The Cultists in Escape from Tarkov

In Game Raid Times

00:00:00
00:00:00

Who are the Cultists?

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The Cultists are a mysterious and dangerous faction in Escape from Tarkov. They are known for their strange and violent rituals, their high-quality gear, and their deadly ambushes.

The Cultists are believed to be a religious cult that worships a dark and malevolent deity. They are led by a powerful priest known as the Zhrets. The Cultists are very secretive about their beliefs and practices, but it is known that they engage in ritual sacrifices and cannibalism.

The Cultists are found on several maps in Tarkov, including Woods, Shoreline, and Customs. They typically spawn in groups of 3-5 and are often armed with high-end weapons and armor. The Cultists are also known for their use of poisoned knives, which can deliver a deadly dose of venom with a single stab.

The Cultists are a very dangerous faction, and even experienced players should be cautious when engaging them. If you see a Cultist, it is best to fire first and ask questions later.

Additional Details about the Cultists:

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

Cultists in Escape from Tarkov can be one of the most difficult bosses to find.

There are no fool proof ways to locate the cultists on any map.

  • They are very well-equipped, often wearing high-end armor and carrying high-powered weapons.
  • They are very stealthy and can easily ambush players.
  • They are very aggressive and will attack players without hesitation.
  • They are very difficult to kill, as they have a lot of health and armor.
  • They are immune to thermal vision.
  • They carry some of the best loot in the game, including high-end weapons, armor, and attachments.

Cultist Lore

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The lore around the Cultists in Escape from Tarkov is still shrouded in mystery, but there are a few pieces of information that we can glean from the game and from developer interviews.

We know that the Cultists are a religious cult that worships a dark and malevolent deity. They are led by a powerful priest known as the Zhrets. The Cultists are very secretive about their beliefs and practices, but it is known that they engage in ritual sacrifices and cannibalism.

The Cultists are believed to have been present in Tarkov long before the war broke out. They are said to have lived in the woods and swamps surrounding the city, where they practiced their dark rituals in secret.

When the war broke out, the Cultists were caught up in the fighting. Many of them were killed or displaced. But some of them survived, and they have since become even more secretive and dangerous.

The Cultists are now one of the most feared factions in Tarkov. They are known for their ruthlessness and their willingness to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.

Additional Theories about the Cultists:

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

They speak about and wish to bring back around the "Blue Flame".

They regularly draw mysterious symbols using the blood of sacrifices. These symbols seem in some way or another connected to the Terra Group.

The only known supernatual connection to the cultists caome Oct 2023 during the Halloween event where they summoned a mysterious blue beam and portal.

  • They may be trying to summon their deity to Tarkov.
  • They may be trying to open a portal to another world.
  • They may be trying to create a new race of super beings.
  • They may simply be enjoying the chaos and violence of Tarkov.

Whatever their goals may be, the Cultists are a dangerous and unpredictable faction. Players should be cautious when engaging them, and they should always be prepared for the unexpected.

In a recent interview, Escape from Tarkov developer Nikita Buyanov said that the Cultists are "a very important part of the game's lore" and that he plans to "reveal more about them in the future." So it seems that we can expect to learn more about the Cultists as Escape from Tarkov continues to develop.

How is the Lightkeeper related to the cultists?

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The exact relationship between the Lightkeeper and the Cultists in Escape from Tarkov is still unknown, but there is evidence to suggest that they are connected in some way.

For example, the Lightkeeper wears a necklace with the same symbol that is found on Cultist robes and weapons. Additionally, the Lightkeeper is often seen surrounded by crows, which are also associated with the Cultists.

Some players believe that the Lightkeeper is the leader of the Cultists, or at least a high-ranking member. Others believe that he is simply sympathetic to their cause. Still, others believe that he is being manipulated by the Cultists.

Whatever the relationship may be, it is clear that the Lightkeeper and the Cultists are connected in some way. It is likely that this connection will be explored further in future updates to Escape from Tarkov.

The Connection between the Lightkeeper and the Cultists:

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

LightKeeper is protected by Zryachiy and his cultist gaurds.

  • The Lightkeeper wears a necklace with the same symbol that is found on Cultist robes and weapons.
  • The Lightkeeper is often seen surrounded by crows, which are also associated with the Cultists.
  • The Lightkeeper's lair contains a number of Cultist artifacts, such as ritual knives and masks.
  • The Lightkeeper has been known to summon Cultists to his aid in battle.

