The Good Times Part 1: A Complete Guide to Prapor’s Initial Test in Escape From Tarkov

Introduction

The adrenaline surges, your heart pounds in your chest, and the screen flashes “Extract Success!” That feeling of accomplishment, of barely scraping by in the brutal world of Escape From Tarkov, is unlike anything else. Overcoming early challenges, like Prapor’s initial quests, can be immensely satisfying. One of those entry-level trials, designed to introduce you to the game’s core mechanics and dangers, is “The Good Times Part 1.”

Escape From Tarkov, developed by Battlestate Games, is a hardcore first-person shooter known for its realism, complex gunplay, and unforgiving quest system. Many new players struggle to navigate its intricacies, and that’s where this guide comes in. “The Good Times Part 1” serves as a rite of passage, a necessary step in your journey to becoming a seasoned Tarkov operator.

This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of The Good Times Part 1, covering everything from prerequisites to successful completion strategies. We’ll delve into the necessary preparation, ideal gear, and the most effective tactics to help you emerge victorious. Let’s get started and conquer Prapor’s challenge!

Understanding the Quest’s Requirements

Before you can embark on this adventure, you need to be at a specific point in your progression. “The Good Times Part 1” becomes available after you’ve reached a certain player level. You also need to complete an earlier mission for Prapor, setting the stage for this task.

Once the prerequisites are met, you can accept the quest directly from Prapor within the game’s menu. He’ll task you with a single, seemingly simple objective: eliminate a set number of Scavs on the Customs map. These AI-controlled enemies roam the area, posing a threat to new and experienced players alike. You must eliminate enough of these threats.

Successfully completing this quest will earn you a variety of rewards. You’ll receive valuable experience points, boosting your overall level and unlocking new skills and content. Prapor’s reputation will also increase, granting you access to better gear and services from him. Finally, you’ll receive a sum of Roubles, the primary currency in Tarkov, along with specific items that can aid you on your future raids.

Failing this quest isn’t a major setback. There’s no penalty beyond wasted time and resources. You can simply attempt the raid again, learning from your mistakes and refining your strategy. So, even if your first attempt ends in disaster, don’t be discouraged!

Preparation – Equipping Yourself for Success

Success in Escape From Tarkov hinges on adequate preparation. Rushing into a raid without the proper gear and strategy is a recipe for disaster. Let’s examine the essential equipment and tactical considerations for tackling “The Good Times Part 1.”

First, let’s consider your weapon. For early-game players, affordability and effectiveness are key. A reliable, budget-friendly option is a variant of the AK platform, such as the AKM or AK-74. These weapons offer a decent rate of fire, manageable recoil, and readily available ammunition. Another strong contender is the SKS, a semi-automatic rifle known for its accuracy and power. When selecting a weapon, keep in mind that you want something that performs well in close to mid-range encounters, as that is where you will likely encounter the Scavs.

Ammunition is just as important as the weapon itself. Using the right ammo type can be the difference between a successful kill and a frustrating encounter. Scavs often wear basic armor, so you’ll need ammunition with decent penetration capabilities. Research ammunition charts to find the optimal balance between damage and penetration for your chosen weapon.

Protecting yourself is paramount. Invest in affordable armor and a rig that offers a balance of protection and storage. A basic armored rig can significantly increase your survivability against Scav shots. A chest rig or backpack will allow you to carry essential medical supplies, extra ammunition, and any valuable loot you find along the way.

Medical supplies are non-negotiable. An IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is essential for treating heavy bleeds and other serious injuries. Bandages are necessary for stopping light bleeding. Painkillers can help you manage pain and blurred vision after taking damage. Having these medical supplies readily accessible can save your life in a pinch.

Finally, remember to bring food and water. Staying hydrated and fed will prevent negative status effects that can hinder your performance. A simple can of tushonka or a bottle of water can make a significant difference.

