Navigating the dangerous, loot-filled streets of Tarkov is a daunting task, and you can’t do it alone. Behind the scenes, a network of specialized traders acts as your lifeline, providing everything from basic ammunition to high-end weapon mods and crucial survival gear. These characters are far more than simple shopkeepers; they are the backbone of your entire progression system in Escape from Tarkov.
Building strong relationships with these traders is not just a good idea—it’s essential for your survival. Your success in a raid often hinges on the equipment you can acquire, and that equipment is largely locked behind your reputation and spending habits with each trader. Knowing who they are, what they offer, and how to make them work for you is one of the most important skills you can develop. This guide will help you do just that, turning these mysterious figures from simple vendors into powerful allies.
The Foundation of Trader Relationships
Before we look at each trader individually, it’s important to grasp the core mechanics that govern your interactions with all of them. Three key factors determine your standing: Trader Level, Loyalty Level, and Reputation.
Your Loyalty Level with a trader (ranging from 1 to 4) is the gatekeeper to their best items. To increase it, you need to meet three requirements: your overall player level, the total amount of money you’ve spent with them, and your Reputation score. Reputation is a separate value you earn by completing their specific quests. If you fail a quest or kill friendly Scavs as a PMC, you can lose Reputation, making it harder to level up. Keeping these three elements in mind as you play will guide your decisions on what to buy and which quests to prioritize.
Your First Contacts: The Early-Game Traders
When you first spawn into your hideout, a few traders are immediately available. These are your primary sources for basic gear and a great place to start building your economy.
Prapor is your military connection. He specializes in Russian-made weapons, ammunition, and grenades. In the early stages, he’s your go-to for affordable AK platform rifles, basic armor like the PACA, and essential medical supplies like AI-2 medkits and bandages. Completing his initial quests is relatively straightforward and provides a solid boost to your early Reputation.
Therapist is, as her name implies, your medical expert. She buys and sells all medical items, often at the best prices. If you find a pile of Salewas or other meds, she’s the one to sell them to. More importantly, she sells the crucial CMS and Surv12 field surgical kits, which allow you to heal blacked-out limbs after a raid. Keeping a good stock of medical supplies from her is non-negotiable.
Skier deals in barter goods and western equipment. He’s a key source for early-game weapon mods, communication devices, and some unique clothing. Be mindful, as some of his quests can put you at odds with Prapor. It’s often wise to turn in quest items to Skier first, as losing Reputation with him can be more difficult to recover from later.
Expanding Your Arsenal: The Mid-Game Specialists
As you level up your character, new traders will become available, each opening up new tactical possibilities.
Peacekeeper is the UN peacekeeper and your gateway to NATO gear. Unlocked at Loyalty Level 2, he trades exclusively in US Dollars ($). He sells powerful western weapons like the M4A1 and MP5, high-quality ammunition that is often superior to early Russian options, and specialized equipment like the ComTac headset. To build Reputation with him, you’ll need to complete quests that often involve eliminating specific Scav targets.
Mechanic is the tech genius of the group. He deals in weapon parts, tools, keys, and high-level electronics. If you want to build a heavily modified weapon, the Mechanic is your best friend. He sells essential components for your Hideout and is one of the best traders to sell weapon parts and electronics to. His quests can be challenging, often requiring you to turn in found-in-raid items or eliminate PMCs with specific gear.
Ragman is the clothier. He sells all things related to apparel—armor, vests, helmets, and backpacks. As you progress, having a reliable source for good armor is critical, and Ragman provides everything from the basic 6B2 armor to high-level ceramic plates. He also buys most clothing and armor items from you at a fair price.
Mastering the End-Game and Economy
The final group of traders offers unique services and items that can define your late-game experience.
Jaeger is the survivalist, unlocked by completing a quest from Mechanic. He is a unique case, as his Reputation is often the hardest to manage. He sells hunting weapons, melee tools, unique ammunition, and survival items like the ration pack. His quests frequently have frustrating requirements, such as suffering from tremors or killing PMCs in uncomfortable conditions. However, the rewards and unique items he offers are often worth the trouble.
Fence is the fence for Scavs and PMCs alike. He operates differently from every other trader. Fence’s stock is composed entirely of items sold to him by other players. His prices are terrible for selling, but he can be a source for found-in-raid items needed for quests. More importantly, your Reputation with Fence directly impacts your Scav cooldown timer, the gear you spawn with as a Scav, and even the likelihood of AI Scavs being friendly toward you. The only way to increase Fence Reputation is to successfully extract as a Scav or use vehicle extracts as a PMC.
Practical Tips for Trader Mastery
To make the most of your trader network, keep a few simple strategies in mind. First, focus on completing quests. This is the fastest way to gain player levels and trader Reputation simultaneously. Second, when you find items needed for a future quest, set them aside in a dedicated storage container. This “quest item” stash will save you countless hours of searching later. Finally, always compare prices between traders and the Flea Market. Sometimes a trader sells an item for less than the market price, allowing you to make a profit, or vice-versa.
Your journey through Tarkov is a personal one, but you don’t have to make it alone. By investing time in these key characters, you turn them from simple shop interfaces into the core of your support system. Pay attention to their needs, complete their tasks, and they will provide you with the tools not just to survive, but to thrive in the harsh and unforgiving world of Tarkov.