It is important to note that the Lightkeeper is a complex and mysterious character. He is not simply a good guy or a bad guy. He has his own agenda, which may or may not align with the agenda of the Cultists.

It is also important to note that the lore in Escape from Tarkov is still developing. It is possible that the exact relationship between the Lightkeeper and the Cultists will be revealed in future updates to the game.

What maps are the cultists on?

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The Cultists can be found on the following maps in Escape from Tarkov:

  • Woods
  • Shoreline
  • Customs
  • Lighthouse

The Cultists typically spawn in groups of 3-5 and are often armed with high-end weapons and armor. They are also known for their use of poisoned knives, which can deliver a deadly dose of venom with a single stab.

There are cultist markings on all maps.

During an event the cultists are often times on all maps.

Specific locations on each map where the Cultists are known to spawn:

The cultist have semi static spawns, mostly uninterrupted they will stay in their spawn, but once aggroed they will move around in unpredictable ways.

  • Woods: Near or in the "Sunkin Village" or near or around the marked circle and toward checkpoint.
  • Shoreline: Near or on "The Spine" or near or around the West and East wings of the Health Resort.
  • Customs: Near, in and around "The Garage / Mechanics shop", formally outside of Dorms area.
  • Lighthouse: On the ridgeline above the Lighthouse compound protecting The Lightkeeper.

What types of cultists are there

There are two-ish types of Cultists in Escape from Tarkov: Zhrec and Sektant, and then there's Zryachiy.

Zhrec

Zhrecs are the leaders of the Cultists. They are the most powerful and dangerous Cultists, and they are often accompanied by a group of Sektants. Zhrecs are typically armed with high-end weapons and armor, and they often use a special poisoned knife that can deliver a deadly dose of venom with a single stab.

Sektant

Sektants are the foot soldiers of the Cultists. They are armed with a variety of weapons, including knives, axes, and firearms. Sektants are also known for their use of grenades and smoke bombs.

Zryachiy

Zryachiy is a mysterious figure in Escape from Tarkov. He is known to be a loyal follower of the Lightkeeper, and he is rumored to be involved in the Cultists' activities.

However, Zryachiy's exact role in the Cultists' hierarchy is unknown. Some players believe that he is simply a high-ranking member, while others believe that he is the leader of the Cultists himself.

There is evidence to support both of these theories. For example, Zryachiy is often seen surrounded by Cultists, and he has been known to lead them into battle. Additionally, Zryachiy has been seen wearing Cultist robes and carrying Cultist artifacts.

However, Zryachiy has also been seen working with other factions in Tarkov, such as the Rogues and the hooded men who draw mysterious symbols on the locations. This suggests that he may be working towards his own goals, which may or may not align with the goals of the Cultists.

It is likely that Zryachiy's true relationship to the Cultists will be revealed in future updates to Escape from Tarkov. Until then, he remains a mysterious and enigmatic figure.

Zryachiy's Involvement with the Cultists:

Zryachiy spawns with several cultist body gaurds, he leads his team to protect the Lightkeeper and his guests.

  • He has been seen leading Cultists into battle on several occasions.
  • He has been seen wearing Cultist robes and carrying Cultist artifacts.
  • He has been seen summoning Cultists to his aid.

It is important to note that Zryachiy is a complex and mysterious character. His motives are unclear, and his true allegiance is unknown. He is a dangerous and unpredictable figure, and players should be cautious when interacting with him.

What are the marked rooms in Escape from Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

Marked rooms in Escape from Tarkov are special rooms that contain high-value loot, such as high-end weapons, armor, attachments, and valuable items like keys and money. These rooms are locked and require a specific key to open.

Marked rooms are typically located in high-traffic areas on the maps and are often heavily guarded by PMC scavs and Cultists. They can be very dangerous to loot, but the rewards can be well worth the risk.

Things to watch out for Marked Rooms:

Mostly its the heartbreak of dying with another ammo box in your backpack.

  • High-traffic areas: Marked rooms are typically located in high-traffic areas on the maps, which means that you are likely to encounter other players who are also trying to loot them.
  • Heavy guard: Marked rooms are often heavily guarded by PMC scavs and Cultists, which makes them very dangerous to loot.
  • Expensive keys: The keys to marked rooms can be very expensive, especially on the flea market.

If you are considering looting a marked room, it is important to weigh the risks and rewards carefully. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is best to avoid marked rooms altogether.

