How to Hunt Cultists: A Comprehensive Guide

Hunting Cultists requires a blend of strategy, preparation, and precise execution. The core of successful Cultist hunting lies in understanding their behavior, spawn times, locations, and vulnerabilities. This isn’t a straightforward “run and gun” scenario; it’s a calculated endeavor that demands patience and awareness. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to effectively hunt Cultists:

1. Timing is Crucial: Cultists are nighttime creatures. They typically spawn between 22:00 (10 PM) and 07:00 (7 AM) in-game time. Therefore, you must plan your raids to coincide with this window. Entering a raid just before or after these times will significantly diminish your chances of encountering them.

2. Know Your Maps: Cultists are not randomly scattered across all maps. They have specific spawn locations on Woods, Shoreline, and Customs. On Woods, focus your attention on the two ritual spots (Marked Circles). On Shoreline, they often appear between the gas and power stations and north of the swamp village. Finally, on Customs, check the area around the ZB-1013 extract.

3. Prepare for Night Operations: Night raids are inherently more challenging. Bring appropriate gear, including night-vision devices (NVGs) or thermal optics, to give yourself a visual edge. Also, pack tactical lights for close-quarters engagements. Remember, Cultists are often found in forested areas and rely heavily on cover, which makes spotting them without adequate vision tools very difficult.

4. Be Mindful of Cover and Concealment: Cultists are notorious for using the environment to their advantage. They stick to cover and tend to lurk in the shadows. Expect to engage them in areas with dense vegetation, making spotting them even more challenging. Using cover and working angles will be imperative when hunting them yourself.

5. Weapon Selection: While Cultists can be dispatched with a variety of weapons, consider using those with high penetration power, to pierce through any cover they may be hiding behind. Suppressors are advisable to avoid attracting unwanted attention during engagements, and a weapon with a good rate of fire is a must to make the most out of quick engagements.

6. Tactical Movement: Avoid running in open areas where you are an easy target. Move methodically and deliberately from cover to cover, always scanning your surroundings. The moment a cultist is spotted, use this cover to your advantage and open fire.

7. Stay Alert: Cultists are not passive targets. They are armed and dangerous, utilizing suppressors and strategic positioning. They will actively seek to engage you if they spot you, and they can be challenging to take out in a straight-up gunfight. Constantly be on guard for ambushes.

8. Understanding Their Mechanics: Certain Cultist behaviors can impact your hunt. For example, in one game, if Cultist Archers are lured and killed far away, the Lunatic Cultist may not spawn. In such cases, reloading the game world could be needed. Also, if the Cultist’s specific spawn event does not trigger, you may need to reload or come back again.

9. Teamwork: If you’re playing with a squad, communication is crucial. Coordinate your movements, call out Cultist locations, and work together to secure areas.

10. Be Patient: Sometimes, you simply might not encounter Cultists during a raid. Their spawn rates can be inconsistent, and you shouldn’t force encounters. Be willing to extract if your hunt isn’t fruitful and try again later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cultist Hunting

Where can I farm Cultists?

Cultists primarily spawn on Woods, Shoreline, and Customs. On Woods, focus on the two Marked Circles, Shoreline is around the gas and power stations and north of the swamp village, and Customs at the ZB-1013 extract.

Is it worth killing all the Cultists?

In certain games, like some Assassin’s Creed titles, there might be story-related ramifications for actions taken involving Cultists. In other instances, it is a requirement to see the “true ending”, or to gain access to certain rewards. Be aware that there may be consequences for killing, or not killing every single Cultist.

Can you find Cultists without clues?

Yes, in some games, you can encounter and defeat Cultists without any clues, but this could prove to be more difficult than finding clues that lead to their locations. Clues often help you find Cultists more quickly.

How do Cultists spawn?

Cultists typically spawn only during nighttime hours (22:00 to 07:00 in-game time), and only in specific locations. Their presence also may be subject to chance.

How do you know if Cultists spawn?

Generally, there is no indication of a Cultist spawn other than observing them or being attacked by them.

Why won’t Cultists spawn?

Sometimes Cultists will fail to spawn due to external factors, such as killing certain types of cultists too far away from their designated spawn zone. If they don’t spawn, you may need to reload the game world, and/or return to the area.

What time can Cultists spawn?

Cultists will only spawn in specific spawn zones during nighttime hours (22:00 to 07:00 in-game time).

What is the chance of Cultists spawning?

In one game (Escape from Tarkov) there are specific spawn percentages for Cultists, with a 20% chance on Customs and 28% on Shoreline and Woods. However, spawn percentages may vary per title.

Is killing Aspasia good?

In one game, killing or saving Aspasia does not significantly impact the larger game world however, your decision will change your understanding of the lore. In another instance, it is said that killing her simply eradicates the Cult she leads.

Should I save Aspasia or not?

The decision on whether to save Aspasia is often a narrative choice with limited gameplay impact. However, your choice may have an impact on lore.

What happens after you beat the Cultist?

This depends on the game you’re playing. In some cases, defeating a specific Cultist may trigger a new event or unlock new enemies, while in others it may just lead to the completion of a quest.

Can Cultists Despawn?

Yes, Cultists can despawn after a certain amount of time has passed. However, if they are killed, their bodies will remain at the location they were defeated.

How do I get the Cultists back?

The method of respawning Cultists will vary. In one game, they will respawn at their location when certain criteria is met.

Are Cultists 100% spawn?

In most circumstances, Cultist spawns are not guaranteed. There are some specific in-game events in some titles, where Cultists will have 100% spawn rate while that event is active.

What maps do cultists spawn on?

Cultists have been confirmed to spawn on Woods, Shoreline, and Customs.