A Complete Guide To Finding And Using Dog Tags In Escape From Tarkov

In the unforgiving world of Escape from Tarkov, every piece of gear matters. Among the most overlooked yet strategically vital items are dog tags. These small metal plates aren't just collectibles—they serve as critical tools for player identification, intelligence gathering, and even progression in certain quests. Whether you're a fresh PMC or a seasoned veteran, understanding how to find, use, and benefit from dog tags can drastically improve your survival and strategic edge.

What Are Dog Tags and Why Do They Matter?

Dog tags in Escape from Tarkov are looted from the bodies of fallen players (PMCs) during raids. Each tag contains the username and in-game ID of the killed player, making them a unique identifier. Unlike regular loot, dog tags have no direct monetary value on the flea market, but their strategic worth is substantial.

They are primarily used for Intelligence Tasks issued by the Intelligence Center at Lighthouse, one of the key facilities operated by Prapor. Completing these tasks rewards valuable experience, rubles, and access to high-tier gear. Additionally, retrieving enemy dog tags gives insight into opponent behavior, helping you track frequent spawn locations, loadouts, and tactics.

“Dog tags transform combat outcomes into long-term advantages. Every kill becomes a data point.” — Alexei Volkov, Tarkov Tactical Analyst

Where and How to Find Dog Tags

Dog tags only appear on other players—scavs, bosses, and AI enemies do not carry them. This means your primary source is PvP encounters. However, knowing where and when to engage increases your chances of securing them.

High-Traffic Zones by Map

Each map has hotspots where player confrontations are more likely, increasing the probability of encountering PMCs with lootable dog tags.

Map	High-PvP Zones	Best Time to Farm
Woods	Dorms, Sawmill, Scav Bunker Area	Morning/Evening raids
Shoreline	Prioz, Resort, Water Treatment	Night raids (increased PMC spawns)
Factory	Boiler Room, Admin, Red Stairwell	All times (constant PvP flow)
Labs	Tunnel, Gas Station, Checkpoint	Day raids (higher bot density masks movement)
Interchange	Retail, Techlight, Gas Station	Late evening (high player volume)

Spawn stacking—where multiple players appear near the same extraction or POI—creates ideal conditions for dog tag farming. Use caution: aggressive play without proper cover often leads to losing your own gear.

Tip: After eliminating a PMC, immediately secure the body. Other players may loot it before you do, especially in dense areas like Interchange or Reserve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Dog Tags Effectively

Finding dog tags is only half the battle. To maximize their utility, follow this structured approach:

1. Secure the Tag During Raid: After a successful engagement, search the downed PMC. Dog tags appear as a single item in their inventory or on their corpse. Pick it up quickly to avoid competition.
2. Extract Safely: You must survive the raid and extract with the tag in your possession. Stashing it in a secure container does not count—only physically extracting with it works.
3. Deliver to Intelligence Center: Visit Prapor’s Intelligence Center at Lighthouse. Navigate to the “Intelligence Tasks” section.
4. Select the Correct Task: Choose “Collect N dog tags” from available objectives. Drag the tags into the submission slot. Note: Tags are consumed upon submission.
5. Receive Rewards: Upon completion, you’ll earn EXP, money, and sometimes weapon blueprints or mods. Higher-level tasks yield better gear.

Repeat this process across multiple raids to level up Prapor reputation faster and unlock advanced quests.

Strategic Tips and Common Mistakes

While dog tags seem straightforward, misuse or oversight can cost time and resources. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Ignoring low-tier tags: Even early-game tags contribute to quest progress. Don’t discard them thinking they’re useless.
• Overcommitting in fights: Chasing a downed player solely for their tag can get you flanked. Prioritize survival.
• Not checking containers: Some players hide tags in backpacks or pockets. Always fully loot the body.
• Submitting prematurely: Wait until you’ve accumulated enough tags to complete a full task. Submitting partial sets wastes potential efficiency.

Checklist: Optimizing Your Dog Tag Strategy

• ✅ Engage PMCs in high-traffic zones
• ✅ Loot bodies completely and immediately
• ✅ Extract with tags in personal inventory
• ✅ Track active Intelligence Tasks weekly
• ✅ Combine tag farming with other objectives (e.g., scav hunts)
• ✅ Avoid unnecessary risks for single tags

Real Example: Turning a Bad Raid into a Win

During a Shoreline raid, a player spawned at Villy and moved toward the water treatment plant. En route, they encountered two PMCs fighting over a stash. After waiting for the duel to weaken both, the player eliminated the survivor, looting 150k worth of gear—and a dog tag.

The raid went south minutes later when a squad ambushed them near the power station. Forced to extract via helicopter with nothing but a pistol and the dog tag in pocket, the player considered it a loss. However, back at the hideout, they submitted the tag to Prapor’s Intelligence Center. The completed task awarded a rare AK-74PBS suppressor blueprint and 18,000 EXP—effectively turning a failed raid into meaningful progression.

This illustrates the hidden value of dog tags: they turn combat outcomes into long-term gains, even when material loot is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell dog tags on the flea market?

No. Dog tags cannot be traded or sold. They are strictly used for Intelligence Tasks with Prapor and have no alternative in-game economic function.

Do scavs drop dog tags?

No. Only real players (PMCs) who were online during the raid drop dog tags. AI-controlled scavs, even those mimicking PMC behavior, do not carry them.

How many dog tags do I need for Prapor quests?

Early tasks require 3–5 tags. As your Prapor standing increases, later objectives may demand 10 or more. Weekly Intelligence Tasks reset every Tuesday, so plan accordingly.

Maximize Your Tactical Edge

Dog tags are more than souvenirs of victory—they are instruments of progression. In a game where every bullet counts, leveraging every system gives you an upper hand. By integrating dog tag collection into your standard raid strategy, you transform each encounter into an opportunity for advancement, whether through gear unlocks, reputation, or battlefield intelligence.

Start treating every engagement not just as a fight for survival, but as a chance to gather data, complete objectives, and strengthen your position in Tarkov’s brutal economy of violence.

🚀 Ready to optimize your next raid? Review your current Intelligence Tasks, equip for close-quarters combat, and start turning kills into long-term gains—one dog tag at a time.