Classified Technology in Tarkov

In the desolate, war-torn city of Tarkov, survival isn't just about sharp shooting and tactical prowess; it's also about understanding and leveraging the most elusive assets: Classified Technology in Tarkov. These aren't just random components; they are the gears that turn the wheels of progression, from essential hideout upgrades to critical quest completions and lucrative trade opportunities. But what exactly is this classified tech, why is it so vital, and most importantly, where can you find it amidst the chaos?

This comprehensive guide will demystify the world of classified technology, providing you with the knowledge and strategies to secure these invaluable items and gain a significant edge in Escape from Tarkov.

What is Classified Technology in Tarkov?

At its core, classified technology in Tarkov refers to a range of highly sensitive, advanced, and often rare electronic and mechanical components. These items are typically shielded from public disclosure due to their military applications and strategic importance, serving as "force multipliers" within the game's lore. Think of them as the hidden gems of the Tarkov economy, essential for developing advanced infrastructure within your hideout, completing challenging quests for various traders, and even crafting high-value items.

Unlike common loot, classified tech items are characterized by their scarcity and high demand, which directly impacts their value in the in-game trade economy. From intricate circuit boards to specialized military components, each piece plays a crucial role in the struggle for dominance within Tarkov.

Why is Classified Technology So Important?

The importance of classified technology in Tarkov cannot be overstated. These items are not mere trinkets; they are fundamental to various aspects of your progression and survival:

• Hideout Upgrades: Your hideout is your sanctuary, and many of its most vital modules require specific classified tech to build and upgrade. Want to craft better ammunition, improve your healing capabilities, or even generate passive income? You'll need these items. For instance, the Bitcoin Farm, a highly sought-after module for passive income, requires various tech components. Many other modules like the Generator, Vents, and Security also require specific technical items for upgrades.
• Trader Quests: Many of Escape from Tarkov's intricate questlines, particularly those from traders like Peacekeeper and Mechanic, demand the acquisition and handover of specific classified tech items. A prime example is Peacekeeper's "Classified Technologies" quest, which requires players to locate and secure a T-90M Commander control panel on Reserve. Failing to find these items can halt your progression with traders, locking you out of better gear and crucial services.
• Barters and Crafting: Beyond quests and hideout upgrades, classified tech is often used in high-value barters with traders or as components in crafting recipes at your Workbench or Intelligence Center. This allows you to turn raw materials into powerful gear or profitable items, enhancing your self-sufficiency and financial standing.
• Financial Value: Due to their rarity and necessity, Tarkov tech items often fetch high prices on the Flea Market. Finding and extracting these items can be a quick way to accumulate Roubles, especially early in a wipe or for players focusing on a more economic playstyle.

Where to Find Classified Technology in Tarkov

Knowing where to look is half the battle when hunting for classified technology in Tarkov. These items can spawn in various locations and containers across different maps. While some are more common than others, vigilance and a keen eye are always rewarded.

High-Value Tech Loot Locations

Certain maps and areas are renowned for their abundance of Tarkov tech items:

• Lighthouse: The Water Treatment Plant on Lighthouse is a top-tier spot for technical loot, especially "military" grade items like Phased Arrays, Military Corrugated Tubes, and Military Cables. The entire area is rich with technical loot spawns, including Technical Supply Crates and loose spawns near USEC buildings. If you have the Water Treatment Plant Storage Key, you can access even more crates.
• Customs: Following recent reworks, Customs has become a fantastic map for technical spawns, particularly within the industrial buildings in the middle of the map. Be cautious, as these areas can be dangerous due to high player traffic.
• Streets of Tarkov: This sprawling urban map is a treasure trove for all types of loot, including classified tech. Key areas include:
  • Kaban's Camp: This area has numerous loose technical loot spawns and Technical Supply Crates.
  • Cinema and Surrounding Buildings: Look in the Diagonal Yellow building, offices with PCs, and various superstores and restaurants. Check PCs for SSDs, Hard Drives, Graphics Cards, and RAM.
  • Concordia Buildings: These also offer abundant tech spawns on different floors.
  • Czecha Street: Specific rooms in buildings like the Czecha 15 building can contain valuable tech items, including Graphics Cards.
  • Post Office: Known for spawning tech manuals and other rare items.
• Interchange: A popular destination for EFT rare loot, especially for GPUs and other electronics.
  • Tech Stores: Stores like Techlight, Texho, Rasmussen, and German are prime locations for high-tier tech loot spawns on tables and shelves.
  • PC Blocks and Offices: Hitting numerous PC blocks throughout the mall and staying in offices can yield a significant amount of tech items like wires, CPU fans, capacitors, and PCBs.
• Reserve: This map is excellent for finding tech manuals, especially in filing cabinets within the bunker area. Technical supply crates and duffel bags on Reserve are also good for military corrugated tubes and other tech.
• Labs: While high-risk, Labs offers numerous high-value spawns, including various technical items and Intel folders.

