Delivery From the Past: A Tarkov Guide to Completing the Notorious Quest

Introduction

Escape From Tarkov, the hardcore first-person shooter, is known for its punishing difficulty and realistic gameplay. One of the early quests that often stops new players in their tracks is “Delivery from the Past.” This quest, given by the trader Prapor, may seem simple on the surface, but its combination of map knowledge requirements, high player traffic areas, and unforgiving combat makes it a true trial by fire. Many aspiring Raiders have lost their gear and sanity to this task.

“Delivery from the Past Tarkov” tasks you with retrieving a secure folder from the Customs map and planting it on the Factory map. It sounds straightforward, but the reality is anything but. Between navigating the treacherous Customs dorms, surviving player engagements, and then braving the close-quarters combat of Factory, this quest represents a significant hurdle. Many players struggle with this quest for days, sometimes even weeks, before finally succeeding. This makes it a good quest to tackle in a team, but this is not always the case.

This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough and strategy to help you successfully complete “Delivery from the Past Tarkov,” minimizing your risk and maximizing your chances of success. We’ll cover everything from gear selection and map knowledge to tactical approaches and common pitfalls to avoid. Get ready to conquer this infamous quest and unlock further progression with Prapor.

Quest Overview The Basics

Prapor, one of the initial traders you’ll encounter in Escape From Tarkov, is the quest giver for “Delivery from the Past.” He tasks you with a seemingly simple objective: retrieve a specific folder and deliver it elsewhere.

The precise goal is this: locate and retrieve a secure folder from the Customs map, specifically from an office located within the two-story dorms building. Once you have this folder, you must then take it to the Factory map and place it inside the Factory office.

The rewards for completing “Delivery from the Past Tarkov” include experience points, which help you level up your character, Roubles, the in-game currency, and increased reputation with Prapor. This reputation is crucial because it unlocks access to better gear and more quests from him in the future.

So, why is this quest so vital? “Delivery from the Past Tarkov” serves as a gateway to many other Prapor quests. Completing it unlocks a chain of tasks that offer significant rewards and unlock new areas of the game. Plus, completing this quest is a true test of your ability as a player to progress through the game, not just as an action but as a problem to solve. For this reason, it’s worth pushing through “Delivery from the Past Tarkov”.

The quest will generally require a level requirement, which is typically fairly low, making it one of the earliest you can attempt. Therefore, it’s useful to get this quest done as soon as possible.

Step by Step Walkthrough

This quest requires that you complete two separate raids, one on Customs and one on Factory. We will take you through both.

Preparing for Customs

Before even considering heading into Customs, gear up properly. Your loadout doesn’t need to be top-tier, especially if you’re new to the game. A budget-friendly approach is key.

Consider the following for your gear:

Weapon: A simple AK variant or an SKS is a solid choice. These are relatively inexpensive and readily available on the Flea Market.

Armor: Level three or four armor can provide a significant advantage against Scavs and poorly equipped players. Look for affordable options on the Flea Market or from traders.

Helmet: A basic helmet can protect you from lucky headshots. Again, prioritize affordability.

Ammo: This is where you don’t want to skimp. Use the best ammo you can afford for your chosen weapon. Ammo is more important than the gun itself. Research ammo charts to determine the best options.

Medical Supplies: Pack at least one IFAK or Salewa medkit, bandages, and pain killers. Being able to heal bleeds and broken limbs is crucial.

Map Knowledge: Download a detailed map of Customs and familiarize yourself with key locations like the dorms, construction site, gas station, and extraction points. Knowing the layout of the map is essential for survival.

Retrieving the Folder from Customs

Customs is a large and complex map with numerous points of interest and potential dangers. Your primary goal is the two-story dorms building, located roughly in the center of the map.

Plan your route carefully. Consider your spawn location and identify a safe path to the dorms. Be aware of common player spawns and high-traffic areas like the construction site and the bridge.

As you approach the dorms, move cautiously. Listen for audio cues like footsteps or gunfire. Check corners and use grenades to clear rooms ahead of you. Don’t rush in blindly.

The office containing the secure folder is located on the second floor of the two-story dorms. The precise office can vary, but it’s often found in a room near the middle of the building. Once you enter the correct office, the folder will be on the desk.

Once you have the folder, your next challenge is extracting from Customs alive. Select an extraction point that is relatively safe and convenient given your location. Be prepared to fight your way out if necessary. Common extraction points include Crossroads, Trailer Park, and Smuggler’s Boat.

Planting the Folder on Factory

Factory is a completely different beast than Customs. It’s a small, intensely close-quarters combat map with virtually no room for error. You’ll need to adjust your gear and tactics accordingly.

