What is the Next Escape from Tarkov Faction? Tarkov Factions Explained

Escape from Tarkov is a game built around ‘factions’. There are player factions, such as USEC and BEAR, and enemy factions, such as Rogues, Raiders, and Scavs. However, it was revealed in April 2024 that another faction is on its way into the Tarkov ecosystem, presenting an interesting angle for those who choose to play as a BEAR PMC. In this guide, we’re breaking down the Tarkov factions, highlighting the differences between BEAR and USEC to make it clear how it all works.

If you want to learn everything about the factions in Tarkov, look no further than this walkthrough.

Is RUAF a Faction in Tarkov?

tarkov factions

In April 2024, Nikita Buyanov, the head of the studio at Battlestate Games, stated that a brand-new faction is coming to Tarkov: RUAF. This isn’t the first time that players have heard the name, as it has been plastered over the game since it was released almost a decade ago. In Escape from Tarkov (and the real world), RUAF is the Russian Armed Forces – the standing Russian military. It’s a controversial change given the current political climate, but BSG wants to bring RUAF in as a new faction.

This faction will behave similarly to the Rogues faction on the Lighthouse map. It’ll be more aggressive when USEC enemies are near but will be more lenient with BEAR PMCs. It’s not yet known where this faction will surface or how it’ll operate.

Up until now, RUAF has been present in Tarkov in name only. For instance, there’s an extraction point on the Customs map called ‘RUAF Roadblock’.

What’s the Difference Between BEAR and USEC in Tarkov?

As the two core Tarkov factions, USEC and BEAR are the choices offered to players when they a) start playing for the first time, or b) load up the game after a ‘wipe’ has taken place. Here are the main differences between these two Tarkov factions:

USEC

  • American PMC company employed by TerraGroup (an in-game organisation)
  • Starter weapons are NATO-based (M4A1, 5.56x45mm ammunition, M9 handgun, M67 grenades etc)
  • More ‘Western’ clothing items available to purchase
  • Some basic map advantages: less likely to aggravate ‘Rogues’ on the Lighthouse map

BEAR

  • Russian PMC company employed by the Norvinsk government (a fictional in-game region)
  • Starter weapons are Russian-based (AK, 5.56x39mm ammunition, SV-98 rifle, F-1 grenades, etc)
  • Some basic map disadvantages: will be shot on sight by Rogues on the Lighthouse map

Aside from that, there are very few differences between these two Tarkov factions. There are some minor differences with some quests, but nothing that’ll alter the game in any noticeable way. So, aside from speaking a certain way, wearing particular clothes, or having a minor impact on some Tarkov maps, it doesn’t really matter what Tarkov faction you pick when you start playing.

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