Mastering "Scrap Metal" In Tarkov: Your Ultimate Shoreline Quest Guide

Mr. Quentin Feeney 28 Jun 2025

Embarking on quests in Escape from Tarkov is a core part of the game's progression, and among the many challenges, the "Scrap Metal" quest stands out as a significant hurdle for many players. This Peacekeeper-given task requires careful planning, a keen understanding of the Shoreline map, and the courage to navigate one of Tarkov's most contested zones. While it might seem daunting at first glance, especially with its requirement to mark heavy machinery amidst a war-torn landscape, mastering "Scrap Metal" is entirely achievable with the right approach and knowledge.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the "Scrap Metal" quest, from understanding its prerequisites and acquiring the necessary items to strategic navigation of Shoreline and effective tank marking techniques. We'll delve into expert tips for survival, discuss the benefits of utilizing community resources, and help you overcome common pitfalls. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to tackle this mission, secure your rewards, and advance your standing with Peacekeeper.

Unpacking the "Scrap Metal" Quest: What You Need to Know

The "Scrap Metal" quest in Escape from Tarkov is a pivotal mission given by Peacekeeper, one of the game's key traders. His quests often revolve around Western-aligned objectives, and "Scrap Metal" is no exception, pushing players into a specific, high-risk area of the Shoreline map. The core objective of this quest is straightforward yet challenging: you are tasked with heading to Shoreline and marking three specific tanks using MS2000 markers. These aren't just any tanks; they are remnants of a serious conflict, heavy machinery left behind in the chaos, signifying the intense battles that once raged across this coastal region.

Understanding the context of this quest is crucial. Shoreline, as the fourth location added to the game, is known for its sprawling landscape, diverse points of interest, and often, intense player-versus-player (PvP) engagements, particularly around high-value loot areas like the Resort. The tanks you need to mark are strategically located, often in exposed positions or near common player routes, making the act of marking them a test of stealth, combat prowess, and map knowledge. Completing "Scrap Metal" isn't just about ticking a box; it's about proving your adaptability and resilience in the unforgiving world of Tarkov.

The Peacekeeper Connection: Pre-requisites and Progression

Before you can even think about tackling "Scrap Metal," there are a couple of essential prerequisites you must meet. First and foremost, you must be at least level 10 to start this quest. This ensures that players have a foundational understanding of the game's mechanics, have likely explored a few maps, and possess some basic gear. Reaching level 10 typically involves completing earlier quests from other traders like Prapor or Therapist, and accumulating experience through raids, looting, and engagements.

Secondly, the "Scrap Metal" quest becomes available only after you've successfully completed Peacekeeper's "Tigr Safari" mission. This sequential progression is common in Escape from Tarkov, as traders often have quest lines that build upon each other, guiding players through various maps and objectives. "Tigr Safari" also involves marking vehicles, albeit different ones and on a different map (Woods), serving as a precursor to the challenges you'll face in "Scrap Metal." Ensuring you've completed these preceding tasks is vital, as you won't even see "Scrap Metal" in your quest log otherwise. Always check your quest tracker, which you can access in-game, to see your progress and what missions are available or completed. If you log in, you can track your progress and mark them as completed, a useful feature for managing your Tarkov journey.

Preparing for the Shoreline Expedition: Essential Gear and Items

Success in "Scrap Metal" hinges not just on your combat skills but also on meticulous preparation. The right gear can significantly increase your chances of survival and mission completion. The most critical items for this quest are the MS2000 markers. You will need three of these to mark the three tanks. These markers are not found in raid; they must be purchased. Your go-to vendor for MS2000 markers is Prapor, who sells them for 15,177 euros each. It's a significant investment, especially for newer players, so ensure you have enough currency before attempting the quest. Remember, if you die with the markers in your inventory, you lose them, so bring only what you need for the current attempt.

Beyond the markers, your loadout for Shoreline should be carefully considered. Shoreline is a large, open map with long sightlines, making engagements at range common. Therefore, a reliable rifle with good optics is highly recommended. Consider weapons like the M4A1, AK-74N, or even a suppressed SKS for a more budget-friendly, stealthy approach. Armor is paramount; at least a Class 4 armor will offer decent protection against common calibers, while Class 5 or 6 will provide superior survivability against more potent threats. A helmet, especially one with face protection, is also a wise choice.

