When you’re going out on a high-risk raid in Escape from Tarkov, the gear you bring with you might mean the difference between coming back with a haul of valuable loot or returning empty-handed-if you return at all. Each and every high-stakes run requires careful preparation and a decent understanding of what tools you need to make it out alive. Here’s a breakdown of what gear you should always pack before you head into dangerous territory.
Weaponry
A good weapon is the cornerstone of any Tarkov raid, and in high-risk runs, the choice becomes even more critical. Your weapon should find a balance between firepower, accuracy, and the ability to fight at various ranges: For close-quarters combat, a shotgun or compact submachine gun can be great options because of their high damage output at short distances. For medium to long-range encounters, however, you’ll want the flexibility afforded by a versatile assault rifle, such as the AK-74 or M4A1. When choosing your gun, remember to consider ammo type. In many cases, armor-piercing rounds can save your life when you’re facing high-tier armor opponents. Always make sure you’ve got enough magazines and reloads to get you through multiple engagements.
Armor
In high-risk runs, staying alive often depends on how well you’re armored. The right armor can be the difference between surviving a shot and losing everything. For most high-risk runs, it’s advisable to go for tier 4 or 5 armor, such as the Zsh-1 or a class 5 armor vest, as it offers the protection necessary to withstand enemy fire. While more costly, higher-grade armor can make all the difference in heavier firefights. Not to mention a helmet and a face shield. A good, decent helmet such as LSHZ or Altyn can allow your head to withstand lethal shots, making injuries that incapacitate you in the middle of a fight less likely.
A good face shield can provide an additional layer of protection for your face from bullets and become crucial when under steady fire.
Tools and Miscellaneous Items
While weapons and armor are the foundation of your loadout, it’s the small, often overlooked items that can make a significant difference in a high-risk raid. Having a few extra mags, extra ammunition, and a multi-tool for opening locked doors or cases can help in moments where every second counts. You may also want to carry a flashlight or tactical light in low-light situations because being able to see clearly in the dark can be an advantage over enemies who aren’t as prepared. Also, make sure you have keys for extraction points or certain loot areas if you plan on hitting specific locations. Tools and miscellaneous items can be easily forgotten, EFT cheats can help ensure you never forget crucial items outside of gear that you may need.
Medicaments
A critical portion of any high-risk run is being able to heal from damage quickly and effectively. For this, one should always carry medical supplies to patch up after a small skirmish, preventing fatal injuries from taking you down in quick time. At the very least, bring along a first-aid kit, painkillers, and bandages to stop the bleeding. Additionally, bringing a hemostat or an IFAK is highly recommended for controlling more severe wounds. If you’re anticipating longer or more dangerous engagements, consider bringing a saline drip or a morphine injector to keep your stamina up and avoid the debilitating effects of pain. Having a diverse set of medical supplies will ensure you’re prepared for a range of injuries.
Backpack
So far as Tarkov’s high-risk runs are concerned, one of the key elements is the extraction of valuable loot. In this regard, you will definitely be in need of some good backpack that will enable you to store all the loot you pick up while carrying everything that may be required.
For higher risk runs, many recommend a larger backpack, such as an Alice pack or a Tri-Zip, as you can store a good amount of gear along with any potential loot inside them without necessarily being too unwieldy. Note, however, that the greater the size of the pack, the more of a target you become, so there needs to be some give and take. For lighter, faster runs, a more compact bag might be preferred, but be prepared to leave some loot behind if your space is limited.
Headset
In high-risk Tarkov runs, hearing the enemies’ movements is as important as seeing them. A good headset can give a significant edge when it will let one detect the tiniest footsteps or shots from a distance. With a headset like the Pilgrim or ComTac, hearing enemies approaching is vital in attempts to ambush or avoid ambushes. This auditory awareness is especially valuable indoors or in a dense forest where detection by sight may be difficult. A headset could also help you locate where shots are being fired from; the difference this might make could be the success of your counterattack instead of being caught off guard.
To sum it up, high-risk runs in Escape from Tarkov are best prepared for with a carefully balanced combination of weaponry, armor, medical supplies, and strategic thinking. Equipping yourself with the right gear will not only increase your chances of survival but also maximize your chances at securing valuable loot. Always prepare for potential situations that could arise and take into consideration the specific risks of the raid you are about to enter, making sure you have everything you need to make it through unscathed.