How to Maximize Bolt Action Rifle Levels in Tarkov: A Veteran’s Guide (Plus Reddit Wisdom)

Getting your bolt action rifle skill up in Escape from Tarkov can feel like a slow grind, especially if you’re chasing that elusive Elite level for the sweet recoil reduction and faster reloading. The short answer, gleaned from countless hours and more than a few frustrated Reddit threads: consistent, dedicated practice and strategic planning are key. The fastest way to level is by actively using bolt action rifles in raid and focusing on actions that grant experience, such as hitting targets and surviving raids.

The Grind is Real: Understanding Bolt Action Skill Leveling

Before diving into the “how,” let’s acknowledge the “why.” A higher bolt action rifle skill not only improves weapon handling but unlocks significant advantages. Recoil control becomes more manageable, reload speeds increase (crucial in a firefight), and weapon sway decreases, turning you into a veritable sniper.

The skill increases based on actions performed with a bolt action rifle equipped. These actions primarily involve firing at targets (PMCs, Scavs, and even environment), reloading, and generally being in raid while using a bolt action. You get experience points for each action performed, and the accumulated points contribute to leveling the skill.

Now, onto the strategies that actually work.

1. Dedicated Raids: The Bolt Action Only Approach

The most direct approach is to dedicate specific raids solely to leveling your bolt action skill. This means leaving behind your preferred meta loadout and embracing the simplicity (and challenge) of a rifle like the Mosin-Nagant, SV-98, or even the surprisingly effective Remington Model 700.

• Location, Location, Location: Woods and Shoreline are excellent choices. Woods provides vast open areas for long-range engagements, while Shoreline offers a mix of open areas and the resort building, presenting opportunities for both long and close-range combat.
• Objective: Your primary goal isn’t necessarily to extract with loot (although that’s always a bonus). Focus on engaging as many targets as possible. Prioritize shots on Scavs to build skill points more safely before attempting engagements with PMCs.
• Ammo Matters: Use high-penetration ammo. There’s no point in scoring hits that don’t deal meaningful damage. 7N1 for the Mosin and 7N1 or SNB for the SV-98 are solid choices.
• Surviving is Key: Extracting alive grants a survival bonus to your skill progression. Play smart, reposition frequently, and don’t get greedy.
• Cheeki Breeki: When engaging, avoid firing immediately. Let your target pause, giving you a clear shot.

2. The “Hatchet Runner” with a Twist

While not as efficient as dedicated raids, this method involves equipping your bolt action in your secure container and running into raids. If you die, you lose nothing significant, and if you survive, you gain experience.

• Risk Assessment: Choose maps with high Scav activity but relatively low PMC density, such as Customs during off-peak hours or Factory (surprisingly effective for quick Scav kills).
• The Sneak Attack: Your goal is to get the bolt action out, take a few pot shots at unsuspecting Scavs, and then either extract or die trying.
• Minimal Investment: This method is low-risk, low-reward, but it’s a consistent way to passively level your skill.

3. The “Secondary Weapon” Strategy

This involves using your preferred weapon (usually an assault rifle or SMG) as your primary and the bolt action as a secondary for specific engagements.

• Adaptability is Crucial: This requires knowing the maps intimately and identifying areas where long-range engagements are likely.
• Tactical Switching: Quickly switch to your bolt action when you spot an opportunity for a long-range shot, then switch back to your primary for close-quarters combat.
• Map Knowledge: Woods is the best map for this strategy, as it offers numerous vantage points and long sight lines.

4. The Power of Practice Mode (Offline Raids)

Offline raids are your friend! While they don’t grant skill points that transfer to your online character, they provide invaluable practice with your chosen bolt action rifle.

• Mastering Mechanics: Use offline raids to learn the ballistics of your rifle, practice leading targets, and refine your aiming.
• Map Familiarization: Explore different maps and identify optimal sniping locations.
• No Risk, All Reward: This is a safe environment to experiment with different tactics and loadouts without the fear of losing gear.

5. The Power Leveling Method

• Find a buddy: Have your buddy equip a raid backpack and fill it with heavy items.
• Bring a Bolt Action: Equip your Bolt Action and shoot your buddy anywhere (preferably in the legs) in raid
• Reload and Repeat: This grants consistent, albeit very slow exp.

Mastering the Mindset

Leveling any skill in Tarkov requires patience and perseverance. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Analyze your mistakes, learn from them, and keep grinding. Remember to adjust your strategies based on your playstyle and the current state of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much XP do I need to reach Elite bolt action skill?

The exact amount changes with each wipe, but generally, reaching Elite requires a significant amount of dedicated practice. It’s a long grind, so be prepared to invest considerable time. Check the Escape from Tarkov Wiki for current thresholds.

2. Does hitting scavs or PMCs give more XP?

While both grant XP, PMCs generally provide more XP per hit. This is because PMCs are considered higher-value targets. However, focusing on Scavs is a safer and more consistent way to level your skill early on.

3. Does it matter where I hit the target?

No, the location of the shot on the target does not affect the skill gained from landing a shot.

4. Is it worth using a suppressor on my bolt action while leveling?

A suppressor can be beneficial for staying undetected and maximizing your opportunities for engagements. However, it will reduce your bullet velocity, making it harder to hit moving targets at long range. Weigh the pros and cons based on your playstyle and the map you’re playing.

5. Does healing after taking damage affect my skill?

No, healing yourself after taking damage does not directly affect your bolt action skill. However, staying alive longer will allow you to engage more targets and ultimately level your skill faster.

6. Does equipping other weapons affect bolt action skill leveling?

No, simply equipping other weapons does not directly affect your skill level.

7. Is there a limit to how much bolt action skill I can gain per raid?

While there’s no confirmed hard limit, diminishing returns kick in after a certain amount of activity. Focusing on consistent, shorter raids is generally more efficient than trying to cram all your leveling into one long session.

8. What’s the best bolt action rifle to use for leveling?

The Mosin-Nagant is generally considered the best option due to its low cost and readily available ammo. However, the SV-98 is a viable alternative if you prefer a more modern rifle.

9. Can I level my bolt action skill in the hideout?

No, you cannot level your bolt action skill in the hideout. Skill leveling is exclusively tied to in-raid activities.

10. Do quests affect my bolt action skill leveling?

Some quests require the use of bolt action rifles, which will indirectly contribute to your skill leveling. However, there are no quests that directly boost your bolt action skill.

11. Is there any way to boost my skill leveling speed?

Some in-game items, like stimulants, can temporarily boost your overall skill leveling speed. However, these boosts are often expensive and not specifically targeted at bolt action rifles.

12. Does upgrading my hideout affect my skill leveling speed?

No, hideout upgrades do not directly affect your skill leveling speed. However, certain hideout modules can provide benefits that indirectly improve your efficiency, such as faster healing or increased crafting speeds.