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Unlocking ‘Delivery from the Past’ in Escape from Tarkov: A Comprehensive Guide

The quest ‘Delivery from the Past’ in Escape from Tarkov (EFT) is notorious for its difficulty and early availability. It’s often the first major hurdle for new players trying to progress through Prapor’s questline. This guide provides a detailed, expert-level walkthrough, covering everything from preparation to execution, ensuring you can confidently complete this challenging task and reap the rewards. We’ll delve into optimal strategies, gear recommendations, and map awareness to minimize your risks and maximize your success. Many players struggle with the timing and execution of this quest, but with the right knowledge, it becomes significantly more manageable.

Understanding the ‘Delivery from the Past’ Quest

Before diving into the specifics, let’s clearly define what ‘Delivery from the Past’ entails. Prapor tasks you with retrieving a secure case containing sensitive information from the USEC headquarters on the Customs map and planting it in the Security Office of the Factory map. The complexities arise from the high-traffic areas you must traverse, the gear restrictions (or lack thereof, which can be a trap for new players), and the ever-present threat of other players and Scavs.

The quest’s significance lies in unlocking subsequent quests and increasing your reputation with Prapor, a key vendor for acquiring essential gear and completing your PMC’s progression. Successfully completing this quest early on can significantly boost your Tarkov experience.

Optimal Gear Loadout and Preparation for Delivery from the Past

While there are no explicit gear restrictions, your loadout drastically impacts your survivability. Here’s our recommended approach, balancing cost-effectiveness with protection:

Armor: A level 3 or 4 armored rig is highly recommended. The 6B5-15 or similar offers a decent balance of protection and mobility, especially against Scavs using shotguns.
Weapon: A reliable and accurate weapon is crucial. An AK-74M or a VPO-136 (AKM variant) with a decent optic (such as a PSO or a simple red dot) are excellent choices. Use PS ammo or better for increased effectiveness against armored targets.
Medical Supplies: Prioritize a Car Medkit or IFAK, bandages, and splints. Surviving firefights is paramount, and healing quickly is essential.
Secure Container: Fill your secure container with valuable items to protect your investment in case of death. Keys, quest items, and high-value loot are prime candidates.
Tactical Gear: A headset like the ComTac 2 or GSSh-01 is invaluable for hearing enemy movements. Carry a grenade for clearing rooms or disengaging from unfavorable engagements.

Customs Map: Extracting the Secure Case

The first leg of the quest takes place on Customs. The USEC headquarters is located in the center of the map, near the construction site and the river. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Spawn Location: Your spawn location will influence your route. If you spawn near the trailers, head towards the railroad tracks and then towards the construction site. If you spawn near the river, cross it and approach the building from the opposite side.
Entering the Building: The building has multiple entrances. The main entrance is the most direct, but also the most heavily contested. Consider using a side entrance or the back entrance to avoid initial confrontations.
Locating the Case: The secure case is located on the second floor, inside the locked office. The key is given to you by Prapor at the start of the quest. Unlock the door and quickly grab the case.
Exfiltration: Once you have the case, immediately exfiltrate. The Smuggler’s Boat extract (if available) or the Crossroads extract are good options, depending on your spawn and the current situation. Be mindful of player scavs and PMCs camping these exits.

Navigating High-Traffic Areas on Customs

Customs is notorious for its high player density, especially around the USEC building. Here are some tips for navigating these dangerous zones:

Use Cover: Stick to cover whenever possible. Walls, vehicles, and debris can provide crucial protection during firefights.
Listen Carefully: Use your headset to pinpoint enemy movements. Footsteps, reloading sounds, and voice comms can give you valuable intel.
Move Strategically: Avoid running in open areas. Use flanking maneuvers and alternate routes to surprise your opponents.
Be Prepared for Ambush: Expect enemies to be lurking around corners and behind cover. Pre-fire around corners when entering rooms or approaching blind spots.

Factory Map: Planting the Secure Case

The second, and arguably more dangerous, part of the quest takes place on Factory. This map is small, confined, and intensely PvP-focused. Stealth is rarely an option; aggression and quick reflexes are key. This makes ‘Delivery from the Past’ so difficult. Planting the case in the Security Office requires careful planning and execution.

Factory Insertion: Factory has limited spawn points. Be prepared for immediate engagements.
Route to the Security Office: The Security Office is located on the ground floor, near the forklifts. Several routes lead to the office, but all are exposed to potential gunfire.
Planting the Case: Once inside the office, interact with the designated spot to plant the case. Be aware that planting takes a few seconds, leaving you vulnerable.
Exfiltration: After planting the case, immediately exfiltrate. The Gate 3 extract is the most common, but also the most heavily camped. Consider using the Cellars extract (if available) for a safer, albeit longer, route.

Surviving on Factory: Tips and Tactics

Factory demands a different playstyle than Customs. Here are some essential survival tips:

Aggressive Playstyle: Hesitation can be fatal on Factory. Be proactive and engage enemies before they can ambush you.
Close-Quarters Combat: Factory is all about close-quarters combat. Shotguns and SMGs excel in this environment.
Map Knowledge: Knowing the map layout, spawn points, and common camping spots is crucial for survival.
Sound Awareness: Sound is even more critical on Factory due to the confined spaces. Listen for footsteps, reloading sounds, and door openings.
Pre-Firing: Anticipate enemy positions and pre-fire around corners to gain an advantage.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many players struggle with ‘Delivery from the Past’ due to common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

Underestimating the Difficulty: Don’t underestimate the challenge. Prepare adequately and approach the quest with caution.
Rushing In Blindly: Avoid rushing into high-traffic areas without scouting ahead. Use grenades to clear rooms and pre-fire around corners.
Ignoring Sound Cues: Pay attention to sound cues. They can provide valuable information about enemy movements.
Poor Positioning: Maintain good positioning. Use cover and avoid exposing yourself to multiple angles of attack.
Not Checking Corners: Always check corners before entering rooms or turning around.

