FAQ#

Game Basics#

Does the game still wipe?#

No. After the 1.0 full release, traditional forced wipes ended — your main profile is permanent. The 1.1.0.0 “Kord Breach” update introduced optional seasons: season characters are separate from the main profile, season progress resets when the season ends, and the main profile is untouched.

Is the game buy-to-play?#

Yes — a one-time purchase with no in-game shop. It comes in four editions: Standard, Left Behind, Prepare for Escape, and The Unheard Edition; the differences are mainly starting stash, reputation, and starting gear.

Season Questions#

When does Kord Breach start and end?#

Season one, “Kord Breach”, launched with the 1.1.0.0 update on 2026-08-03 and runs until 2026-12-07.

What are modifiers?#

Modifiers come in two kinds, global and personal: global modifiers apply forcibly to every season character this season (this season: insurance disabled, crafting time halved, +25% XP, and more), while personal modifiers are chosen at character creation — negative ones grant points, positive ones spend points, and the total must not go below zero.

Gameplay Mechanics#

Why can’t I kill anyone?#

How do I recover lost gear?#

How do I decide whether to fight?#

Tarkov’s core principle is “initiative and information”. If you spot them first and hold the better position, fight; if the position is bad or the situation unclear, leave. Extracting alive always matters more than kills.

Performance and Requirements#

Are the requirements high?#

The game is sensitive to single-core CPU performance and memory capacity; installing on an SSD significantly cuts load times. The 1.1.0.0 patch optimized the Streets map, and the coming Unity 6 migration will raise performance overall.

What about stuttering?#

Accounts and Purchase#

Which edition is worth buying?#

All editions share identical core content; the differences are only starting resources and reputation — the Standard edition is fully sufficient.

Is Chinese supported?#

Yes — the game offers Simplified and Traditional Chinese interface and subtitles.

Guns and Loadouts#

Is the QBZ-191 strong?#

The QBZ-191 is the first Chinese service rifle, added in the Kord Breach update — low recoil, high accuracy, excellent at mid-range. For the full review see the QBZ-191 loadout and review.

First gun for a beginner?#

Community and Resources#

Where do I find guides and data?#

What about cheaters?#

Other Common Questions#

Modes and Multiplayer#

PMC vs Scav#

Multiplayer Troubleshooting#

Game Content#

Is upgrading the hideout necessary?#

Absolutely. The hideout is the core of long-term play — the generator, med station, and workbench provide passive income and crafting that significantly cut long-term costs. See the Hideout guide for details.

How do you raise trader reputation?#

Completing trader tasks, selling items to the matching trader, and trading all raise reputation. Prioritize the core task chains — see the Traders guide for details.

Data and Reference#

Where do I check weapon stats?#

How does ammo penetration work?#

The bullet’s penetration class versus the armor’s class decides the damage effect — only penetration above the armor class effectively penetrates. See the Ammo reference for details.

More Miscellaneous Questions#

Editor’s Note#

The FAQ was the section I most wanted to make complete, because plenty of new players really do quit a great game over one or two confusing questions. If you still have questions after reading this, chances are you haven’t read all the guides yet — I recommend reading, in order, the Beginner’s Guide, the Kord Breach breakdown, the QBZ-191 review, and the season system; those four cover 90% of what a new player asks. The game is genuinely hardcore — but hardcore doesn’t mean impenetrable. Take it slow, and you’ll fall in love with it.