easy scav runs
Factory → pure PvP training
Ground Zero → level 1–20 protected area
Use interactive maps on the Tarkov Wiki.

Weapons & Ballistics – Ammo > Gun

600+ weapons with full modding. Ammo penetration and flesh damage matter way more than the gun itself. Check the ammo chart on the Wiki. Beginner favorites: SKS + PS ammo, UMP .45 ACP, AKM 7.62 PS.

Hideout – Your Money Printer

Upgrade modules for crafting, healing and passive income. Priority order: Air Filtering → Water Collector → Bitcoin Farm → Booze Generator → Solar Power. Bitcoin farm alone prints millions per week.

Traders & Quests – Unlock the Real Game

Level Prapor, Therapist, Skier, Mechanic, Peacekeeper, Ragman, Jaeger. Complete daily/weekly quests → unlock barter trades and Loyalty Level 4. Flea Market at level 15 changes everything.

Why 90 % of New Players Quit (And How to Beat It)

Constant deaths, no money, invisible players – normal. Solution: Scav every cooldown, learn one map perfectly, hoard roubles, watch PMC runs on YouTube. Within 100 hours you’ll be the one hunting.