The Critical Role of Map Knowledge in ‘Delivery from the Past’

Mastering the Customs and Factory maps is essential for successfully completing ‘Delivery from the Past’. Knowing the layout, spawn points, and high-traffic areas allows you to plan your routes, anticipate enemy movements, and make informed decisions under pressure. Spend time exploring the maps in offline mode to familiarize yourself with the terrain and identify key landmarks. This investment in map knowledge will significantly increase your chances of survival and quest completion.

Benefits of Completing ‘Delivery from the Past’

Successfully completing ‘Delivery from the Past’ unlocks several significant benefits:

Increased Reputation with Prapor: This leads to better deals and access to more valuable gear.
Unlocking Subsequent Quests: ‘Delivery from the Past’ is a prerequisite for several other important quests.
Experience and Skill Development: Successfully navigating the challenges of this quest will improve your overall Tarkov skills.
Sense of Accomplishment: Overcoming this difficult task provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

A Tactical Overview of Weapon Choices for the Quest

Selecting the right weapon for ‘Delivery from the Past’ is a critical decision that can significantly impact your success. The ideal weapon should offer a balance of accuracy, firepower, and affordability. While high-end weapons like the HK416 or M4A1 are undoubtedly powerful, they can be expensive and risky to bring into a raid, especially for newer players. A more practical approach is to opt for a reliable and cost-effective weapon that can effectively engage targets at various ranges.

The AK-74M, chambered in 5.45x39mm, is an excellent choice due to its readily available ammunition, manageable recoil, and decent accuracy. The VPO-136, a civilian version of the AKM chambered in 7.62x39mm, is another viable option, offering greater stopping power but with slightly higher recoil. When selecting ammunition, prioritize penetration value. PS rounds for the AK-74M and PS or BP rounds for the VPO-136 are recommended for effectively engaging armored targets.

For close-quarters engagements on Factory, shotguns can be devastating. The MP-153 is a popular choice due to its semi-automatic action and relatively high magazine capacity. However, shotguns are less effective at longer ranges, making them less versatile than assault rifles. Ultimately, the best weapon choice depends on your personal preferences, playstyle, and budget.

‘Delivery from the Past’ Review: An Infamous but Rewarding Quest

‘Delivery from the Past’ is widely considered one of the most challenging early-game quests in Escape from Tarkov. Its difficulty stems from the high-traffic locations, the vulnerability of the quest item, and the constant threat of other players and Scavs. However, despite its challenges, successfully completing this quest offers significant rewards and unlocks crucial progression milestones.

User Experience & Usability: The quest itself is straightforward in its objective: retrieve the case from Customs and plant it on Factory. However, the execution is far from simple. The lack of clear guidance and the inherent dangers of the maps make it a daunting task for new players. Proper preparation, map knowledge, and tactical awareness are essential for success.

Performance & Effectiveness: When executed correctly, ‘Delivery from the Past’ can be completed relatively quickly. However, the slightest mistake can lead to failure and the loss of valuable gear. The quest’s effectiveness in progressing the player’s character is undeniable, as it unlocks subsequent quests and increases reputation with Prapor.

Pros:

Unlocks important quests and progression.
Increases reputation with a key vendor.
Forces players to learn map layouts and tactical skills.
Provides a sense of accomplishment.
Can be completed relatively quickly with proper preparation.

Cons:

Highly challenging, especially for new players.
Requires traversing dangerous and high-traffic areas.
The quest item is easily lost if killed.
Can be frustrating due to frequent deaths.

Ideal User Profile: ‘Delivery from the Past’ is best suited for players who are willing to invest time in learning the maps, practicing their tactical skills, and preparing adequately for the challenges. New players may find it overwhelming, but with patience and persistence, it can be a valuable learning experience.

Key Alternatives: There are no direct alternatives to ‘Delivery from the Past’ in terms of unlocking the same quests and progression. However, players can focus on completing other quests to gain experience and reputation with other vendors before attempting this challenging task.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: ‘Delivery from the Past’ is a challenging but ultimately rewarding quest that is essential for progressing in Escape from Tarkov. While it may be frustrating at times, the benefits it provides are well worth the effort. We recommend approaching this quest with careful planning, proper gear, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

Mastering the Quest: Essential Tactics for Success

In summary, ‘Delivery from the Past’ is a pivotal quest in Escape from Tarkov that demands careful planning, strategic execution, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. By prioritizing proper gear selection, map awareness, and tactical decision-making, players can significantly increase their chances of success. Remember to utilize cover, listen carefully for enemy movements, and adapt your playstyle to the specific challenges of each map. While the quest can be frustrating and unforgiving, the rewards and experience gained are well worth the effort.

Now that you’re armed with this expert guide, venture forth and conquer ‘Delivery from the Past’! Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help fellow Tarkov players overcome this challenging quest.