Introduction
The Collector task in Escape from Tarkov. Just the name itself sends shivers down the spines of even seasoned players. Known for its extensive item list, significant time investment, and demanding requirements, the Collector task, given by Mechanic, is a true test of endurance and knowledge within the brutal world of Tarkov. It’s not just about surviving raids; it’s about meticulously hunting down some of the rarest and most obscure items in the game.
What exactly is the Collector task? It becomes available to players upon reaching a certain level threshold. It requires the player to find and hand over a long list of unique, often rare, items to Mechanic. In return for this monumental effort, players are rewarded handsomely: a significant boost to their experience points, increased Mechanic reputation, and the coveted Gamma Container. This container, a secure container that allows you to protect items you bring into raids, is arguably the most valuable reward, offering a significant advantage in every raid. The benefits far outweigh the difficult task.
This guide will serve as your comprehensive resource for tackling the Collector task. We will provide a detailed checklist of every required item, reveal the most efficient acquisition methods, and equip you with proven strategies to navigate the challenges and ultimately conquer the Collector task in Escape from Tarkov.
Item List and Locations: Your Collector’s Checklist
Before diving into specific strategies, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the items you’ll need to acquire. The list below is extensive, and some items are significantly rarer than others. We’ve organized the items to help you prioritize your search, noting rarity, common spawn locations, vendor availability, and valuable tips. Understanding your tarkov collector task items will allow you to be successful.
Antique Axe
A rare melee weapon. Look for it in weapon boxes and toolboxes across various maps. Customs and Woods are decent options to search, though spawns are random. No vendor sells this.
CPU Fan
A relatively common item, but still essential. Check computer blocks on Interchange and Labs. Scavs can sometimes spawn with these. Can purchase from Mechanic.
Damaged Hard Drive
Found in computer blocks, filing cabinets, and sometimes on Scavs. Interchange and Labs are good bets. Ragman sells these, but they are often out of stock.
Dead Battery
Spawns randomly in technical supply crates and on shelves in garages. Customs and Woods are decent options. No vendors sell these.
Elite Pliers
These can be found in toolboxes, garages, and hardware stores. Check Interchange, Customs, and Reserve. Sold from Peacekeeper.
FP-100 Filter Absorber
A common item found in medical supply crates and on shelves in medical areas. Check Labs and Interchange for these. Sold from Ragman.
Golden Rooster
A valuable decorative item. Check safes and locked rooms, especially in the Resort on Shoreline. Keys are necessary. The flea market is your best bet.
GP Coin
Found in wallets, pockets, and cash registers. Raids on Reserve and Interchange can be fruitful. No vendors sell these.
HDD Case
Found near computers and tech stores. Interchange and Labs are your best bet. Can be found often on Scavs. No vendor sells this.
Horse Figurine
A rare and expensive item. Check safes, jackets, and locked rooms. Shoreline and Customs are good maps to try. No vendor sells this.
Intelligence Folder
Often found on desks, in filing cabinets, and in locked offices. Check Reserve and Labs extensively. Prapor sells these, though in limited quantities.
Military Cable
Found in power stations and military bases. Reserve and Customs are your best maps to find these. Can be purchased from Mechanic.
Military Circuit Board
Spawns in military locations, specifically on Reserve. Often found on shelves and in crates. Can be purchased from Mechanic.
Military Gyroscope
A rare item found in technical supply crates and near helicopter crash sites. Woods is a good place to search. No vendors sell these.
Old Firesteel
Spawns in toolboxes, caches, and in wooden crates. Woods and Customs are viable options to search. Jaeger can sell these.
Ox Bleach
Found in industrial areas and garages on Customs and Interchange. Can be purchased from Ragman.
Phase Array Element
Primarily found in high-tech areas on Labs. Extremely rare and valuable. Requires a keycard to access the area.
Poxeram Rocket Fuel
Found in industrial areas and garages across most maps. No vendors sell these.
Raven Figurine
Similar to the Horse Figurine, check safes, jackets, and locked rooms. Shoreline and Customs are good maps to try.
