Escape Tarkov's Labs: The Ultimate Keycard Guide for 2024

Introduction to Labs: The High-Risk, High-Reward Map

Escape from Tarkov's Labs is a map that separates the veterans from the novices. With its high-tier loot, deadly raiders, and the need for keycards, it's a place where fortunes are made and lost. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keycards in Labs, from where to find them to which rooms offer the best loot.

Types of Keycards

There are several keycards in Labs, each granting access to different areas. Here's a breakdown:

• Access Keycard: The basic entry card required to enter Labs. Found on Scavs, in jackets, and as quest rewards.
• Keycard with Blue Marking: Opens the Blue Room, which contains medical supplies and rare stimulants.
• Keycard with Green Marking: Unlocks the Green Room, known for its weapon mods and ammo crates.
• Keycard with Red Marking: The most coveted, granting access to the Red Room with top-tier loot like bitcoins, graphics cards, and rare keys.
• Keycard with Yellow Marking: Opens the Yellow Room, which has a mix of electronics and tech loot.
• Keycard with Violet Marking: A rare card that leads to the Violet Room, containing high-value barter items.
• Keycard with Black Marking: Unlocks the Black Room, which has a chance to spawn rare weapons and armor.

Where to Find Keycards

Keycards can be found in various locations across all maps. Here are the most reliable sources:

• Scav Backpacks and Pockets: Always check dead Scavs; they occasionally carry keycards.
• Jackets and Filing Cabinets: These containers have a chance to spawn keycards, especially on maps like Customs and Shoreline.
• Reserve Bunkers: The underground bunkers on Reserve often have keycards in tech crates.
• Labs Raiders: Killing raiders in Labs can yield keycards from their pockets.
• Quest Rewards: Some quests, like "The Key to Success" from Mechanic, reward keycards.
• Flea Market: If you have the rubles, you can buy keycards from other players. Prices vary by card type and market demand.

Best Keycard Rooms to Hit

Not all keycard rooms are created equal. Here's a tier list based on loot value and spawn rates:

• S-Tier: Red Room – Bitcoins, graphics cards, rare keys, and high-tier weapons. If you find a red keycard, this is your priority.
• A-Tier: Violet Room – LEDX, military power filters, and other high-value barter items. Great for hideout upgrades.
• B-Tier: Black Room – Rare weapons like RSASS and M4A1, plus armor plates. Good for gearing up.
• C-Tier: Green and Blue Rooms – Medical supplies, stimulants, and weapon mods. Decent but not game-changing.
• D-Tier: Yellow Room – Electronics and tech parts. Useful for quests but low value per slot.

Tips for Surviving Labs

Labs is a death trap if you're not prepared. Follow these tips to increase your survival rate:

• Bring Good Gear: At minimum, wear class 4 armor and a helmet. Raiders and other players will shred you otherwise.
• Use Suppressors: Sound attracts attention. Suppressed weapons help you stay stealthy.
• Learn the Extraction Points: Labs has multiple extracts, but some require keycards or power activation. Know them all.
• Check Corners: Raiders often camp in dark corners. Use grenades to clear rooms.
• Don't Hoard Keycards: If you find a rare keycard, use it or sell it. They lose value over time as more players obtain them.

Conclusion

Mastering Labs keycards is essential for any serious Tarkov player. Whether you're farming for hideout upgrades or hunting for rare loot, knowing which rooms to hit and how to survive will give you an edge. Good luck, and don't forget to insure your gear!