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Unlocking ‘Delivery from the Past’ in Escape from Tarkov: A Comprehensive Guide

‘Delivery from the Past’ is notorious in Escape from Tarkov. It’s a quest that has ended many a PMC’s run prematurely, often becoming a significant roadblock early in the game. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive walkthrough, expert tips, and in-depth strategies to successfully complete this challenging task, minimizing your risk and maximizing your chances of survival. We’ll delve into the quest’s specifics, optimal gear choices, strategic routes, and common pitfalls to avoid. Consider this your one-stop resource for conquering ‘Delivery from the Past’.

Understanding the ‘Delivery from the Past’ Quest

‘Delivery from the Past’ is a quest given by the Prapor, one of the initial traders in Escape from Tarkov. It requires players to retrieve a secure container from the factory map and plant it in the office on customs. Sounds simple, right? The challenge arises from the factory’s close-quarters combat, high player density, and the fact that the container must be placed while online and surviving the raid.

The quest serves as an early introduction to the game’s core mechanics, including map knowledge, risk assessment, and efficient looting. Successfully completing it unlocks further quests and improves your standing with Prapor, which is crucial for progression. Failure, however, can lead to significant gear loss and frustration, making proper preparation essential.

Essential Gear and Preparation for ‘Delivery from the Past’

While it’s tempting to rush into the Factory with high-end gear, a more measured approach is often wiser for ‘Delivery from the Past’, especially if you are not confident in close quarters combat. Here’s a breakdown of recommended gear:

Weapon: A shotgun like the MP-153 or a fast-firing SMG like the MP5 or PP-19-01 are ideal for the factory’s tight corridors. The shotgun can provide a one-shot advantage in close quarters, while the SMG offers a high rate of fire for suppressing enemies.
Armor: Level 3 or 4 armor is recommended to withstand common ammunition types used by other players and scavs. A PACA soft armor is an affordable starting point, while more advanced options like the 6B2 armor provide better protection.
Headset: A headset like the ComTac 2 or Sordin is crucial for hearing enemy movements and identifying audio cues. Sound is a critical advantage in Tarkov, and a good headset can significantly improve your situational awareness.
Backpack: A small to medium-sized backpack like the Scav Backpack or MBSS is sufficient for carrying the secure container and any essential loot. Avoid large backpacks that make you an easier target.
Medical Supplies: Always bring a sufficient supply of medical items, including bandages, painkillers, and a Salewa or IFAK for treating more serious wounds.
Keys: Ensure you have the Factory Key, which unlocks several useful shortcuts and loot locations on the Factory map.

Strategic Route Planning for Quest Completion

Choosing the right route is crucial for minimizing risk and maximizing your chances of success. Here’s a breakdown of a recommended strategy:

Spawn Location Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the possible spawn locations on Factory. Knowing where you and other players are likely to spawn is essential for making informed decisions.
Initial Movement: Immediately upon spawning, move towards a less congested area of the map. Avoid rushing towards high-traffic zones like the center office or gate 3, as these are likely to be heavily contested.
Retrieving the Container: The secure container is located in the Factory map’s office. Approach the office cautiously, checking corners and listening for enemy movements. Use flashbangs or grenades to clear the room before entering.
Planting the Container: After retrieving the container, your next objective is to plant it in the office on Customs. The safest route is generally to extract via Gate 3, then immediately head to the Customs office.
Exfiltration Strategy: Once the container is planted, prioritize exfiltration. The Gate 3 extract is often the safest option, but be aware that it can be heavily camped. Consider using alternative extracts like the Camera Bunker Door or the Cellars if Gate 3 is too risky.

