How to Do Scav Runs in Tarkov

One of the best ways to get gear without risking your own in Escape from Tarkov is by doing Scav runs, especially if you’re starting out. These will allow you to drop into a raid with a randomly assigned loadout, loot the battlefield, and extract without the fear of losing your own equipment.

That’s why knowing how to do Scav runs in Tarkov is important, as it provides a low-risk way to build your stash, learn the maps, and even make some profit. 

Scav runs offer a unique way to play. It’s a cool chance to grab some loot from battles you didn’t even take part in.

The Basics of a Scav Run

Scav runs are a gameplay feature that allows you to assume the role of a Scavenger (Scav) rather than your primary character, referred to as a PMC (Private Military Contractor). 

This implies that you begin the game with random equipment, and any items you manage to extract will belong to you.

Here’s what you need to know before heading in:

• Random Loadout: You’ll be given a random gun, armor (sometimes), a backpack, and other items like meds or keys.
• No Gear Risk: Since the loadout isn’t from your stash, you’re not risking your own equipment.
• Free Loot: Anything you extract can be added to your stash or sold for profit.
• Limited Timers: After finishing a Scav run, you must wait before doing another one.

How To Do Scav Runs In Tarkov

Scav runs can be your bread and butter for easy and risk-free loot in Tarkov. Here’s how to get the most out of your runs:

1. Choosing the Right Map for Your Loadout

Map selection in Tarkov plays a massive role in your success. Since your Scav’s loadout is random, you’ll want to pick a map that best suits the weapon you’re given.

• Shotguns & SMGs → Factory – Small, tight spaces make these weapons more viable.
• Sniper Rifles → Woods or Lighthouse – Open environments give you the advantage.
• Automatic Rifles → Interchange or Customs – Versatile for mid-range combat.

If you’re new to the game, start with maps you’re comfortable with, even if the gun isn’t ideal. Getting lost in Tarkov is common, so knowing the layout beforehand helps.

2. What to Do When You Spawn In

Once you enter a raid, the first thing you need to do is assess your situation. 

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Check Your Gear: Press ‘Tab’ to see what you’ve spawned with. Pay attention to your gun, armor, meds, and possibly valuable items.
• Find Your Extraction Points: Press ‘O’ twice to see your extraction options.
• Listen for Gunshots: This tells you where fights are happening, helping you avoid, or engage, dangerous areas.
• Decide Your Strategy: Consider extracting early if you have a valuable item (like a rare key). Otherwise, explore for loot.

3. Looting Effectively

Looting without conflict is the best way to make Scav runs profitable while reducing your risk of death.

• Search Dead Bodies – Other players have already done the hard work. Pick up what they left behind.
• Look for High-Value Items – Keys, tech items, and barter items can be more valuable than a gun.
• Avoid Unnecessary Fights – Your goal is extraction, not combat. If a PMC is nearby, let them pass unless you’re sure you can take them down.
• Use Your Fellow Scavs – AI Scavs won’t attack you unless provoked. Stick near them as they act as free intel.

4. How to Tell Scavs and PMCs Apart

A major challenge in Scav runs is knowing who’s safe and who’s a threat. Since PMCs can dress like Scavs, you need to be cautious.

Ways to Identify a PMC:

• Better Gear: If they’re heavily kitted, they’re likely a PMC.
• Strange Behavior: If they act aggressively toward other Scavs, they might be a PMC or a “traitor Scav” (a Scav that kills other Scavs).
• Voice Commands: Scavs speak Russian; PMCs can use English voice lines. If they speak English, assume they’re a PMC.

5. How to Improve Scav Karma (Fence Reputation)

Your Fence reputation affects how NPC Scavs interact with you. Higher karma means Scavs will help you in fights, while low karma makes them hostile.

Ways to increase Scav Karma:

• Extract as a Scav (+0.01 per successful exit)
• Use Co-op Extractions with PMCs (+0.25)
• Use Car Extractions as a PMC (+0.25)
• Kill “traitor Scavs” (+0.03 per kill)

6. When and How to Extract

Once you have good loot, it’s time to leave. Extraction is simple, head to an available extraction point and wait for the timer to count down.

Tips for safe extraction:

• Check the timer often – You don’t want to be stuck looting with only a minute left.
• Avoid obvious extraction points – Some areas, like the Factory’s exit, are often camped.
• Use alternative exits – Co-op extractions or lesser-known spots can be safer.
• Be stealthy near the exit – Other players may be watching extraction points for easy kills.

What to Do After a Successful Scav Run?

Once you extract, you’ll need to decide what to do with your loot. 

• Sell unwanted items: Traders and the Flea Market offer different prices.
• Keep good gear: If you have a decent gun or armor, save it for a PMC raid.
• Organize your stash: A messy stash leads to lost items and wasted time.
• Prepare for your next Scav run: Remember, there’s a cooldown before your next run, so plan ahead.

End Notes 

How to do Scav runs in Tarkov comes down to smart looting, avoiding unnecessary fights, and extracting safely. 

Scav runs are one of the best ways to gather resources and learn the game without risking your own gear. Mastering them will not only help you progress but also make your Tarkov experience much smoother and more enjoyable.