Common Loot Containers & Spawns

Beyond specific map locations, keep an eye out for these universal sources of classified technology in Tarkov:

• Technical Supply Crates: These green, rectangular crates are specifically designed to hold tech items and are often found in industrial or military areas.
• Filing Cabinets: A consistent source for various documents and smaller tech items, including tech manuals.
• PCs and Servers: Interacting with computers can yield components like CPUs, GPUs, RAM, SSDs, and power supplies.
• Toolboxes: These can sometimes contain tech components and tools needed for hideout upgrades.
• Duffel Bags: While more general loot, duffel bags can surprisingly contain various tech items.
• Safes: Occasionally, safes can contain valuable tech, including rare items and even Bitcoins.
• Loose Spawns: Many tech items can be found simply lying on desks, shelves, floors, or specific "dead body" spawns. Always scan your surroundings thoroughly!

Maximizing Your Classified Tech Haul

Finding classified technology in Tarkov is one thing; extracting it is another. Here are some actionable tips to maximize your chances:

• Learn the Spawns: Familiarize yourself with the exact spawn locations for high-value tech items on your preferred maps. Many online maps and guides can help with this.
• Prioritize Found in Raid (FIR): For quests and hideout upgrades, many items must be "Found in Raid" (FIR). This means you must extract with the item after finding it in a raid, without dying or being "Run Through."
• Scav Runs: Don't underestimate the power of Scav runs. They are low-risk ways to explore maps and potentially stumble upon valuable tech without risking your PMC gear. Streets of Tarkov and Reserve are excellent for Scav runs targeting tech.
• Container Management: Efficient inventory management is key. Prioritize high-value, compact tech items over bulkier, less valuable loot if space is limited. Consider bringing a secure container for critical quest items or highly valuable tech.
• Extraction Routes: Plan your extraction route before you even enter a raid. Knowing how you'll get out with your loot is as important as knowing where to find it.
• Team Up: Raiding with a squad can significantly increase your chances of survival and extraction, allowing for better map control and mutual protection.

Using Your Classified Technology

Once you've successfully extracted your classified technology in Tarkov, what's next?

• Hideout Upgrades: Head to your hideout and check the requirements for various modules. The "Needed Items" section in your game or on external trackers can help you keep track of what you need. Prioritize modules that offer significant benefits, such as the Intelligence Center (for crafting and Scav Case), Workbench (for weapon modding and crafting), and the Bitcoin Farm (for passive income).
• Completing Quests: If you're holding a quest item, such as the T-90M Commander control panel for Peacekeeper's "Classified Technologies" quest, head to the designated trader to turn it in. Always double-check quest objectives to ensure you have the correct item and meet any other requirements.
• Flea Market Sales: For surplus tech items or those not needed for your immediate progression, the Flea Market is your go-to for selling them to other players. Monitor prices to get the best return on your hard-earned loot. The scarcity of these items often drives up their value.

Conclusion

Mastering the acquisition of classified technology in Tarkov is a crucial step towards becoming a truly self-sufficient and successful PMC. These rare and valuable items are the backbone of hideout progression, quest completion, and a thriving in-game economy. By understanding what classified tech is, why it's so important, and where to consistently find it, you're not just looting; you're strategically building your empire in the unforgiving world of Tarkov.

What's the rarest piece of classified technology you've ever found in Tarkov? Share your stories and best loot spots in the comments below! If you're looking for more in-depth guides on specific tech items or hideout modules, be sure to check out our other articles on Tarkov's intricate systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are some of the most valuable classified tech items in Tarkov?

A1: Some of the most valuable classified tech items include Graphics Cards (GPUs), Tetriz, VPX Flash Drives, Phased Arrays, Military Corrugated Tubes, and Military Cables. Their value often stems from their use in high-tier hideout upgrades (like the Bitcoin Farm) or specific trader quests.

Q2: Do all classified tech items need to be "Found in Raid" (FIR)?

A2: For most quests and hideout upgrades, yes, the required classified tech items must be "Found in Raid" (FIR). This means you must acquire them during a raid and successfully extract with them. Items bought on the Flea Market or brought into a raid from your stash usually won't count for FIR requirements.

Q3: Can I craft classified technology in my hideout?

A3: While you can't craft all classified technology, some items, particularly certain electronic components like Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) or even specific quest items like the USB with Special Software for the "Matters of Technique" quest, can be crafted in your hideout once you've upgraded the relevant modules like the Workbench or Intelligence Center.

Q4: Are there any specific keys I need to find classified tech?

A4: Yes, certain locked rooms on maps like Lighthouse, Interchange, or Labs often contain high concentrations of classified tech and rare loot. For example, the Water Treatment Plant Storage Key on Lighthouse can unlock additional Technical Supply Crates. While some areas can be looted without keys, having the right keys can significantly boost your tech haul.