Navigating the Customs Map for ‘Delivery from the Past’

The Customs map presents its own unique challenges. The office is located near the center of the map, making it a common point of conflict. Here’s how to navigate it safely:

Entry Points: There are multiple entry points to the office, each with its own risks and advantages. The main entrance is the most direct, but also the most exposed. Consider using alternative entrances like the windows or the back door to gain a tactical advantage.
Clearing the Area: Before planting the container, thoroughly clear the office and the surrounding area. Use grenades and flashbangs to disorient any potential threats.
Defensive Positioning: Once the container is planted, establish a defensive position to protect yourself while waiting for the exfil timer to expire. Use cover and concealment to minimize your exposure to enemy fire.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many players fail ‘Delivery from the Past’ due to common mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of these pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Rushing In Blindly: Avoid rushing into high-traffic areas without proper reconnaissance. Take your time to assess the situation and plan your approach.
Ignoring Audio Cues: Pay close attention to audio cues, such as footsteps, gunfire, and door openings. These can provide valuable information about enemy movements and positions.
Poor Gear Choices: Using inappropriate gear can significantly reduce your chances of survival. Choose weapons and armor that are well-suited for the factory’s close-quarters combat.
Failure to Plan an Escape Route: Always have a backup plan in case your primary exfiltration route is blocked or too risky.
Underestimating Scavs: Even scavs can be deadly in the factory’s tight corridors. Don’t underestimate their ability to inflict damage, especially in groups.

The Importance of Map Knowledge in ‘Delivery from the Past’

A thorough understanding of the Factory and Customs maps is paramount for completing ‘Delivery from the Past’. Knowing the layout, key locations, and common player routes can provide a significant advantage. Spend time exploring the maps in offline mode to familiarize yourself with the terrain and identify potential threats and opportunities. This will help you make informed decisions and react quickly to changing situations.

Leveraging Sound to Your Advantage

Sound is a critical element of gameplay in Escape from Tarkov, and it can be particularly useful in ‘Delivery from the Past’. By paying close attention to audio cues, you can gain valuable insights into enemy movements and positions. Use a good headset and listen carefully for footsteps, gunfire, and door openings. This information can help you anticipate enemy actions and react accordingly.

Adapting to Different Playstyles

The Factory and Customs are dynamic environments, and you’ll encounter a variety of player playstyles. Some players prefer to rush in aggressively, while others take a more cautious and methodical approach. Adapting to these different playstyles is essential for survival. Be prepared to adjust your tactics based on the behavior of your opponents.

Advanced Tactics for ‘Delivery from the Past’

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start incorporating advanced tactics to further improve your chances of success. These include:

Pre-Firing Corners: Pre-firing around corners can give you a significant advantage in close-quarters combat. By anticipating enemy positions and firing before they have a chance to react, you can often secure a quick and easy kill.
Using Grenades Effectively: Grenades are a powerful tool for clearing rooms and disorienting enemies. Learn how to use different types of grenades effectively to maximize their impact.
Controlling Chokepoints: Controlling chokepoints can allow you to funnel enemies into predictable paths and create advantageous engagement scenarios.
Utilizing Cover and Concealment: Use cover and concealment to minimize your exposure to enemy fire. Move strategically from cover to cover and avoid standing in the open for extended periods.

The Value of Teamwork

While ‘Delivery from the Past’ can be completed solo, teamwork can significantly improve your chances of success. Coordinating with a squad can provide additional firepower, reconnaissance, and support. Communicate effectively with your teammates and work together to achieve your objectives.

Why ‘Delivery from the Past’ Remains a Key Quest

‘Delivery from the Past’ remains a crucial quest in Escape from Tarkov due to its early availability and the rewards it provides. Successfully completing it unlocks further quests and improves your standing with Prapor, which is essential for progression. The quest also serves as a valuable learning experience, teaching players essential skills and strategies that will serve them well throughout the game.

Concluding Thoughts on Mastering ‘Delivery from the Past’

Conquering ‘Delivery from the Past’ is a significant milestone in Escape from Tarkov. By understanding the quest’s requirements, preparing adequately, planning strategically, and adapting to different situations, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to prioritize survival, learn from your mistakes, and never give up. Your persistence will be rewarded with valuable loot, improved trader standing, and a greater understanding of the game.