Tips for Looting Marked Rooms Safely:

Bring your team! The biggest thing you can do to ensure you exfil with your loot and life is to bring a team, communicate well and work together.

  • Be prepared for a fight: Marked rooms are likely to be contested by other players, so be prepared to fight your way in and out.
  • Use cover: Marked rooms are often located in exposed areas, so use cover to your advantage.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of other players and scavs that may be in the area.
  • Loot quickly: Once you are inside a marked room, loot quickly and efficiently. The longer you are in the room, the more likely you are to be ambushed.

When can the cultists spawn?

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The Cultists in Escape from Tarkov can spawn between 22:00 and 6:00 in the game's time. This means that they are only active at night.

It is important to note that the Cultists are a very rare spawn. There is no guarantee that you will encounter them in a raid, even if you are playing at night.

What are the current cultist spawn rates?

  • Woods

    Woods cultist spawn rate:

  • Shoreline

    Shoreline cultist spawn rate:

  • Factory (night only)

    Factory (night only) cultist spawn rate:

  • Lighthouse

    Lighthouse cultist spawn rate:

What is a cultist knife?

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The cultist knife in Escape From Tarkov is a unique melee weapon that the Cultists use. It is a long, curved knife with a distinctive black blade. The cultist knife is slightly more powerful than other knives in the game, but its true strength lies in its ability to inflict unknown toxins.

When a cultist knife hits a player, it has a chance to inflict a debuff that damages their health over time and reduces their stamina. This debuff is very difficult to remove, and it can be deadly if not treated quickly.

The cultist knife is a rare and valuable item, and it is highly prized by players for its power and uniqueness. It is also a very dangerous weapon, and players should be careful when using it.

Additional Details about the Cultist Knife:

If you are lucky enough to find a cultist knife, be sure to use it wisely, it's also needed for a task. It is a powerful weapon, but it is also very dangerous.

  • It can be found on Cultists.
  • It has a slightly higher damage output than other knives.
  • It has a chance to inflict an unknown toxin debuff on hit.
  • The unknown toxin debuff damages health over time and reduces stamina.
  • The unknown toxin debuff is very difficult to remove.

What tasks are the cultists needed for?

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The cultists or their gear is needed for 3 tasks.

  • Priest needs to be killed for the quest Broadcast - Part 5.
  • 1 cultist knife needs to be found for the quest Broadcast - Part 5
  • 12 cultist knives need to be found in raid for the quest Night Sweep

Cultist Loot

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The Cultists in Escape from Tarkov drop some of the best loot in the game, including high-end weapons, armor, attachments, and valuable items like keys and money.

Here is a list of some of the items that the Cultists can drop:

Weapons:

  • AK-74M
  • AKM
  • M4A1
  • M4A1 SOPMOD II
  • MP5
  • MPX
  • HK416
  • HK416A5
  • DVL-10
  • SR-25
  • M700
  • M870
  • Saiga-12K
  • MP-133

Armor:

  • Gen4 Assault Armor
  • Gen4 Full-Protection Armor
  • Gen4 HMK Helmet
  • Gen4 Rys-T Helmet
  • Altyn Helmet
  • Killa Helmet

Attachments:

  • Scopes
  • Silencers
  • Magazines
  • Foregrips
  • Pistols
  • Grips
  • Buttstocks

Valuables:

Keys, money, gold chains, bitcoins.

In addition to these items, the Cultists can also drop their unique Cultist knife. This knife does slightly more damage than standard knives, but what makes it truly deadly is the ability to inflict unknown toxins - one of the worst effects in EfT.

It is important to note that the Cultists are very difficult to kill, and they often spawn in groups. If you are planning to loot a Cultist, be prepared for a fight.

Tips for fighting the Cultists

Escape from Tarkov Cultist attacking with knife

The spawn rate for cultists are less than you want when you want them, and you seem to always see them when you dont. Be prepared to do a lot of runs, if you are going to find them, it will take a lot of effort.

  • Play at night: The Cultists are only active at night, so playing at night is the best way to increase your chances of encountering them.
  • Play on Customs, Shoreline, or Woods: These maps are the most likely places to find the Cultists.
  • Visit high-traffic areas: The Cultists are most likely to spawn in high-traffic areas on the maps.
  • Be patient: The Cultists are a very rare spawn, so it may take several raids before you encounter them.

Escape from Tarkov Resources