Escape from Tarkov Setup Quest Guide: How to Complete It Fast

In Escape from Tarkov, Setup is a quest that puts your close-range and mid-range combat skills to the test. Assigned by Skier, this mission requires aggressive gameplay and careful execution. It’s one of the more skill-based quests in the game and is best approached with a calculated mindset.

If you’re struggling to finish Setup Tarkov, this guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know to complete it quickly and efficiently.

What Is the Setup Quest?

Setup is available once you reach level 18. The objective is to eliminate 8 players on the Customs map while wearing specific gear and using restricted weapons. The limitations add difficulty, forcing players to get creative with positioning and gunfights.

Quest Requirements:

• Location: Customs
• Kill 8 players while wearing:
  • Ushanka
  • Scav Vest
  • Using an MP-series shotgun or the MP-18 sniper rifle

You must get the kills while actively wearing the required gear and using one of the allowed weapons. Any other loadout or death before a valid kill won’t count toward quest progress.

Best Strategy to Complete Setup Fast

To complete Setup Tarkov without dragging it out over several raids, you’ll need proper loadout planning, knowledge of hot zones, and a consistent method for initiating and winning fights.

Gear Setup

• Primary Weapon:
  • Use an MP-153 or MP-155 shotgun for close-range pressure.
  • The MP-18 sniper is also allowed and offers solid accuracy for mid- to long-range kills, giving you more engagement flexibility.
• Ammo:
  • Use AP-20 slugs or other high-damage options.
  • For MP-18, match it with effective sniper rounds to one-tap enemies.
• Attachments:
  • Use a laser for shotguns to improve hip-fire spread.
  • Equip optics on the MP-18 for better sightlines.
• Armor:
  • Restricted to a Scav Vest and Ushanka. Avoid taking extended fights and rely on mobility and ambushes.

Customs Map Hotspots

Target these high-traffic areas:

• Dorms (both 2-story and 3-story)
• Old Construction and Skeleton
• Crack House
• Gas Station
• Fortress

These zones regularly attract players and offer tight corridors perfect for shotguns or open angles for sniper play.

Engagement Tips

• Stick to tight interiors with the shotgun.
• Use the MP-18 to pick off players from safe angles around Customs warehouses or the river area.
• Play solo or run a duo for flexibility; in squads, communicate to avoid accidental kill steals.
• Don’t hesitate to retreat after a successful kill and reset in a fresh raid.

Setup Quest Rewards

Finishing Setup Tarkov grants solid rewards that boost your next stage of progression.

Rewards:

• +21,900 EXP
• +0.05 Skier rep
• +0.05 Fence rep
• 150,000 Roubles
• Kel-Tec RFB
• 4x AP-20 ammo packs

These rewards help restock gear lost in the process and give you tools for more advanced quests afterward.

Mastering Setup for Fast Progression

Conquering Setup isn’t just about raw aim—it’s about smart movement, knowing where and when to engage, and making your gear work within tight limitations. This quest forces you to adapt, commit to aggressive encounters, and think like a high-risk player.

Using the MP-series shotgun or the MP-18 sniper gives you flexibility to approach fights your way. Combine that with Customs map knowledge and a patient mindset, and you’ll knock out this quest in fewer raids than expected.

Stay mobile, play smart, and don’t chase every fight. Master the mission, secure the kills, and move forward with confidence in your Tarkov journey.