Chemical Part 1: Escape from Tarkov Quest Walkthrough

Ah, Escape from Tarkov—where your survival skills get tested, and your nerves are constantly on edge. So, let’s talk about the first big hurdle you’ll face as a PMC in Tarkov: Chemical Part 1. Sounds easy, right? A folder. A train car. Done and dusted.

Spoiler alert: It’s not that simple. But, don’t worry, I got you. Here’s the breakdown.

What’s the Deal with Chemical Part 1?

If you’ve ever played Escape from Tarkov, you know that quests are where the game really starts to kick you around. Chemical Part 1 is one of those early quests handed out by Skier, and it’s important, trust me. But don’t expect it to be a breeze just because it’s in the early game.

What You’re Getting Into

Here’s the rundown for the quest:

Quest Giver: Skier
Level Requirement: 10
Map: Customs
Objective: Find the chemical folder in a train car. And, you know, get out alive.
Rewards: Rubles, EXP, and progression in the main story

I’m telling you, if you can pull this off early in your Tarkov career, you’ll feel like an absolute boss. But first, you need to survive long enough to make it to the train.

Getting Ready for Chemical Part 1

Okay, so now that you know what you’re up against, let’s talk prep. I’m gonna level with you: Chemical Part 1 isn’t just about walking into a train car, grabbing a folder, and running out like a pro. You’re going to need a little more finesse than that.

Here’s the Gear You Need (Trust Me)

First things first—don’t just throw any old gun in your backpack and call it a day. If you’re like me, you’ve made that mistake a few times, and it never ends well.

Here’s what you’re going to want:

A reliable weapon: Think AK or MP-153. Something sturdy.
Meds: Bring at least a Salewa or AI-2. Trust me, you’ll need them.
Armor and a Helmet: I learned the hard way after facing a few headshots that came way too close.
Map knowledge: If you don’t know where Warehouse 4 and the train car are, well… welcome to Tarkov. You’ll need to figure it out fast.

Also, a quick tip from me: start with a Scav run on Customs first. That’s how you get familiar with the area and avoid learning these things the hard way.

Finding the Folder in Chemical Part 1

Alright, now that you’ve got your gear sorted, it’s time for the real action. You need to find the folder in the train car on Customs, near Warehouse 4.

Sounds easy enough, right? Well, it’s not. Not by a long shot.

How to Find It (Step-by-Step)

Head toward the northern part of Customs.
Look for Warehouse 4 and the train yard nearby.
Find the train car that has the door slightly open.
Check the wooden pallet inside—that’s where the folder is chilling.

Easy enough, right? WRONG. You can bet there are gonna be a few other players sniffing around, and it’s not like they’re just gonna let you waltz in and grab it without a fight.

Surviving the Madness of Chemical Part 1

So, here’s the kicker. Finding the folder is easy in theory, but making it out with it? That’s where the real challenge lies. I mean, you could just rush in and grab it. But as we all know, Tarkov is a world full of surprises—and none of them are good.

Here’s what I learned after a few failed attempts (okay, a LOT of failed attempts): take your time. Don’t just charge in guns blazing, because that’s how you get shot in the face.

Tips for Surviving the Mission

Wait. Watch. Observe. Don’t just rush in. Stay on the edge and peek through windows.
Know your escape routes. Because once you’ve got that folder, you’re not safe until you’re at an extraction point.
Don’t go alone if you’re new. Bring a buddy. Or better yet, a full squad.
Avoid peak PvP times. If you’re like me and avoid confrontation, this is a must.

The Real Game-Changer: Post-Chemical Part 1 Choices

Alright, so now you’ve got the folder. You’re still alive (hopefully), and you’ve made it through the worst part of Chemical Part 1. But it doesn’t stop there. Oh no. After this, you’ve got some big decisions to make. Here’s where the quest gets interesting.

What’s Next After Chemical Part 1?

Once you’ve finished the first part of Chemical Part 1, you’ve got options. Now, you’ve gotta decide who you’re giving the folder to. Spoiler: it’s gonna affect the next steps in your questline.

Skier: The default choice. Gives you the next part of the quest.
Therapist: If you want some solid medical rewards, this is the way to go. But don’t be surprised if Skier gets upset.
Prapor: This is the shady route, but it’ll help you level up with the military faction. Your call.

Quick Bullet Point Recap of Faction Outcomes:

Skier: Unlocks Chemical Part 2 and keeps things nice and smooth.
Therapist: Gives you medical goodies, but you’ll probably annoy Skier.
Prapor: Boosts your military rep and messes with your medical rewards.

Decisions, decisions.

The Hidden Depth of Chemical Part 1’s Lore

I’m not gonna lie: I didn’t realize how deep the rabbit hole went with Chemical Part 1 until I started digging. The folder you’re carrying around isn’t just some random thing. It’s tied to some pretty shady stuff happening in Tarkov.

The Plot Thickens

The folder hints at some serious illegal chemical experiments.
NPC dialogue suggests someone’s trying to cover it up—but who?
Later quests drop even more breadcrumbs, pointing to other factions with their hands in the mess.

Fun fact: Some players think this questline ties into the ongoing Tarkov “mystery” that blends government conspiracies and corporate corruption. My guess? There’s more going on than any of us are ready for.

Mistakes I Made During Chemical Part 1

I’ve lost count of how many times I got too cocky or didn’t pay attention to the little details. So let me save you some pain.

Here Are My Top 5 Mistakes:

Not knowing the map well enough—big mistake.
Grabbing the folder and then forgetting about extraction—I’ve walked right into the jaws of death because of this.
Going in when everyone else is hunting for PvP—Don’t do it.
Bringing too much gear and then losing it all—Learn to travel light.
Forgetting to check your quest status before exiting—Turns out you don’t get the quest completion if you forget to confirm the folder’s been grabbed.

Seriously, take your time. You’ll be glad you did.

Chemical Part 1: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you can nail Chemical Part 1, you’ll unlock a ton of quests that’ll set you up for success down the line. Plus, you’ll get your first taste of Tarkov’s gritty storytelling and high-stakes gameplay.

The Long-Term Perks

Opens up quests that eventually lead to Labs.
Helps you build rep with traders.
Gives you essential survival skills, like knowing when to fight and when to run.

Wrapping It Up: The Adventure Continues

And that’s a wrap on Chemical Part 1—but not on your Tarkov journey. If you’ve made it this far, you’ve earned bragging rights. Seriously. But the road ahead? It’s just getting started.

One last tip from me: If you’re like me, the first time you try to complete Chemical Part 1 is going to be a hot mess. And that’s okay. It’s Tarkov. You’re gonna die. A lot. But every death, every misstep, every bad decision—it all makes you a better player. Keep at it.