Learn how flares work in Escape From Tarkov & how to use them

If you're wondering how to use Escape From Tarkov flares, or what exactly happens when you let one off, then make sure to check out this guide for all the current details.

Harry Boulton

24th Aug 2022 15:12

Images via Battletstate Games

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Escape From Tarkov flares are a new addition to the game with the recent patch 12.12.30, bringing a whole new way to receive loot in-game. Previously, airdrops in Escape From Tarkov would only arrive at random points during the raid, but now you can have a bit more control and potentially snag yourself some fantastic loot. Find out more about this new in-game feature.

What are flares?

Escape From Tarkov flares allow players to manually call in airdrops when they would otherwise be completely random. There are currently four different colours of flare in the game and two separate ways of firing them.

Escape From Tarkov Flares explained

The more common means of Escape From Tarkov flare is the RSP-30 reactive signal cartridge, which is a 2x1 slot item that is consumed upon a single use. It fires directly up when used, and needs to be assigned to a quick select button.

The other means of calling in an airdrop in Escape From Tarkov is through the ZiD SP-81 26x75 signal pistol, which can be equipped in your pistol slot, and takes single cartridges of 26x75mm flares across four different colours.

How to use flares in Escape From Tarkov

If you are using the SP-81 flare gun, then all you need to do is equip it by pressing '1' (or whatever button you have assigned to the pistol slot) and then firing as normal. If you are in possession of the RSP-30 cartridge though, it can be a little more complicated.

Escape From Tarkov Flares how to use

At first glance, it looks as if you would either use it as you would a healing item - by right-clicking and then hitting use - or it would fill into the grenade slot, but instead, you need to assign it to a quick slot in order to equip it.

All you need to do this is to hit any currently unassigned number on your number-row when hovering your mouse over the flare, or drag and drop it onto any of the free numbers at the bottom of your screen. Then, once in-game, press the number you assigned it to and it will be equipped, letting you use it with left click.

Of course, the main reason that you would be using a flare and calling in an airdrop is to loot it yourself - and that is an incredibly valid reason due to the high chance of expensive items inside, but there are some other clever things you can do.

Due to the appeal of looting an airdrop, and the fact that it isn't the most discreet thing in the world, you can very easily use it as bait if you're in desperate need of some PMC or scav kills. Bring a marksman rifle into the raid with you, let off the flare in a fairly open, fairly high-traffic area, and then move back to a vantage point and pick off anyone who comes to try and collect your loot.

The great thing about this strategy is that you'll still be able to collect your goods at the end, making it a win-win scenario.

About The Author

Harry Boulton

Harry is a Guides Writer at GGRecon, having completed a Masters of Research degree in Film Studies. Previously a freelance writer for PCGamesN, The Loadout, and Red Bull Gaming, he loves playing a wide variety of games from the Souls series to JRPGs, Counter-Strike, and EA FC. When not playing or writing about games and hardware, you're likely to find him watching football or listening to Madonna and Kate Bush.

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