What is Escape from Tarkov?

Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore and tactical online first-person action RPG/Simulator with MMO elements, developed by Battlestate Games.
The game is set in the fictional Norvinsk region in and around the city of Tarkov, where a war is raging between two private military companies.
United Security (USEC) and Battle Encounter Assault Regiment (BEAR) after an EMP was set off over the city which wiped out the already weak goverment there.
If you're curious about the lore check out the video below.

Player's can take on the role of either faction but outside of the few times you find a friendly face in game or queue up with real life friends its shoot on sight even if you're both the same faction. Outside of your PMC you can also play as a Scav which is also one of the in game NPCs that normally attacks you.
But while running as one you do not get shot by them unless it's another player controlled scav that either accidentaly shot you but most likely just want your stuff.
Or you shoot at another scav (doesn't matter if it's an NPC or a player) first which means that you're marked for the rest of the raid (all non-player scavs will be aggressive and player scavs get +scav rep for killing you).

Also unlike many shooters the AI in this game are very deadly and can often kill you before you even spot them, there are a large variety of AI types but more generally they can be split into four types:
- Scavs locals, normal AI which exists on all maps apart from Labs
- Raiders like Scavs but have more health, better aim and better loot on them
- Rouges ex-USEC which normally only exists on lighthouse, even better loot and MUCH better aim
- Bosses a special type AI which can range from relativly weak to very aggressive and broken

Escape from Tarkov features a lot of detailed systems such as a weather system as well as seasons that change depending on the current season in real life.
A varied and in-depth weapon modification system, a complex health system that tracks each body part seperatly with fractures, heavy bleeds, concussions and more. There's not just one way to play the game but one thing is true across the different play styles, it's very punishing to die in Tarkov.

When you die you normally loose everything apart from the items in your secure container and special slots but the special slots can't hold most items.
But there is an insurance sytem which you can insure the items you bring into a raid (match) and incase you die and no one has looted the items on you, you'll get them back eventually.

What is Tarkov?

Tarkov Lore