Complete guide to unlocking Ref trader and earning rewards through Easy Money Part 1 quest in Escape from Tarkov
Understanding the Quest and Its Importance
The Easy Money Part 1 quest serves as your introduction to Ref, one of Escape from Tarkov’s newest traders who specializes in high-value equipment exchanges. This mission unlocks access to unique gear that can be purchased using GP coins, providing significant advantages particularly for players who own the Arena expansion. Completing this quest early in the wipe cycle allows you to accelerate your trader progression and secure better equipment sooner than traditional progression paths would permit.
Ref’s inventory includes weapon modifications, armor sets, and specialized ammunition that become available as you increase your reputation with him. For Arena players, this trader offers an accelerated path to competitive gear loadouts, making early completion of Easy Money Part 1 strategically valuable for both main game progression and Arena performance optimization.
Quest Preparation and Requirements
Before attempting Easy Money Part 1, you must reach Level 10 with your PMC character. Since story quests don’t provide experience points, focus on completing side missions like First in Line and Burning Rubber that offer EXP rewards. These early-game quests not only provide the necessary level progression but also help you familiarize yourself with game mechanics and map layouts.
Gear Preparation Tips: When preparing for this quest, prioritize mobility over heavy armor. You’ll need to navigate quickly to the objective location, so consider running lighter kits that allow for faster movement. Bring a reliable primary weapon for self-defense but avoid expensive loadouts since the mission itself doesn’t require combat engagement. A basic medical kit and painkillers are recommended for emergency situations.
Optimal Timing: Research shows that attempting this quest during low-population server hours (typically early morning or weekday afternoons) significantly increases your success rate. Fewer players on the map means reduced PvP encounters and safer navigation to the objective location.
Step-by-Step Execution Guide
Upon accepting Easy Money Part 1 from the quest menu, you’ll receive three Bison vs Undertaker posters in your inventory. The mission requires planting just one poster successfully, giving you two backup attempts if your first raid fails. This safety net is crucial for new players still learning Customs extraction points and navigation.
Customs Navigation Strategy: Regardless of your spawn location, immediately orient yourself toward the central area of Customs where Scav Base/Stronghold is situated. If you’re unfamiliar with the map layout, utilize third-party resources like Map Genie or the official Tarkov Wiki for real-time navigation assistance. These tools provide detailed landmark references and extraction point locations that dramatically improve mission success rates.
Objective Location Details: The target building within Scav Base features a distinctive large white generator near its entrance. Approach from the southeastern side of the structure to locate the specific room containing military-style bunk beds. The planting location is adjacent to one of these beds – interact with the prompt to stash your poster and complete the objective. Remember that mission completion only registers after successful extraction, so plan your exit route carefully.
Advanced Strategies and Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Many players fail this quest by rushing directly to the objective without proper scouting. The area around Scav Base often contains player scavs and PMCs hunting for loot, so approach cautiously and listen for nearby movement. Another frequent error involves bringing overly expensive gear – since this is primarily a stealth mission, prioritize cost-effective loadouts that won’t cause significant financial loss if you die.
Extraction Route Planning: Before entering the objective building, identify your nearest extraction point and plan an escape route. The Crossroads and Trailer Park extracts are typically the safest options from Scav Base. Avoid ZB-011 extraction unless absolutely necessary, as it requires a key and is often camped by experienced players.
Advanced Timing Tactics: Experienced players often wait until the final 10-15 minutes of the raid to plant the poster, when most other players have already extracted or died. This reduces encounter probability significantly. Additionally, consider running night raids with NVGs if you have access to them, as fewer players operate during nighttime on Customs.
Rewards and Progression Benefits
Successful completion of Easy Money Part 1 grants 35,000 Roubles as your primary monetary reward. Players with upgraded hideouts benefit from increased payouts – Intelligence Center Level 2 boosts this to 36,750 Roubles, while Level 3 provides 40,250 Roubles. These hideout upgrades represent excellent long-term investments that amplify quest rewards across your entire Tarkov career.
Progression Advantages: Beyond immediate financial gain, completing this quest significantly advances your standing with Ref trader. This unlocks subsequent quests in the Easy Money series and provides access to GP coin transactions. For Arena players, this trader progression directly translates to better early-wipe loadout options and accelerated ranking progression.
The quest also contributes to your overall trader reputation network, making it easier to level up other traders through associated reputation bonuses. This snowball effect makes early completion of Easy Money Part 1 strategically valuable for efficient account progression.
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