Does Killing Scavs Matter in Escape from Tarkov? A Deep Dive into Scav Karma

Yes, killing Scavs as a Scav has significant consequences in Escape from Tarkov. The game employs a Scav Karma system that directly impacts your standing with the trader Fence, influencing everything from item prices to AI behavior. Ignoring this system can severely hinder your Scav runs and overall progression.

The Scav Karma System Explained

The Scav Karma system, also known as Fence reputation, is a mechanic designed to discourage player Scavs from indiscriminately killing other Scavs. When you play as a Scav, you start with a neutral relationship with AI Scavs. Shooting and killing them leads to a loss of reputation points with Fence. The amount of reputation lost varies depending on the target, and can even be affected by your existing reputation level.

Penalties for Scavicide

The penalty for killing a fellow Scav isn’t just a slap on the wrist. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Reputation Loss: Killing a player Scav incurs a penalty. For instance, having +7 Karma and killing a player Scav (-0.1) will reduce your Karma to +5.9. The higher your existing Karma, the more devastating the effect can be.
• High Karma Penalties: If your Karma is over +8, the penalty increases. A penalty of -2 is added to your Karma loss calculation. Therefore if you have 10 Karma and kill a player Scav (-0.1), you will end up at +7.9.
• AI Aggression: Consistently killing Scavs will lead to a negative Karma level. AI Scavs will become hostile and attack you on sight when you play as a Scav. This makes Scav runs significantly more difficult and dangerous.

The Benefits of High Scav Karma

Maintaining a positive Scav Karma has numerous advantages that make it worthwhile to play nice with your fellow Scavs:

• Better Payouts from Fence: The higher your reputation with Fence, the better prices you’ll get when selling items to him. This translates to more Roubles per raid, allowing you to gear up your PMC more effectively.
• Fence’s Additional Sales Tab: Reaching Scav Karma level 6 unlocks a special sales tab with Fence. This tab offers a 30% discount on items, allowing you to acquire gear and resources at a significantly reduced cost.
• Potential for Uninsured Items: As of patch 0.12.11.0.13074, Fence’s additional sales tab is supposed to also include “uninsured items lost by other players”. This can be a great way to find valuable gear at a steep discount.
• AI Scav Support: With a very high Karma level (6+), AI Scavs will assist you in combat, targeting your enemies. This makes Scav runs much safer and more profitable. Scav bosses will also treat you as an ally, providing additional support and protection.
• Improved Scav Gear: Higher Karma can influence the quality of the gear you spawn with during Scav runs. This gives you a better starting advantage, increasing your chances of survival and loot acquisition.
• Reduced Scav Cooldown: Positive Scav Karma also decreases the cooldown time between Scav runs. This means you can scavenge more frequently, accumulating resources and Roubles at a faster rate.

The Downside of Low Scav Karma

A negative Scav Karma has the opposite effect, making your Scav runs a nightmare:

• Hostile AI Scavs: AI Scavs will attack you on sight, turning your Scav runs into constant battles for survival.
• Poor Payouts from Fence: You’ll receive significantly less money for selling items to Fence, hindering your financial progress.
• No Access to Special Sales Tab: You’ll miss out on the 30% discount and potential for uninsured items, putting you at a disadvantage.

Exceptions to the Rule: When Killing is Allowed

While generally frowned upon, there are specific instances where killing other “Scavs” won’t impact your Karma:

• Killing Rogues: Rogues, often found on specific maps, do not count towards Scav Karma.
• Killing Raiders: Scav Raiders, distinguished by their gear and behavior, can be eliminated without penalty.
• Killing Cultists: Cultists are another exception. Eliminating them won’t affect your Fence reputation.
• Self-Defense: If another player Scav attacks you first, defending yourself and killing them won’t result in a Karma loss.

Is It Worth Killing Scavs as a Scav?

While the temptation for a quick loot grab might be strong, the long-term consequences of tanking your Scav Karma far outweigh the short-term gains. The benefits of high Karma, such as better payouts, discounted items, and AI support, will significantly improve your overall Tarkov experience. So, unless absolutely necessary for survival, it’s almost always better to avoid killing other Scavs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is considered high Scav karma?

A Scav Karma of 6 or higher is considered high. At this level, you unlock the special sales tab with Fence and gain the support of AI Scavs.

2. Will rogues shoot Scavs?

Rogues will not initially target player Scavs unless provoked. Approaching too closely or attacking them will trigger their aggression.

3. Can you shoot Raiders as a Scav?

Yes, killing Scav Raiders as a Scav does not carry any penalties towards your Scav karma.

4. Do rogues count as Scav kills tarkov?

No, killing Rogues as a Scav does not affect your Scav Karma.

5. Does killing Santa lower Scav karma?

Yes, killing Santa incurs a significant Scav Karma penalty (-1). Avoid doing this!

6. What are the perks of having a high Scav rep?

High Scav rep leads to better payouts from Fence, access to a special sales tab with a 30% discount, AI Scav support, improved starting gear, and reduced Scav cooldown.

7. Why are Scavs attacking me?

If AI Scavs are attacking you, it’s likely because you’ve attacked another Scav, or your Scav Karma is very low.

8. Do Scavs shoot PMCs?

Yes, AI Scavs will attempt to kill PMCs they encounter in their patrol zones.

9. Are scav raiders friendly to Scavs?

Scav Raiders are initially friendly to all Scavs, but will become hostile if you get too close and ignore their warnings.

10. Do you lose rep for killing cultists?

No, killing Cultists as a Scav does not penalize your Scav Karma.

11. Does Scav karma affect PMC?

Yes, Scav Karma affects your PMC indirectly by influencing the amount of money you can make selling items to Fence. Since Fence offers better deals the higher your Scav Karma is.

12. How much Scav karma do you need for bosses to be friendly?

You need a Scav Karma of 6 or higher for bosses to be considered friendly.

13. Do I lose Scav rep for killing bosses?

Any Scav with 6.0 or higher at the START of the raid will be instantly reverted to 0.0 upon killing a boss regardless of circumstance.

14. How do you tell if it’s a Scav or player?

Distinguishing between AI and player Scavs can be tricky. Player Scavs might hesitate before shooting, while AI Scavs often shout before firing.

15. Is buying scav box worth it?

Yes, scav box is 100% worth it. Even more if u dont have eod. you can basically store items which youll need for later quests and hideout upgrades aswell as items for barters and crafting.