Don't forget essential medical supplies. A full medical kit (like an IFAK or Salewa), painkillers, and a splint are minimum requirements. If you anticipate heavy combat, consider bringing an additional tourniquet or hemostat. Since you'll be traversing a large area, stamina-boosting items like energy drinks or M.U.L.E. can also be beneficial. Finally, a tactical rig and a backpack with sufficient space are necessary to carry your markers, loot, and any other quest items you might encounter. While this quest may seem daunting, players don’t have to mark all three tanks within a single raid. This flexibility allows you to make multiple attempts, focusing on one or two tanks per run, reducing the risk of losing all your markers at once.

Navigating Shoreline: Key Locations for "Scrap Metal" Tanks

Shoreline is a vast map, and knowing the precise locations of the three tanks is crucial for efficient and safe completion of the "Scrap Metal" quest. The map is characterized by its long coastline, the sprawling Sanatorium (Resort), a village, a power station, and various other landmarks. As you can understand, the conflict here was rather serious and there is some heavy machinery left on the shoreline, which is exactly what Peacekeeper wants you to mark.

Here are the approximate locations of the three tanks you need to mark:

Tank 1 (Near Road to Customs Exfil): This tank is typically found on the western side of the map, relatively close to the "Road to Customs" extract. It's often situated in an open field or near some scattered bushes, making it somewhat exposed. Approach this one with caution, as players often funnel through this area towards the extract or coming from the gas station/cottages.
Tank 2 (Near Weather Station/Power Station): The second tank is usually located in the central-northern part of the map, often between the Weather Station and the Power Station. This area can be quite active with both Scavs and PMCs, as the Power Station is a common point of interest for loot and PvP. The terrain here can offer some cover, but awareness of your surroundings is key.
Tank 3 (Near Tunnel Exfil/Swamp): The third tank is generally found on the eastern side of the map, closer to the "Tunnel" extract and often in or around the swampy areas or fields leading up to it. This location can be tricky due to the dense foliage and potential for close-quarters engagements, as well as the presence of sniper Scavs or player snipers looking towards the Resort.

Familiarize yourself with these general areas on the Shoreline map before you go in. Using an external map tool like those found on tarkov.dev can be incredibly helpful for visualizing routes and marking potential threats.

Strategic Approaches to Tank Marking

Approaching each tank requires a tactical mindset. While this quest allows you to mark tanks across multiple raids, planning your route for each raid is still essential. Consider the following strategies:

Route Planning: Before entering the raid, plan your ingress and egress routes to and from the tank locations. Avoid high-traffic areas like the Resort unless you are specifically looking for PvP. Stick to the periphery of the map or less frequented paths if stealth is your priority.
Cover and Concealment: As you approach a tank, always be aware of available cover (rocks, trees, buildings) and concealment (bushes, tall grass). The marking animation takes a few seconds, during which you are vulnerable. Use the environment to your advantage to minimize exposure.
Time of Day: Consider raiding at different times of day. Night raids, especially with night vision goggles, can offer a significant stealth advantage, reducing visibility for other players. However, they also reduce your own visibility and can make navigation harder. Day raids are clearer but often busier.
Dealing with Threats: Be prepared for both AI Scavs and other PMCs. Scavs often patrol the areas around the tanks. Clear them out quietly if possible, or bypass them if you can maintain stealth. For PMCs, listening for footsteps, gunshots, and voice comms is critical. If you spot another player, decide whether to engage, avoid, or wait them out. Remember, your primary goal is to mark the tank, not to get into a firefight.

In this guide, you will learn how to complete the "Scrap Metal" quest while playing Escape from Tarkov, focusing on these strategic elements to maximize your chances of success.

Executing the Mark: Tips for Success and Survival

Once you've located a tank, the act of marking it is straightforward but requires a moment of vulnerability. To use an MS2000 marker, simply equip it in your quick slot (e.g., 4-7), aim at the tank, and use the assigned key. Your character will then perform an animation, placing the marker on the tank. This animation takes a few seconds, during which you cannot move or shoot, making you an easy target. This is why careful pre-positioning and situational awareness are paramount.