Consider the following:

Weapon: A shotgun with buckshot or a submachine gun like the MP5 are excellent choices for Factory’s close-quarters engagements.

Armor: Mobility is key on Factory, so consider lighter armor that allows you to move quickly.

Grenades: Flashbangs and fragmentation grenades can be extremely effective for clearing rooms and disorienting opponents.

The Factory office is located on the second floor of the main building. There are several routes to reach it, but all are fraught with danger. Be prepared to encounter players and Scavs at any moment.

When moving through Factory, prioritize clearing rooms aggressively. Check every corner and pre-fire likely enemy positions. Listen for footsteps and use sound to your advantage.

Factory is notorious for Player Scav ambushes. Be especially cautious when moving through open areas or near common Scav spawn points.

Once you reach the Factory office, place the secure folder in the designated location, typically on a desk or shelf.

Exiting Factory is often the most challenging part of the quest. The most common extraction point is Gate Three, but it’s also a popular camping spot for other players. Use smoke grenades or teamwork to clear the area before attempting to extract.

Advanced Tips and Strategies

Timing is Key

The optimal time to attempt “Delivery from the Past Tarkov” can depend on several factors, including the current point of the game’s wipe cycle. During the early wipe, when player levels are generally lower, you might find less resistance. Late in the wipe, however, you will find high-level and well-equipped players.

The time of day can also play a role. Night raids can offer a stealth advantage, but they also make it harder to see and navigate.

Also consider the server location, to an extent. Some players have reported that lower population servers can be slightly easier to complete quests on. This is by no means a certainty, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Exploiting Scav Behavior

Scavs can be used to your advantage on both Customs and Factory. You can sometimes use them as distractions, drawing enemy fire or providing cover. Learn the common Scav spawn points on each map to anticipate their movements.

Teamwork

Running “Delivery from the Past Tarkov” with a squad significantly increases your chances of success. Communication is crucial. Coordinate your movements, share information about enemy positions, and provide mutual support.

Designate roles within your team, such as a point man to lead the way, a flanker to cover the sides, and a support player to provide medical assistance.

Alternative Routes and Strategies

Explore alternative routes to avoid main combat zones. On Customs, you might be able to skirt around the construction site or use the rooftops to bypass heavily contested areas. On Factory, try using the catwalks or the underground tunnels to move undetected.

Consider using smoke grenades to create diversions or cover your movements. These can be particularly effective on Factory, where visibility is often limited.

Take advantage of verticality whenever possible. Climbing onto rooftops or using elevated positions can give you a significant advantage over enemies on the ground.

Staying Alert

Always maintain a high level of situational awareness. Pay attention to your surroundings, listen for audio cues, and be prepared to react quickly to unexpected threats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing in without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Take the time to assess the situation, plan your route, and coordinate your movements.

Not checking corners is a common mistake that can get you killed quickly. Always clear every corner before moving into a new area.

Using poor ammo is a critical error. Invest in the best ammo you can afford, as it can make the difference between a successful engagement and a quick death.

Ignoring sound cues can be fatal. Pay attention to footsteps, gunfire, and other audio cues to anticipate enemy movements.

Getting greedy with loot can lead to tunnel vision and make you vulnerable to attack. Prioritize completing the objective over looting bodies.

Forgetting medical supplies is a common mistake, especially on Factory. Make sure you have enough medkits, bandages, and pain killers to survive multiple engagements.

Troubleshooting

If you die on Customs, don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and try again. Consider changing your spawn location or taking a different route.

If you die on Factory, remember that it’s a brutal and unforgiving map. Don’t get discouraged. Adjust your loadout, practice your close-quarters combat skills, and keep trying.

If you get stuck or lost, consult a map or ask for help from other players. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find new routes.

Dealing with campers can be frustrating, but there are ways to counter them. Use grenades to flush them out, or try flanking them from an unexpected direction.

Conclusion

“Delivery from the Past Tarkov” is a challenging but rewarding quest that serves as a rite of passage for new Escape From Tarkov players. Mastering this quest requires a combination of map knowledge, tactical awareness, and skillful execution. By understanding the basics of the quest, following a step-by-step walkthrough, and implementing advanced strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success.

Remember to avoid common mistakes, learn from your failures, and never give up. “Delivery from the Past Tarkov” is a test of your patience and determination, but with the right approach, you *can* conquer it and progress further in Escape From Tarkov. So gear up, plan your route, and get ready to face the challenge! With this guide and some persistence, you *can* conquer Delivery from the Past and progress further in Escape From Tarkov.