Can I Complete Quests as a Scav in Escape from Tarkov? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is: it depends on the quest. While you can’t complete all PMC quests as a Scav, Escape from Tarkov offers Scav-specific daily tasks and certain PMC quests can indeed be progressed with your Scav character. This opens up strategic gameplay options, allowing you to utilize your Scav runs not just for looting and survival, but also to contribute to your overall progression. Let’s dive into the details of how, when, and which quests can be tackled with your trusty Scav.
Scav vs. PMC: Understanding the Core Difference
The fundamental difference between your PMC (Private Military Company operative) and your Scav (Scavenger) character is their role within the game world. PMCs are your main characters, the ones you level up, customize, and primarily use to complete the bulk of quests. Scavs, on the other hand, provide a risk-free (mostly) way to enter raids, scavenge for loot, and potentially progress certain objectives. Think of them as opportunistic looters with a shorter lifespan expectancy! When playing as a Scav, you enter the map mid-raid, meaning PMCs and even other Scavs may have already looted prime locations and established advantageous positions. This adds a layer of challenge, but also a potential reward: pre-looted areas often contain leftovers and opportunities for ambushes.
Scav Daily Tasks: Fence is Your Man
Similar to the operational tasks available for your PMC, your Scav character also has daily tasks, acquired through Fence, the enigmatic trader. However, you need to unlock this feature first by building the “Intelligence Center” in your hideout. Once built, Fence will offer you randomized tasks, often involving tasks such as killing specific enemy types on certain maps, or looting specific items. Rewards for these tasks are randomized, granting you a variety of items and, importantly, Scav karma, which significantly impacts your relationship with Fence and other Scav players.
PMC Quests and Scavs: The Gray Area
While most major PMC quests require PMC participation, some conditions and subtasks can be progressed as a Scav. For example, tasks that involve location visits, item retrieval, or even certain types of kills might be achievable with a Scav. The key is to carefully read the quest description. If it doesn’t explicitly state “must be completed with PMC,” it’s worth attempting with your Scav. Remember though, you cannot turn in most quests with a Scav. You have to do that with your PMC.
Case Study: Marker Planting
Let’s consider a hypothetical example: a quest requires you to place a marker in a specific location on a map. The article snippet mentioned this: “Once you place the Marker, you need to successfully extract from Customs to complete the final subtask. You don’t have to extract from the same raid you plant the Marker, but you will have to survive at least once — run throughs don’t count.”
According to the info given: you can place the marker as a Scav, then you can do any of the following:
- Extract as a Scav in the same raid you plant the marker to progress the quest.
- Extract as a Scav in another raid after you place the marker with your Scav.
- Extract as a PMC after extracting with a Scav.
The Importance of Extraction
Whether you’re playing as a PMC or a Scav, successful extraction is paramount. A “Run Through” status, which occurs when you gain less than 200 EXP or stay in raid for less than 7 minutes, will not count towards quest progress. To avoid a Run Through, actively engage in looting or combat to gain experience, and ensure you spend sufficient time within the raid before extracting.
Scav Karma: Playing Nice (Most of the Time)
The Scav karma system is a crucial element to understand. Implemented to encourage cooperation among player Scavs, it penalizes you for attacking fellow Scavs. Killing a Scav as a Scav will negatively impact your reputation with Fence. In contrast, killing PMCs as a Scav will increase your karma. High Scav karma offers significant advantages, including:
- Better payouts from Fence.
- Reduced Scav cooldown timer.
- Potentially better starting gear for your Scav runs.
- Access to a special sales tab with a 30% discount on Fence at Scav karma level 6.
Raiders, Rogues, and Bloodhounds: Who Can I Shoot?
Navigating the complex web of Tarkov’s AI is essential. Raiders and Bloodhounds are generally hostile, and killing them as a Scav does not penalize your Scav karma. Rogues, found on the Lighthouse map, generally do not initially target Scavs on sight unless provoked. This information can make or break your Scav runs.
Scav Cooldown: Time Management
After each Scav run, a cooldown period is imposed before you can play as a Scav again. This cooldown encourages you to alternate between PMC and Scav runs. Use this time to manage your hideout, craft items, and plan your next PMC raid.
Optimizing Your Scav Runs for Quest Progression
Here’s a strategy to maximize your quest progress during Scav runs:
- Identify Quests: Carefully review your active quests and identify objectives that might be achievable as a Scav.
- Prioritize High-Value Loot: Focus on looting items related to your quests or those with high market value to fund your PMC operations.
- Scav Karma First: Unless a quest objective demands it, prioritize maintaining positive Scav karma.
- Practice Map Knowledge: Knowing the maps intimately is crucial for efficient looting and extraction.
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention to audio cues to identify potential threats, including PMCs and hostile Scavs.
FAQs: Your Burning Scav Questions Answered
1. Can I turn in PMC quests as a Scav?
No, you cannot turn in the vast majority of PMC quests with your Scav. You must use your PMC to hand in completed quests to traders.
2. Do Scav daily tasks give good rewards?
The rewards are randomized, but can include valuable items, weapons, and even containers. The real value is the Scav karma you gain, which has long-term benefits.
3. How do I increase my Scav karma quickly?
Cooperating with other Scavs (using co-op extracts), killing PMCs, and using car extracts on various maps are the fastest ways to boost your karma.
4. What happens if I kill a Scav as a Scav?
You lose Scav karma, negatively impacting your reputation with Fence and potentially increasing your Scav cooldown.
5. Can I complete “found in raid” requirements with crafted items?
Yes, items crafted in your hideout automatically have the “found in raid” status.
6. Do run-throughs count towards quest progress?
No, a “Run Through” extract does not count. You need to gain at least 200 EXP or stay in raid for at least 7 minutes.
7. Do I need to complete a quest objective and extract in the same raid?
Not always. Some quest steps allow you to complete the objective in one raid and extract in a subsequent raid, as long as it is still active.
8. What’s the benefit of having high Scav karma?
Higher payouts from Fence, reduced Scav cooldown, better starting gear, and a special discount tab with Fence at Scav Karma 6.
9. Can I shoot Raiders or Rogues as a Scav without penalty?
Yes, killing Scav Raiders and Bloodhounds as a Scav does not penalize your Scav karma. Rogues will usually not attack you unless provoked.
10. How often can I play as a Scav?
You can play as a Scav as often as you want, but there’s a cooldown period after each run.
11. What is the “Failed Setup” quest?
The “Failed Setup” quest requires you to kill Cultists on specific maps. This is only active during cultist hunting events.
12. Where can I find my Scav karma level?
Your current Scav karma level is displayed as your reputation with Fence.
13. Can AI Scavs be PMCs?
No, AI Scavs are always AI-controlled. PMCs are always player-controlled.
14. Does killing PMCs as a Scav increase Scav karma?
Yes, killing PMCs as a Scav will increase your Scav karma.
15. What is the hardest quest in Escape From Tarkov?
Quests like “The Guide” (surviving every map consecutively) and “The Stylish One” (killing Killa 100 times) are considered among the most challenging.
Conclusion
While you can’t complete every quest as a Scav in Escape from Tarkov, understanding the nuances of the game mechanics allows you to strategically utilize your Scav runs to progress certain objectives and build your wealth. By focusing on Scav karma, prioritizing loot, and mastering map knowledge, you can transform your Scav from a simple looting tool into a valuable asset in your overall Tarkov experience. Always remember to consult reputable resources, such as the GamesLearningSociety.org website, for further educational content on gaming strategies. Now get out there, scavenge wisely, and remember: every raid is a learning opportunity!