The Escape from Tarkov (EFT) universe is no stranger to exciting and challenging events, and the Arms Race event is no exception. Introduced by Battlestate Games, this event revolves around a brewing conflict between two traders: Prapor and Peacekeeper, forcing players into a series of quests that challenge their combat, scavenging, and strategy skills. This blog post breaks down the Tarkov Arms Race Event, offering a detailed look at its structure, challenges, rewards, and impact on the game.
Introduction To Tarkov Arms Race Event
The Arms Race event has introduced an intense new dynamic to Escape from Tarkov, pitting players against each other and Scav enemies as they align with two of the game’s traders, Prapor and Peacekeeper. The event includes multiple quests and missions that guide players through a variety of tasks like scavenging weapons, hunting down Scavs, and planting surveillance equipment. In exchange, players receive valuable rewards, XP, and, eventually, a unique event-based achievement for the winning side.
This event is ideal for seasoned players looking to boost their trader standings, as well as for new players hoping to gain significant experience in a short time.
Event Background
The Arms Race focuses on a rivalry between Prapor and Peacekeeper, two prominent traders within EFT. Prapor is known for his black-market dealings, while Peacekeeper specializes in Western-made equipment and NATO-related gear.
In this event, players are tasked with retrieving specific weapons dropped by Scavs in the Factory, as both traders prepare for a confrontation. Mechanic, another in-game trader, takes advantage of the situation by involving players in the conflict, pushing them to collect weapons and conduct surveillance for his gain.
Core Missions
Import Control Quest
- Objective: Kill 10 Scavs in the Factory and retrieve five “Found-in-Raid” (FIR) Western Scav weapons.
- Strategy: Factory is one of the most chaotic and confined maps in the game, making it essential for players to stay alert. Head into the Factory armed with mid-range weapons for Scav kills and use the map’s choke points to your advantage.
After completing this quest, Mechanic will request the five weapons, kicking off the next challenge.
What’s Your Evidence Quest
- Objective: Collect 10 low-durability weapons from Western Scavs and hand them over to Peacekeeper.
- Weapons List:
- .300 Blackout
- .45 ACP
- 5.56x45mm NATO
- 9x19mm Parabellum, etc.
- Strategy: Maps like Customs and Lighthouse are ideal for farming Scavs. Focus on targeting Scavs equipped with Western-made gear and aim for low-durability weapons. This might involve several raids to complete due to the RNG nature of Scav spawns and weapon durability.
Caught Red-Handed Quest
- Objective: Plant cameras around the Lighthouse’s water treatment plant for Peacekeeper.
- Strategy: This quest is especially challenging due to the number of high-level enemies patrolling the area, including Rogues and even Zryachiy (a dangerous boss). Players will need to stealthily navigate the environment while avoiding or defeating these threats. Cameras can be obtained from Mechanic, and proper placement is crucial for successfully completing the mission.
Strategic Tips and Player Feedback
Best Maps for Weapon Collection:
Customs and Lighthouse are considered the top maps for collecting the necessary low-durability weapons. Customs provides a mix of Scavs and manageable PvP encounters, while Lighthouse’s high-tier loot spawns offer better weaponry, though it comes with more dangerous AI enemies.
PvE vs PvP:
The event requires players to strike a balance between PvE (against Scavs and Rogues) and PvP (against other players competing for the same objectives). Players should avoid engaging in unnecessary firefights to conserve resources and gear.
Event Bugs:
Many players have reported a bug affecting reputation with Prapor and Skier. Each time players enter a raid, even as Scavs, they lose reputation, impacting their trader levels. It’s advisable to monitor this issue closely as it could affect long-term progress.
Rewards and Progression
- XP Boosts: Completing the various tasks during the Arms Race event grants a substantial XP reward, which is particularly beneficial for lower-level players. Many have noted that this event can provide a massive boost for leveling up faster, making it one of the more rewarding events in the game.
- Exclusive Rewards: The event promises exclusive rewards for the “winning team”—the side with the most support from players by the end. In addition, a limited-edition achievement will be awarded to players who side with the winning trader (Prapor or Peacekeeper). These achievements are rare and offer a unique way to showcase event participation in future wipes.
- Reputation Impact: As noted earlier, a bug is causing players to lose reputation with traders like Prapor and Skier. This can significantly hinder progress for players who have invested in these traders. For PvE players, this is particularly troubling, as their progress isn’t reset with wipes like PvP-focused players.
Impact on Game Meta
- Player Reactions: The Tarkov community has had mixed reactions to the Arms Race event. Many appreciate the intense scavenging and combat elements, while others find the reputation bug frustrating. Nonetheless, the event has brought a refreshing dynamic to Tarkov’s gameplay loop, keeping players engaged as they await future content updates.
- Economic Impact: With the influx of rare Western weapons and the possibility of exclusive rewards, the game’s economy may experience price fluctuations. The demand for specific calibers and gear might spike, making this a good time for savvy players to take advantage of market trends.
Conclusion
The Arms Race event offers a thrilling new chapter in the ongoing conflict between traders Prapor and Peacekeeper. With its engaging quests, strategic challenges, and potential rewards, the event has captivated both new and experienced players alike. However, players should remain cautious of the reputation bug and keep an eye on their progress with traders. As the event progresses, more exciting opportunities and exclusive achievements await those willing to dive into the fray.
FAQs
What is the main goal of the Tarkov Arms Race event?
The event focuses on completing quests for Prapor and Peacekeeper, scavenging Western-made weapons, and planting cameras for surveillance. Players are encouraged to align with one of the traders for exclusive rewards.
What are the best maps for farming Scavs during the event?
Customs and Lighthouse are the top maps for finding Scavs with the required low-durability Western weapons.
How do I get cameras for the “Caught Red-Handed” quest?
Cameras can be purchased from Mechanic at LL1 and must be placed around the water treatment plant on Lighthouse.
Are there any known bugs in the event?
Yes, some players are reporting a bug that causes them to lose reputation with Prapor and Skier after each raid, even as a Scav.
What rewards can players expect from completing the Arms Race event?
Rewards include XP boosts, exclusive trader rewards for the winning side, and a limited-edition achievement for siding with either Prapor or Peacekeeper.