In Escape from Tarkov, when you enter a raid, you have the option to play as your main character, the PMC, or as a Scav. Although the gameplay is similar for both, playing as a Scav offers a unique experience with several key differences.
One major difference is the random loadout Scavs spawn with. You could enter with only basic gear, like a pistol, or be lucky enough to start with high-quality weapons, armor, and a large backpack. You can also start with a random amount of junk in your inventory. However, this gear doesn’t carry over from one raid to the next; it resets with each Scav run, regardless of whether you survive.
AI Scavs are generally harmless. They usually wander around, occasionally stopping to loot or check their surroundings. You might see them inspecting their weapons, leaning, speaking in Russian, or gesturing. Sometimes, they’ll even pick up items from dead bodies and use them. These actions are clues that can help you distinguish between AI Scavs and real players controlling Scav characters. Still, there are plenty of details to understand about Scav behavior and gameplay, so let’s take a closer look at how Scavs operate.
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Based on 4 128 reviews In Escape from Tarkov, Scavs cannot complete the usual quests assigned to your PMC. Regular quests are only available for your main character, although some daily tasks can occasionally be completed as a Scav.
Now that you know a bit about Scavs, here’s how they differ from PMCs. Your PMC (Private Military Company) character is your primary avatar in Escape from Tarkov. PMCs level up, keep any gear they bring back from raids, and start each raid with loadouts you select from your stash. However, this also means that any gear your PMC loses during a raid is gone for good, making each raid a high-stakes experience.
Scav karma is a system in Escape from Tarkov that promotes cooperation among player-controlled Scavs rather than encouraging them to attack one another. Your karma level is tied to your reputation with Fence, a trader in the game, and can be checked by viewing your Fence reputation.
As a Scav, your actions directly affect your karma. For example, attacking other Scavs will reduce your reputation with Fence at the end of the raid. While this may not seem important initially, your karma level influences several valuable aspects:
Although it might seem easy to target other Scavs, maintaining a positive karma level by cooperating with them can lead to better Scav runs over time.
Improving your Scav reputation, or Scav Karma, can make survival easier in Escape from Tarkov. Here are some straightforward ways to increase your reputation:
Building up Scav Karma requires patience, but using these tips will help you steadily increase your reputation. A higher karma level means friendlier AI Scavs, better loot, and an overall safer experience in the chaotic world of Tarkov.
Here’s what can decrease your Scav Karma:
If Scav bosses like Shturman or Tagilla start shooting at you, try not to retaliate. While firing doesn’t impact your reputation, actually killing a Scav will. Play cautiously to keep your Scav Karma high and enjoy the benefits of a positive reputation.
When you enter a raid as a Scav in Escape from Tarkov, focus on gathering loot rather than engaging in combat. Stick to searching buildings or looting fallen bodies instead of challenging PMCs, as your randomly assigned gear is often weaker than what PMCs have.
Keep in mind that you’re not the only player-controlled Scav on the map; other players can spawn as Scavs as well. Avoid shooting at them, since attacking fellow Scavs will decrease your reputation with the Fence trader, which can make future Scav runs more difficult.
To get the best out of your Scav runs, focus on looting, steer clear of unnecessary battles, and keep your karma high by cooperating with other Scavs. By playing strategically, you’ll end up with valuable loot to bring back to your stash and improve your overall game experience.
Furthermore, you can use our Escape From Tarkov Coaching services to better understand Tarkov and its mechanics!
Mastering the Scav system in Escape from Tarkov can elevate your entire gameplay experience. By keeping good karma, making the most of your random loadouts, and viewing your Scav as a helpful tool, you can turn Scav runs into an essential part of your Tarkov strategy. With practice and a smart approach, Scavs can greatly support your success in the challenging world of Tarkov.
Feel free to explore more:
What is a Scav in Escape from Tarkov?
A Scav is a secondary character you can play in raids, separate from your main PMC. Scavs come with randomly generated gear and don’t risk items from your stash, making them ideal for low-risk exploration and looting.
Can I complete quests as a Scav?
Regular quests aren’t available for Scavs, but some daily tasks may be completed while playing as a Scav.
What happens to my Scav’s gear after a raid?
If your Scav survives, you can keep the items you looted, transferring them to your main stash. However, each Scav loadout resets after every raid, so your gear will change every time.
How does Scav Karma work?
Scav Karma is your reputation with the Fence trader, impacted by actions like killing other Scavs or cooperating with them. Positive Scav Karma reduces cooldowns, improves gear, and gives you more extraction options.
What’s the difference between AI and player Scavs?
AI Scavs spawn at the start of raids and behave predictably, while player Scavs can join later and have more flexible behavior, often mimicking PMCs or cooperating with other Scavs.
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