RFID Reader
Can be found in filing cabinets and tech crates, specifically on Labs. Sold from Mechanic.
Roler Submariner Watch
Found in safes, pockets, and on the bodies of Scavs. Shoreline and Customs are good maps. No vendors sell these.
Secure Flash Drive
Check computers, filing cabinets, and pockets of Scavs. Found commonly on most maps. No vendors sell these.
Silver Badge
Found in pockets, jackets, and safes. Customs is a good map to try. No vendors sell these.
Virtex Programmable Processor
Spawns only on Labs. A highly sought-after item. Requires a keycard to access the area.
General Strategies and Tips: Surviving the Hunt
Completing the Collector task isn’t just about knowing where to find the items; it’s about optimizing your gameplay and making smart decisions.
Scav versus PMC
Utilize Scav runs to scout locations, loot less risky areas, and gather common items. PMC runs should be reserved for high-value targets and areas with significant PvP potential.
Offline Practice
Use offline mode to familiarize yourself with spawn locations and map layouts without risking your gear.
Key Prioritization
Keys are essential. Focus on acquiring keys that unlock rooms known to spawn multiple Collector task items. Labs Keycards are often the most valueable.
Trading Wisely
The Flea Market is your friend, but be cautious. Compare prices and consider barters to save money. Don’t overspend!
Stash Management
Keep your stash organized and prioritize space. Consider using containers within containers to maximize efficiency.
Combat Awareness
Don’t become so focused on loot that you ignore your surroundings. Awareness of other players is key to survival. Know when to engage and when to disengage.
Grouping Up
Running with a squad can provide increased firepower and security, but it can also lead to loot distribution conflicts. Choose your teammates carefully.
Leveraging Online Resources
The Tarkov Wiki, map resources, and Discord communities are invaluable for staying up-to-date on spawn locations, strategies, and game updates.
Map-Specific Considerations: Where to Focus Your Efforts
Each map in Tarkov presents unique challenges and opportunities for finding Collector task items.
Customs
Known for its tight corridors and frequent player encounters, Customs is a good starting point for several mid-tier items. Focus on dorms and factory key.
Interchange
The sprawling mall environment of Interchange offers a wealth of loot, but be prepared for intense PvP, especially around high-value stores and tech areas.
Shoreline
Shoreline’s Resort is a key location for finding rare items, but requires a significant investment in keys and a high level of awareness to avoid ambushes.
Woods
The sprawling forest offers a mix of open areas and dense foliage, making it ideal for long-range engagements and hidden caches.
Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a haven for rare items, but is highly contested with Rogue AI that can take you out if you arent careful.
Reserve
Reserve offers military equipment and valuable items, but attracts a lot of player scavs and AI.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls: Avoiding the Traps
Even experienced players can fall victim to common mistakes that hinder their progress on the Collector task.
Ignoring Key Spawns
Failing to prioritize key spawns is a major setback. Keys unlock valuable loot rooms and greatly increase your chances of finding rare items.
Flea Market Overspending
Resist the temptation to buy everything on the Flea Market. Focus on farming items yourself and only purchase what is absolutely necessary.
Tunnel Vision
Don’t get so caught up in looting that you become oblivious to your surroundings. Always be aware of potential threats.
Neglecting Scav Runs
Underutilizing Scav runs is a missed opportunity. Scavs can be used to scout locations, gather common items, and even find rare loot in unexpected places.
Underestimating the Time
Be prepared for a long and challenging grind. The Collector task requires patience, persistence, and a significant time commitment.
Conclusion
The Collector task in Escape from Tarkov is a daunting challenge, but with the right knowledge, strategies, and a healthy dose of persistence, it is entirely achievable. By understanding the item list, optimizing your gameplay, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to leverage online resources, adapt to changing game conditions, and never give up on the hunt. The rewards, including the Gamma Container and the satisfaction of conquering one of Tarkov’s toughest tasks, are well worth the effort. Happy hunting, and may your raids be filled with rare loot!
