8 Tips For Leveling Up Fast In Escape From Tarkov: Arena

Leveling up fast in Escape From Tarkov: Arena can feel like a grind, but with the right approach, you can speed things up and start unlocking better gear, perks, and loadouts. Whether you’re a new player trying to get your footing or a veteran looking to maximize efficiency, these tips will help you earn XP quicker and level up without wasting time. From smart match choices to gameplay strategies, here are 8 tips to help you level up fast in Tarkov: Arena.

#8: Always Loot Downed Enemies

Looting enemy bodies in Tarkov: Arena isn’t just about gear—it’s also a reliable way to rack up extra XP. Unlike the main game, there’s no need to waste time searching items manually since everything is already pre-searched, making looting quick and easy. If the coast is clear, take a moment to check the bodies nearby. Equip any upgrades you find and grab smaller items to boost your inventory value. Every piece of loot adds a bit of XP, and over time, those small gains can make a noticeable difference in your leveling speed.

#7: Heal Yourself Often for Bonus XP

One of the easiest ways to passively earn XP in Tarkov: Arena is by healing yourself. Every time you patch yourself up during or after a fight, you gain a small chunk of experience. It might not seem like much, but it adds up fast over the course of a match. If you have extra meds and you’re in a safe spot, don’t hesitate to use them—even small injuries are worth healing for that bonus XP. It’s a simple habit that helps you stay alive longer and level up quicker.

#6: Play the Objective, Not Just the Kill Game

While it’s tempting to rush in and rack up kills, especially in a fast-paced mode like Arena, playing the objective is a much more reliable way to earn XP and level up fast. Most players will be too focused on chasing fights, which gives you the perfect opportunity to take control of objective points with minimal resistance. Holding the center and securing objectives not only helps your team win rounds but also gives you consistent experience without the constant risk of getting wiped in a random gunfight. Work smarter, not harder.

#5: Memorize Item Spawns for Easy Gear and XP

Each Arena map in Escape From Tarkov has predictable loot spawns—stuff like meds, armor, and even high-tier weapons just sitting out in the open. These “loose loot” spots are often placed near spawn points, making them super easy to grab at the start of a round. If you take the time to learn where these items spawn, you’ll consistently get free gear and bonus XP without needing to fight for it. Maps like Sawmill and Air Pit even drop some powerful weapons you can use right away, giving you a serious edge while also boosting your experience.

#4: Stick to One Preset to Level Up Faster

In Arena, the only XP that truly matters is tied to your preset trees—the ones that unlock better gear and loadouts over time. While your main PMC gains experience too, that doesn’t actually help you in Arena matches. Instead of spreading your time across multiple presets, pick one you enjoy and focus on leveling it up. Higher-tier presets require a lot more XP, so jumping around will only slow your progress. Try out a few early on, but once you find your favorite, commit to it if you want to stay competitive.

#3: Get Kills and Assists for Big XP Gains

One of the best ways to rack up EXP in Escape From Tarkov: Arena is by getting kills and assists. The game rewards “combat EXP” based on your performance, and if you’re actively helping take down enemies, you can easily earn over 1,000 EXP per match. Just make sure you don’t play recklessly—this isn’t Call of Duty. One well-placed shot can take you out, and you earn nothing while you’re dead. Stay sharp, play smart, and aim to contribute every round.

#2: Stick to Teamfight for Faster Leveling

Escape From Tarkov: Arena launched with two core game modes: Teamfight and Shootout. While Shootout—featuring 2v2 or 3v3 tournament-style matchups—is a fun and unique concept, it’s not great for leveling up fast. You face fewer enemies, which means less combat EXP overall, and unless you win the whole bracket, your EXP gain is minimal. On the other hand, Teamfight gives you more action, more kills, and more consistent rewards. If your goal is to level up quickly and efficiently, focus on grinding Teamfight matches.

#1: Prioritize Winning Above Everything

It might sound obvious, but winning is hands down the fastest way to rack up EXP in Escape From Tarkov: Arena. The gap between a win and a loss is huge—losing a close 4-5 match might only get you around 4,000 EXP even with solid stats, while winning a game where you barely do anything can still reward you with 6,500 EXP or more. Bottom line: if you’re aiming to level up fast, focus on the win above everything else—even if it means playing more defensively or supporting your team instead of chasing kills. Victory pays the biggest dividends.