Ah, Escape from Tarkov—the game where your heart races, your palms sweat, and every decision could be the last one you ever make. And then there’s Chemical Part 1, that quest that has you running around Customs like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to avoid getting shot by everyone and their mother. Trust me, if you’ve gotten here, you know the struggle. But don’t worry, I got your back. This guide will help you tackle Chemical Part 1, so let’s break it down.
What’s the Deal with Chemical Part 1?
Okay, so here’s the lowdown on Chemical Part 1. It’s one of those quests you get from Skier, that shady guy who always seems like he’s hiding something behind those sunglasses. If you’ve done “Friend from the West – Part 1,” then congratulations, this bad boy is unlocked for you. The quest is all about grabbing a chemical package from Customs and not dying in the process. Simple, right? Sure, if you enjoy chaos.
Objectives of Chemical Part 1
Here’s what you need to do in Chemical Part 1:
- Find the chemical transport (hint: it’s on Customs).
- Retrieve the package (try not to die while doing it).
- Survive the extraction (because dying with the package? Not an option).
- Hand over the goods to Skier (and pretend you’re not secretly being watched).
Sounds easy on paper, but hey, it’s Tarkov. So, let’s talk about what’s actually going down.
Prep Like a Pro for Chemical Part 1
I swear, I always find myself under-prepared for Tarkov. I’ve lost more gear than I care to admit. My first raid, I thought a pistol and a dream would be enough… spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Anyway, here’s how to prep for Chemical Part 1 so you don’t get caught with your pants down.
What to Bring
- A silenced weapon. Trust me on this. You’re gonna want to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
- Healing kits like AI-2 or Salewa. You never know when some scav with a shotgun will pop around the corner.
- Armor and a helmet. Don’t be that guy who shows up to a gunfight with a t-shirt.
- Headset. For the love of all things Tarkov, please bring a headset. The audio is everything.
You also need to remember the Dorm 220 key. Without it, you’re just wandering around in the dark. And honestly, that’s just frustrating.
How to Not Die on Customs
So, you’ve geared up. Your weapons are loaded. You’re ready to get that chemical package, right? But here’s the thing—Customs isn’t a walk in the park. If you spawn near the Dorms area, which is where the package is, you’re in for a treat. A treat of bullets, pain, and regretting life choices.
You have two spawns:
- East side spawns: Easy access to the dorms, but you better haul it fast.
- West side spawns: A bit more cover, but you gotta trek through some high-traffic zones.
You’ll notice I said high-traffic zones. Y’know, areas where players are practically waiting to ambush you. Have a plan, my friend.
The Chemical Transport Location
This is where it gets interesting. The chemical package isn’t just lying out in the open. Nope. You need to get to Room 220 in the dorms. And if you don’t have the key, then… well, you’re out of luck.
Here’s what to do once you get there:
- Head to the 2nd floor of the dorm.
- Unlock Room 220 with your key (or loot it if you’re lucky).
- Inside, you’ll find the chemical package on a table. Grab it, but don’t get too comfy. The package isn’t exactly light, and you’ll be a prime target as soon as you pick it up.
Surviving After You’ve Got the Goods
Okay, now you’ve got the goods, but don’t get cocky. Your extraction is just as important as your loot. Trust me, I’ve died too many times right after getting a good item. It’s devastating.
There are a few extraction points that are good bets:
- ZB-1011 or ZB-1012
- Crossroads
- Smuggler’s Boat (if it’s open)
My advice? Don’t take the obvious route. If you’re near Dorms, you might as well expect a fight. Try to be sneaky. Use the environment. Flashbangs are a thing, y’all. And for God’s sake, don’t just sprint out in the open.
What to Do if You Die
Listen, I’ve been there. I grabbed the package, was feeling good, and then boom, a scav shot me in the face from across the map. Don’t be me.
If you die, all progress is lost. You’ll have to go back, loot Room 220 again, and hope that no one beats you to it. I know, it’s frustrating. But hey, it’s Tarkov, right?
Rewards for Chemical Part 1
So, what’s in it for you once you hand over the package to Skier? A couple of things:
- 4,500 EXP. Not bad.
- Skier Rep +0.04. It’s a start.
- 15,000 Roubles (before modifiers).
- Unlock Chemical – Part 2.
It’s not the biggest payout in the world, but that Skier rep will help you later when you’re trying to buy better gear. Trust me, rep matters.
The Skier vs. Therapist Dilemma
Here’s the fun part. Later on, you’ll have to make some decisions about who to trust. Skier or Therapist. I’m not saying you should pick a side now, but just know that the choices you make here have consequences down the line. It’s a whole mess of faction loyalty and trust, and that begins with Chemical Part 1.
What Happens After You Finish Chemical Part 1?
Now, here’s the kicker. You’ve completed Chemical Part 1, but it doesn’t stop there. This mission is just the beginning. It unlocks Chemical Part 2, which is a whole other beast. But if you can survive this one, you’ll have a bit of momentum to keep pushing through.
The cool part? As you progress, you start getting more comfortable with raids. It’s all about learning the map, learning the fights, and knowing when to duck and when to run like hell. Anyway, the more you play, the more confident you’ll get. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go smoothly right away. We’ve all been there.
A Few Final Thoughts (or, “Stuff I Wish Someone Told Me”)
Look, I’ve made a ton of mistakes in Tarkov. I’ve gone in unprepared, thought I could take on a squad solo, and definitely underestimated how brutal those dorm fights can be. But I learned, y’all. Here’s what I wish I knew:
- Don’t fight unless you have to. It’s easy to get cocky, but I’ve died more times than I can count because I couldn’t resist taking that shot. Just… don’t.
- Know when to bail. If you’re deep in a raid and things are getting sketchy, don’t hesitate to run. No shame in retreating if you’ve got the package.
- Take your time. You don’t have to rush Chemical Part 1. Set yourself up for success. That chemical package? It’s still gonna be there when you get to it.
Anyway, my first raid on Chemical Part 1? I was sure I had it all figured out. Fast forward to me, crouched in a bush, waiting for a scav to turn the corner… and I get headshot by a dude with a shotgun. Classic Tarkov moment.
Final Thoughts: Just Survive, Already
So, yeah, Chemical Part 1 isn’t going to be easy. It’ll test your patience, your navigation skills, and maybe even your sanity. But once you get it done, you’ll feel that sweet, sweet relief.
So go on. Grab that package, extract, and enjoy the tiny victory. Just don’t die out there. And if you do, well… at least you learned something for next time.