Here are some crucial tips for executing the mark and ensuring your survival:

Clear the Area: Before you initiate the marking animation, take a moment to scan the immediate vicinity. Are there any Scavs nearby? Are there any signs of other players (open doors, fresh loot, gunshots)? Clear any immediate threats before you commit to the mark.
Choose Your Angle: Approach the tank from an angle that offers the most cover or concealment while you are marking. If there's a large rock or a thick bush, try to position yourself so that it blocks line of sight from common sniper spots or player routes.
Listen Intently: Use your headphones and listen for any subtle sounds – footsteps, rustling in bushes, distant gunshots, or player callouts. These auditory cues can alert you to approaching threats long before you see them.
Be Patient: If the area around a tank seems too hot, don't rush it. Find a safe spot to observe for a minute or two. Players might be passing through, or a Scav patrol might move on. Patience can save your life and your expensive markers.
Have an Escape Plan: Know your immediate escape route. If you get shot while marking, where will you run for cover? Which direction offers the quickest path to safety or an extract?
Exfil Strategy: After marking a tank, don't linger. If you've completed your objective for that raid, head straight for your chosen extract. The longer you stay in the raid, the higher the risk of encountering other players or Scavs.

Solo vs. Squad Play: Adapting Your Strategy

The "Scrap Metal" quest can be completed solo or with a squad, and your strategy should adapt accordingly.

Solo Play: As a solo player, stealth is your greatest asset. You'll need to rely on your map knowledge, keen senses, and ability to avoid engagements. Move slowly, check corners, and prioritize avoiding contact over engaging. Your loadout might lean more towards suppressed weapons and lighter armor for mobility. The advantage of solo play is that you only rely on yourself, and you can be incredibly agile and quiet.
Squad Play: Playing with a squad offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of firepower, mutual support, and distraction. One player can mark the tank while others provide overwatch, covering different angles. Communication is key: call out enemy positions, share loot, and coordinate movements. A squad can also more easily push through contested areas or defend against ambushes. For instance, in this video, I guide my son through the "Scrap Metal" quest on the Shoreline map in Escape from Tarkov's PvE mode, demonstrating how teamwork can simplify the process. We'll show you the best strategies to locate and mark the tanks effectively as a team. However, squads can also be louder and more visible, potentially attracting more attention.

Ultimately, whether solo or in a squad, the core principles of preparation, map awareness, and tactical execution remain the same for "Scrap Metal."

Post-Quest Rewards and Continued Progression

Successfully completing the "Scrap Metal" quest in Escape from Tarkov yields a satisfying array of rewards that significantly boost your progression. While the exact rewards can vary slightly with game updates, they typically include a substantial amount of experience points (XP), which is crucial for leveling up your PMC and unlocking higher-tier traders and their inventories. You'll also receive a significant increase in Peacekeeper reputation, which is vital for unlocking his higher loyalty levels, granting you access to better weapons, armor, and unique items available for purchase with dollars.

In addition to XP and reputation, "Scrap Metal" usually rewards you with a sum of USD, Peacekeeper's preferred currency, allowing you to purchase more of his specialized gear. Often, you'll also receive specific items as rewards, which can range from valuable weapon parts and attachments to rare medical supplies or even containers. These item rewards can be incredibly useful, either for immediate use, for selling on the Flea Market for profit, or for completing other quests that require specific items.

Beyond the immediate rewards, completing "Scrap Metal" is a crucial step in Peacekeeper's quest line. It unlocks subsequent missions from him, pushing you further into the lore and challenges of Escape from Tarkov. Each completed quest, including "Scrap Metal," contributes to your overall game progression, allowing you to access more content, better gear, and ultimately, a more robust and capable PMC. It’s a testament to your growing expertise and authority within the game world, solidifying your trustworthiness as a capable operator.

Community Insights and Resources for "Scrap Metal"

Escape from Tarkov is a game with a steep learning curve, and the "Scrap Metal" quest is a prime example of a mission where community-driven resources can be invaluable. The Tarkov community is incredibly active and has developed a wealth of tools and guides to assist players. Leveraging these resources can significantly reduce the frustration and time spent on difficult quests like "Scrap Metal."

One of the most prominent and reliable resources is the Escape from Tarkov Wiki (Fandom). This comprehensive wiki, which operates under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license, provides detailed information on virtually every aspect of the game, including quests. For "Scrap Metal," you'll find information on objectives, rewards, specific tank locations with maps, and often community-contributed tips and strategies. It's an excellent first stop for any player looking for reliable data.

Another fantastic, community-made, and open-source ecosystem of Escape from Tarkov tools and guides is Tarkov.dev. This platform is designed and maintained by the community to help you with quests, Flea Market trading, and improving your game. For "Scrap Metal," tarkov.dev offers interactive maps where you can pinpoint the exact locations of the tanks, visualize optimal routes, and even see common spawn points for Scavs or other players. Its quest tracking feature is particularly useful, allowing you to monitor your progress and plan your raids more effectively. Utilizing such tools demonstrates a proactive approach to learning and mastering the game.

