How to Beat The Cultists (Woods, Shoreline, Customs)

Don't get ambushed! Learn how to effectively hunt and eliminate Cultists in Escape from Tarkov on Woods, Shoreline, and Customs. Master their spawn points and tactics.

Alright, so you've heard about these sneaky Cultists running around in Tarkov, right? They can really mess up your day if you're not prepared, especially on maps like Woods, Shoreline, and Customs. Think of them like a really dangerous, nighttime ambush predator. They're tough, they hit hard, and they love to catch you off guard. But don't worry, with a little know-how, you can turn the tables and become the hunter instead of the hunted.

The key thing to remember about Cultists is that they are a nighttime-only threat. If you're running raids during the day, you won't encounter them. They tend to spawn in specific areas, and knowing these spots is half the battle. They also have a distinct sound cue, so keep your ears peeled. When you hear that eerie chanting or their unique footsteps, you know they're close.

Let's break down how to handle them on each of the maps you mentioned:

Woods

On Woods, Cultists often like to hang out around the northern parts of the map, particularly near the UN Road to Military Base checkpoint and the surrounding areas. They can also sometimes be found near the Scav Bunker or deeper into the woods towards the Abandoned Village. Your best bet is to move cautiously, especially at night. Use the trees for cover and listen carefully. If you hear them, try to get the drop on them. They don't have a ton of health, but their melee attacks are brutal, and they'll swarm you if you let them.

Shoreline

Shoreline is a bit trickier because it's so open in places. Cultists here tend to favor the areas around the Gas Station, the Weather Station, and sometimes even the outskirts of the Health Resort. They can also spawn in the woods between the resort and the coast. Again, night raids are your only concern. Move from cover to cover, and don't be afraid to use a scope to scan ahead. If you spot one, try to engage from a distance with a decent rifle. If they get close, use grenades or a shotgun if you have one. Remember, they're fast, so don't stand still.

Customs

Customs is a bit more confined, which can be both good and bad. Cultists often spawn in the more secluded areas, like the old gas station, the storage tank area, or the wooded sections near the ZB-014 extract. They can also sometimes be found patrolling the paths between these locations. Because the sightlines can be shorter, they can get the jump on you easily. Always check your corners and listen for their audio cues. If you're going for a Cultist kill quest, be patient and methodical. Don't rush into areas blindly.

General Tips for Hunting Cultists

• Night Raids Only: Seriously, don't waste your time looking for them during the day.
• Listen Carefully: Their audio cues are your best friend. Learn to distinguish their sounds from other ambient noises.
• Use NVGs: Night vision goggles are almost essential for spotting them before they spot you.
• Bring Good Ammo: Aim for flesh damage rounds if you're not using a high-caliber weapon, as they can have decent armor.
• Don't Engage Multiple at Once if Possible: They tend to attack in small groups. If you can isolate one, it's much easier. If you aggro more than two, consider repositioning or disengaging.
• Check Common Spawn Points: Learn the high-probability areas on each map and patrol them cautiously.
• Be Prepared to Extract: If you're not geared for a fight or you're on a quest, know your escape routes. Sometimes, living to fight another day is the best strategy.

Dealing with Cultists can be one of the more challenging aspects of Tarkov, but once you understand their patterns and how to counter them, it becomes a rewarding hunt. Good luck out there, and try not to become one of their sacrifices!