Are Raiders Aggressive to Scavs? A Deep Dive into Tarkov’s AI Factions
The world of Escape From Tarkov is a brutal and unforgiving place, filled with various AI factions, each with their own behaviors and allegiances. One common question among new and veteran players alike is: Are Raiders aggressive to Scavs? The short answer is: it’s complicated, but generally, yes, they can be aggressive, but not immediately. Raiders start out neutral toward player Scavs but can quickly become hostile if provoked. This behavior is crucial to understand to survive and thrive in the chaotic environment of Tarkov. Let’s break down the details to avoid costly mistakes in your next raid.
Understanding Scav Raiders’ Initial Neutrality
Initial Interactions
Scav Raiders, unlike regular Scavs (AI or player-controlled), operate on a different set of rules. Upon spawning, they are initially neutral to all other Scavs, including player Scavs. This means that when you encounter them, they will not automatically open fire. They’ll continue their patrol routes, seemingly oblivious to your presence. This initial neutrality can be deceptive, however, as it won’t last for long if you’re not careful.
The Warning System
Raiders are programmed with a complex behavior system that includes a warning system. If you, as a player Scav, get too close to them, they will react with verbal warnings. These are often shoutouts, telling you to stay away or back off. This is your first clear sign that you’re pushing your luck and need to create distance.
Provocation Leads to Hostility
If you ignore these warnings and continue to get closer, or if you perform any hostile actions such as shooting at or close to them, Raiders will immediately become hostile and open fire. This hostility extends to all Scavs around, making it crucial to avoid provoking them if you are playing as a Scav. Once aggro’d, they will not back down.
The Key Takeaway
The crucial point to remember is that proximity and hostile actions are the triggers for Raider aggression against Scavs. Avoid close contact with Raiders, especially when playing as a Scav, and always heed their warnings.
How Raiders Differ From Other AI
Compared to Regular Scavs
Regular AI Scavs are often much less organized and skilled than Raiders. While regular Scavs typically patrol their assigned areas, Raiders have more strategic movement patterns, and typically employ better weapons and gear. Regular Scavs can be persuaded to assist you if you have a high Karma. Raiders do not react to Karma.
Compared to Rogues
Rogues are another AI faction in Tarkov, primarily found on the Lighthouse map. Unlike Raiders, Rogues are generally more territorial and, if playing as a USEC PMC, will typically be hostile from the start of your next 3 raids. Rogues do not typically aggro on player Scavs until they are shot at, provoked by standing too close, or using elevated positions like towers or machine guns.
Compared to Cultists
Cultists, found at night, are an unusual case. They generally ignore Scavs, including player Scavs, unless you get very close to their territory. Unlike Raiders, Cultists do not have the same warning system. When they aggro, they attack immediately. Scav Karma does not apply to Cultists, so you won’t lose anything by fighting them as a Scav.
FAQs: Deepening Your Understanding of Raiders and Scavs
1. Do Scav Raiders attack on sight?
No, Scav Raiders do not initially attack Scavs (including player Scavs) on sight. They start neutral but become hostile if provoked by proximity or hostile actions after warnings.
2. What actions trigger Raider hostility?
Getting too close to Raiders, ignoring their verbal warnings, and shooting at them or close by will trigger their hostility.
3. Does killing Raiders affect Scav Karma?
No, killing Scav Raiders as a Scav does not impact your Scav Karma.
4. What is Scav Karma?
Scav Karma is a system that tracks your behavior as a Scav. Killing other Scavs negatively impacts your Karma, while cooperating or completing tasks can improve it.
5. Do AI Scavs help player Scavs?
With very high Karma (6+), AI Scavs will help player Scavs by attacking their enemies and will treat Scav Bosses as allies.
6. What happens with very low Scav Karma?
With very low Scav Karma (-5), AI Scavs will attack you on sight. Your Scav timer also increases drastically.
7. Do Scav Bosses attack player Scavs?
Scav bosses with low Karma will be hostile to you. If your karma is high enough they will become allies and help you in raids.
8. What’s the HP of a Scav?
Scavs have random health variations: 440, 540, or 740 HP.
9. How are Raiders different from Guards?
Guards are typically found near Scav Bosses and areas they control, whereas Raiders are more commonly located in specific map locations and in groups. Guards and Raiders both tend to have high quality weaponry and armor.
10. How long into a raid can scavs spawn?
AI Scavs start spawning roughly 5 minutes into a raid and continue spawning in until the maximum allowed.
11. Do flashlights blind Scavs?
Flashlights do not impair their sight but enhance it. Using a flashlight at night will make you more visible to Scavs.
12. Can Scavs do tasks?
Yes, temporary tasks exist for both PMCs and Scav characters.
13. Do Scavs have aimbot?
Scavs are bots. The randomness of when and where they will hit you with their shots is completely AI based, thus ‘bot aim’.
14. What is the maximum Scav rep?
The maximum Scav rep you can attain is 6.0. Going past 6.0 rep will lead to it being reset to 0.0 upon killing a boss.
15. What are the perks of high Scav Rep?
High Scav rep leads to better payouts for items sold to Fence, access to an extra sales tab with a 30% discount, and AI scavs may help you in raids.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex relationships between AI factions in Escape From Tarkov can be tricky, but understanding these behaviors is essential to survival. Scav Raiders are initially neutral towards player Scavs but can become aggressive if provoked. Knowing when to approach and when to retreat is key to a successful raid. Always pay attention to their warnings, avoid close contact, and never assume that initial neutrality means they won’t become a threat. Being informed and cautious is the best way to survive the dangers of Tarkov.