Now, let’s talk Customs. Customs is a complex map, filled with danger and opportunity. Familiarizing yourself with the key landmarks is crucial for navigating the area and finding Scavs. Key locations include the Dorms, a multi-story building with multiple entrances and exits. There’s also Construction, an unfinished building often crawling with Scavs. The Warehouses, located near the river, are another hotspot. Finally, the Old Gas Station is a common spawn for players and AI alike. Knowing these landmarks will help you orient yourself and plan your routes.

Learning Scav spawn locations is vital for completing this quest efficiently. Scavs tend to congregate in specific areas on Customs. Check near the Dorms, Old Gas Station, Construction, and Warehouses. Knowing these locations will allow you to find the Scavs and complete the quest.

When thinking about tactics, keep these suggestions in mind. The time of day significantly impacts player activity. Early raids, immediately after a server reset, tend to be less crowded.

Employ cautious movement. Running around recklessly will attract unwanted attention from both Scavs and other players. Move slowly, listen for audio cues (footsteps, Scav chatter), and use cover effectively. Use corners and check your surroundings.

Headshots are your best friend. Aiming for the head is the most efficient way to eliminate Scavs quickly. A single well-placed shot can drop them instantly.

Minimizing contact with other players is key. This quest focuses on eliminating Scavs, so avoid unnecessary engagements with other players. Stick to less populated areas, move quickly through high-traffic zones, and prioritize your objectives.

A Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Let’s break down the quest into manageable steps.

First, entering Customs and your initial search. Let’s assume you spawn near the RUAF Roadblock. A solid initial path would be moving towards the Construction area and the Warehouses. These areas are often hotspots for Scav activity, providing a good starting point for your quest.

Now, systematic clearing of Scav locations. Methodically clear each location, moving from one area to another. Listen carefully for audio cues and use cover effectively. Check corners, peek around obstacles, and be prepared for ambushes. Loot bodies, but be careful.

As you progress, check the quest status in the Escape From Tarkov interface. This will tell you how many Scavs you’ve eliminated. Once you’ve reached the required number of kills, it’s time to head for extraction.

Selecting an appropriate extraction point depends on your location and gear. Common extraction points include Crossroads, Trailer Park, and Smuggler’s Boat. Choose the extract that is closest to you and allows for a safe extraction. Be aware of potential campers near extraction points.

Finally, safely extracting from the raid after completing the quest. Remember to remain vigilant even after completing the quest. Many players make the mistake of relaxing their guard on the way to extraction, only to be ambushed and lose all their hard-earned loot.

Essential Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are a few additional tips and tricks to increase your chances of success.

Always be listening. This is the most crucial skill in Escape From Tarkov. Pay close attention to the sounds around you. Footsteps, Scav chatter, and gunfire can all provide valuable information about enemy positions.

Grenades are valuable tools for flushing out Scavs from cover or creating distractions. Use them strategically to gain an advantage in combat. A well-timed grenade can easily secure a kill.

Take breaks! Escape From Tarkov can be mentally draining. Take breaks between raids to avoid burnout and maintain focus. A fresh perspective can make a big difference.

Learn Scav behavior. They are relatively predictable, so observing and understanding their patterns will help you anticipate their movements and react accordingly.

Finally, and arguably most importantly, stay alert for player scavs and PMCs. Scavs are already a difficult challenge, but player scavs and PMCs will actively look to hunt you. Scan your surroundings as you move and listen for signs of other players.

In Conclusion

“The Good Times Part 1” is an essential early-game quest in Escape From Tarkov. By understanding the prerequisites, preparing adequately, and employing effective tactics, you can complete this quest successfully and progress further in the game. Remember to move cautiously, listen for audio cues, and prioritize your objectives.

This quest serves as a valuable learning experience, teaching you the importance of preparation, tactical awareness, and resource management in the unforgiving world of Tarkov.

Now, go forth and conquer the Customs map! Share your experiences and ask questions in the comments below. Good luck, and may your raids be profitable!