How Long is an Hour in Tarkov? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of in-game time in Escape from Tarkov (EFT) often perplexes newcomers and even seasoned players. It’s not a one-to-one relationship with real-world time. Let’s get straight to the core of the matter: One hour in Tarkov passes every 24 minutes in real life. This means the game’s clock runs at a significantly accelerated pace compared to our own. This temporal distortion is a core element of the game, impacting everything from raid durations to the day/night cycle. Understanding this relationship is crucial for planning your raids and overall gameplay strategy.
Understanding Time in Tarkov
The accelerated time flow of EFT plays a vital role in creating its unique atmosphere and challenges. The developers use this to emphasize the feeling of being in a dangerous, high-stakes environment where every second counts. The compression of time also means that day/night cycles shift much quicker than real-world equivalents, forcing players to adapt to changing conditions and tactical considerations.
How the Time Ratio Works
Time in EFT passes 7x faster than real time. This means that for every 1 minute that passes in your real life, 7 minutes will have elapsed within the game world. This 7:1 ratio is the key to understanding how long an hour, a raid, or even a day feels within the game. Let’s put that into the perspective we started with: 7 minutes of in-game time equals about 1 real-world minute. This means that if we need 60 minutes in the game, this translates to 60/7 = 8.57 real-world minutes or approximately 8 minutes and 34 seconds. So as we noted previously: one hour in Tarkov is 24 real-world minutes. This is the same as 7 * 24 minutes, equal to 168 in-game minutes. This is about 2 hours and 48 minutes in EFT.
The Impact on Gameplay
Knowing that one hour in Tarkov is equivalent to 24 minutes of your time is essential for planning. Let’s say a quest requires you to find a certain item at a specific time of day. You need to calculate the real-world time to jump into a raid at the appropriate in-game time. Similarly, raid durations are also impacted by this time compression. A 45-minute raid is approximately 6.43 real-world minutes long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Time in Tarkov
To further enhance your understanding of time within Escape From Tarkov, here are 15 frequently asked questions answered in detail:
1. How Long is a Raid in Tarkov Time?
The duration of a raid varies depending on the map. For example, a raid on a large map with multiple bosses might last 45 minutes, while a raid on a smaller map like Factory might only last 15 minutes. Remember, in Tarkov time, this is significantly shorter than a real-world equivalent.
2. How Long is a Raid in Real Life?
A 45-minute in-game raid equates to approximately 6.43 minutes in real-world time, while a 15-minute raid is about 2.14 real-world minutes. Knowing these real-time lengths can help you plan your gaming sessions.
3. What is the Minimum Time to Survive in a Raid to Avoid a “Run Through”?
To avoid the “Run Through” status and gain experience, you need to survive for at least 7 minutes of in-game time or gain a minimum of 200 EXP within the raid. In real life, 7 minutes in Tarkov is approximately 1 minute long.
4. How Long Does a Day in Tarkov Last?
Since 1 hour in Tarkov passes in 24 real-world minutes, a 24-hour day in Tarkov passes in 24 real-world * 24 real-world minutes which is equal to 576 real-world minutes, or 9.6 real-world hours.
5. How Does the Day/Night Cycle Impact Gameplay?
The accelerated day/night cycle means lighting conditions change rapidly within a raid. Night raids have a completely different dynamic, requiring night vision equipment and tactical adjustments. Players must be prepared to adapt to these swift shifts, making every raid a unique experience.
6. How Does Time Compression Influence Quest Completion?
Many quests in EFT require specific time of day or environmental conditions. Being mindful of the time compression allows you to strategically plan when to embark on a quest, increasing your odds of success.
7. Does Time Pass the Same When in the Main Menu?
No, time in EFT only progresses during active raids. When you are in the main menu, time is frozen, allowing you to organize your gear and strategize without the game world moving forward.
8. Is Time Affected by Offline Raids?
Yes, the time compression is the same in offline raids, but it will not affect your account or quest progress. Offline raids are great for practicing without worrying about consequences.
9. Does Time of Day Affect Item Spawns?
Certain item spawns are influenced by the time of day within the game, making time an essential variable to consider when planning your loot runs.
10. How Long Was the Longest Wipe in Tarkov?
The longest wipe in Escape From Tarkov lasted 225 days. This reset all player progress and inventories, highlighting the cyclical nature of the game and the importance of adapting to the changing landscape with each new wipe.
11. How Many PMCs are on Factory?
The number of PMC players on Factory is typically between 4 and 6. This small map is designed for fast-paced, high-intensity combat.
12. Is it hard to Run Tarkov?
Escape From Tarkov is known to be demanding on PCs. Players often experience lag, frame drops, and stuttering, even with high-end hardware. Optimizing your system settings is critical for a smooth gaming experience.
13. Can I Get Escape From Tarkov For Free?
No, Escape from Tarkov is not free to play. There is a significant cost associated with purchasing the game.
14. How Realistic Is Escape From Tarkov?
While visually good, EFT isn’t aiming for hyper-realism in terms of graphics. However, it excels in its survival aspects, with complex weight, health management mechanics, and realistic weapon physics.
15. What is the Max Level in Tarkov?
The maximum level a PMC can achieve in Escape From Tarkov is level 99.
Conclusion
Understanding the accelerated time within Escape From Tarkov is fundamental to mastering the game. Knowing that one in-game hour equates to 24 real-world minutes helps you plan raids, manage your time effectively, and strategize to achieve your goals. By keeping the 7:1 time ratio in mind, you’ll be able to navigate the intense world of Tarkov much more effectively. The game’s compressed time, combined with its other complex features, contribute significantly to its challenging and rewarding nature.