Beyond these dedicated platforms, the unofficial subreddit for Escape from Tarkov (r/EscapefromTarkov) is a vibrant hub for discussion. Here, players share tips, ask questions, and often post their own experiences and strategies for quests like "Scrap Metal." Searching the subreddit can yield practical advice and alternative approaches that might not be found in official guides.

Learning from Others: Video Guides and Live Streams

For visual learners, YouTube and Twitch are goldmines of information. Many content creators specialize in Escape from Tarkov, offering a variety of content for FPS, TPS, and extraction-based games, including gameplays, shorts, guides, tips, and more for games like Escape from Tarkov and others. For "Scrap Metal," you can find numerous video guides that walk you through the quest step-by-step, showing you the exact routes, tank locations, and even demonstrating how to deal with potential threats. Watching a seasoned player complete the quest can provide invaluable insights into movement, positioning, and timing that text guides might not fully convey.

Live streams on Twitch also offer a dynamic learning experience. You can watch players tackle quests in real-time, observe their decision-making processes, and even ask questions directly in chat. Some streamers focus specifically on helping new players or completing quests, providing a more interactive learning environment. A quick task guide that will show you how to do "Scrap Metal" (Peacekeeper task) with tips that will help you get the task done can often be found in video format, providing visual cues and practical demonstrations. These resources collectively form a robust support system, enhancing your expertise and helping you confidently approach challenging missions like "Scrap Metal."

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best preparation, the "Scrap Metal" quest can be frustrating due to common mistakes or unforeseen circumstances. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them and increase your success rate.

Forgetting MS2000 Markers: This might sound obvious, but it's a surprisingly common mistake. Players get geared up, load into Shoreline, reach a tank, and realize they left their expensive markers in their stash. Always double-check your inventory before hitting "Ready."
Dying with Markers: Each MS2000 marker costs a significant amount of euros. Losing them due to a death can set you back considerably. If you're struggling, consider bringing only one or two markers per raid, focusing on just one tank, to minimize potential losses. Remember, you don't have to mark all three in a single raid.
Rushing Tank Locations: Shoreline is vast, but the areas around the tanks can be high-traffic zones. Rushing in blindly without scanning the area or listening for threats is a recipe for disaster. Take your time, approach cautiously, and clear the immediate vicinity before attempting to mark.
Underestimating Player Encounters: Shoreline is a popular map for both questing and PvP. The Resort, in particular, attracts many players. Even if you avoid the Resort, players will traverse other areas, including those near the tanks, to reach extracts or other objectives. Always assume there are other PMCs nearby and play accordingly.
Ignoring Scavs: While often less threatening than PMCs, AI Scavs can still be dangerous, especially if they catch you off guard while you're marking. They can also draw the attention of other players to your position. Deal with them quietly or avoid them if possible.
Poor Extraction Planning: Successfully marking a tank is only half the battle; you still need to extract safely. Know your extract points, and plan your route to them. Don't assume an extract will be open or safe. Be prepared for last-minute engagements near exfils.
Lack of Map Knowledge: While external maps are helpful, nothing beats in-game map knowledge. If you're unfamiliar with Shoreline, do some offline raids to learn the layout, common routes, and potential ambush spots before attempting the quest in an online raid.

By being mindful of these common errors, you can significantly improve your chances of completing "Scrap Metal" and other challenging quests in Escape from Tarkov.

Beyond "Scrap Metal": Maximizing Your Tarkov Experience

Completing "Scrap Metal" is more than just finishing a quest; it's a testament to your growing mastery of Escape from Tarkov. This mission, like many others, forces you to engage with core game mechanics: map knowledge, gear selection, tactical movement, and risk assessment. The skills honed during "Scrap Metal" will serve you well in all future raids, whether you're hunting for high-tier loot, engaging in intense PvP, or tackling even more complex quest lines.

The importance of questing in Tarkov cannot be overstated. Quests are the primary drivers of progression, unlocking higher trader loyalty levels, new items, and often, new areas of the game. They provide structure and purpose to your raids beyond simply surviving and looting. As you progress through Peacekeeper's quest line, you'll find yourself delving deeper into the lore of Tarkov and understanding the intricate web of conflicts that define its world.

To truly maximize your Tarkov experience, consider these broader tips:

Embrace the Learning Curve: Tarkov is punishing, but every death is a lesson. Don't get discouraged by failures; instead, analyze what went wrong and learn from it.

Escape from Tarkov - Scrap Metal Quest Guide | The Daily Juice

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