Which Maps Have Cultists in Escape from Tarkov? A Comprehensive Guide
The elusive and dangerous Cultists are a formidable presence in Escape from Tarkov, adding a layer of challenge and intrigue to the game. They are not a constant fixture on every map, which makes understanding their spawn locations crucial for both avoiding and engaging them. This article will provide a clear overview of where you can expect to encounter these shadowy figures, along with frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of these menacing AI opponents.
Cultist Spawn Locations in Escape from Tarkov
Currently, Cultists primarily spawn on the following maps:
- Woods: Cultists are known to frequent the ritual spots highlighted in the Peacekeeper quest “The Cult – Part 2.” These locations serve as their primary gathering points on this map.
- Shoreline: On Shoreline, you can typically find Cultists between the gas and power stations, as well as north of the swamp village. These areas tend to be where they conduct their rituals and patrols.
- Customs: Customs sees Cultists spawning near the ZB-1013 extract. This makes the area a high-risk zone, especially during nighttime raids.
- Night Factory: Although the other maps see more frequent spawns, Cultists can also be found on Night Factory.
It’s essential to note that Cultist spawns are not guaranteed on these maps. Their presence is affected by time of day, and the spawn rate isn’t 100%.
Cultist Behavior and Characteristics
Cultists operate in groups of 3-5, and are known for their stealthy approach. They are silent, and often stalk players before launching an attack. The Priests among them use poisoned Cultist knives, which makes them particularly dangerous. While technically intended to attack all scavs according to lore, currently, they will target player scavs but leave regular scavs alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cultists
1. When do Cultists spawn in Tarkov?
Cultists exclusively spawn during nighttime raids, specifically between 22:00 and 07:00 on the in-game clock. This means you won’t encounter them during daytime raids.
2. Are Cultists hostile to scavs?
Cultists are intended, by lore, to attack all scavs. However, due to game mechanics limitations, they currently only attack player scavs and do not engage regular AI scavs.
3. What weapons do Cultists use?
Cultists primarily use knives for close-quarters combat. Priests are particularly dangerous as they use poisoned Cultist knives.
4. What is the “Priest” Cultist?
The “Priest” is a specific type of Cultist that carries a poisoned knife. This makes them more dangerous than the standard cultist, as their attacks apply a poison effect that can be fatal.
5. Do Cultists respawn in a raid?
No, Cultists do not respawn once killed in a raid. However, if you leave the raid area, they may respawn in a subsequent raid if the conditions are met.
6. Are Cultists considered bosses in Tarkov?
No, Cultists are not classified as bosses in Escape from Tarkov. They are challenging AI enemies, but they do not have the same designation as traditional bosses such as Glukhar, Reshala, or Killa.
7. How can I farm Cultists?
Farming Cultists requires frequent nighttime raids on the maps listed above. Specifically, focus on Woods ritual spots, Shoreline gas and power stations, north of the swamp village, and the Customs ZB-1013 extract. However, be aware that their spawn isn’t guaranteed.
8. How long is an hour in Tarkov?
Time in Escape from Tarkov passes 7 times faster than real-time. So for every minute in real life, 7 minutes will pass in the game.
9. Are there any quests related to Cultists?
Yes, the Peacekeeper quest “The Cult – Part 2” involves locations where Cultists spawn, making it essential to understand their locations and behaviors.
10. Can I find Cultists on Factory during the day?
No, Cultists only spawn at night, regardless of the map. You will not encounter them on daytime raids in Factory or any other map.
11. Do Cultists despawn if I get too far away?
Cultists generally do not despawn just because you move away. However, they will not respawn if you eliminate them or if the raid ends.
12. What are the key features of Cultist behavior?
Cultists are known for their stealth, operating in groups and silently approaching players. Their attacks often come suddenly, making it crucial to be vigilant.
13. Why aren’t Cultists attacking AI Scavs?
The developers have stated that Cultists should attack all Scavs according to the game lore; however, this functionality is not fully implemented in the game mechanics. As such, they will not engage normal AI scavs.
14. Do Cultists have specific AI routines?
Cultists will patrol within their specific areas. When a player comes within a certain range, they will attempt to approach silently and engage in close quarters combat.
15. What strategies should I use when facing Cultists?
When encountering Cultists, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, be prepared for close-quarters combat, and target the Priests first if possible, due to their poisoned knives. Using silenced weapons can help to avoid alerting additional cultists nearby.
Conclusion
Understanding where to find Cultists is vital for both those looking to avoid them and those who are actively searching for encounters. By knowing their spawn locations on Woods, Shoreline, Customs, and Night Factory, along with their behavioral patterns and attack methods, players can better prepare for and react to these formidable adversaries in Escape from Tarkov. Remember to always be vigilant during nighttime raids and adjust your strategies accordingly when entering Cultist territories.