Question 1

What is a Timmy in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

A Timmy is a new or inexperienced Escape from Tarkov player — someone who is still learning the game, makes rookie mistakes, or runs expensive gear without knowing how to use it. TimmyTracker is named after this player archetype.

Question 2

What is a Chad in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

A Chad is a fully geared, experienced Tarkov player who plays aggressively with the best gear (Class 6 armor, top ammo). Chads know every spawn and every angle. Fighting a Chad in budget gear is nearly impossible — avoid them until you become one.

Question 3

What is a Rat in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

A Rat is a playstyle focused on avoiding combat, looting quietly, and extracting safely with profit. Rats hide, camp, and let other players fight each other. It's a completely valid playstyle especially early in a wipe.

Question 4

What does 'wiggle' mean in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

Wiggling (rapidly pressing left/right movement) is the Tarkov peace sign. If a PMC wiggles at you, they don't want to fight. You can wiggle back to agree. It's an unwritten community rule — not enforced by the game mechanics.

Question 5

What ammo should I use as a beginner in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

For early game: 7.62x39 PS (AKM), 5.45x39 PS or PP (AK-74), 9x19 Pst gzh (pistols/SMGs). Avoid bottom-tier ammo like FMJ, LRN, or T — they bounce off Class 4+ armor. Use the Ammo Tier List on TimmyTracker for the best options per caliber.

Question 6

What is the best ammo in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

Best endgame ammo by caliber: 5.45x39 BS or BT (AK-74), 7.62x51 M61 or M62 (battle rifles), 9x39 SPP (VSS/AS VAL), 5.56x45 M995 (M4/HK). Check the full Ammo Tier List on TimmyTracker for all calibers ranked S to C.

Question 7

What is FIR (Found in Raid) in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

Found in Raid means an item was picked up during a live raid. FIR items can be sold on the Flea Market and used for quest hand-ins. Items brought from your stash are not FIR. If you die, picked-up items lose FIR status.

Question 8

How does armor work in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

Armor has a class (1–6) and durability. Higher class blocks more bullets. Penetration power is the key ammo stat — if it significantly exceeds the armor class, the bullet penetrates and deals full damage. Use Class 4+ armor for PvP and A/S tier ammo to fight through enemy armor.

Question 9

How do I make money in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

Best early money methods: 1. Scav runs (free, no risk). 2. Loot GPUs and graphics cards (sell to Therapist). 3. Complete quests for trader rewards. 4. Loot tech items (hard drives, LedX). 5. Bitcoin Farm in Hideout for passive income.

Question 10

What is Run-Through in Tarkov?

Accepted Answer

Run-Through is a penalty for extracting too quickly without earning ~600 XP. You get your loot but almost no XP or skill progress. Avoid it by killing Scavs, opening containers, or completing objectives before extracting.