How to use Flares in Escape from Tarkov

Everything has a use in Escape from Tarkov, from a massive backpack to basic nuts and bolts, but many players have overlooked the purpose of flares in the extraction shooter. And yes, while the standard flare does little more than light up the sky, one particular type of flare can help get you some of the rarest gear in the game.

Here’s how flares work (and why you’d use them) in Escape from Tarkov.

How to equip and use flares in Escape from Tarkov

Flares in Escape from Tarkov come in two different types: The handheld RSP-30 and the SP-81 Signal Pistol. The Signal Pistol can be re-used assuming you have multiple flare cartridges, while the handheld flares are one-time uses.

To use flares in Escape from Tarkov, you have to treat it like a grenade or a weapon and assign it to a slot once it’s added to your chest rig or pockets. If using the Signal Pistol, ensure you have the weapon equipped and assign it to a slot. If using a handheld flare, equip it as you would for medication or weapons.

Then, simply pull out the flare or pistol and fire it into the air. The area will be illuminated by the flare, so be aware of your surroundings before you light it as it may attract unwarranted attention—especially in dark places or at night.

What do flares do in Escape from Tarkov?

Aside from the obvious use of lighting up an area in Tarkov, each colored flare—white, green, red, and yellow—has a different use and effect. All flares will last about 20 seconds once lit.

White flares are meant purely to illuminate the area around you once fired and have no other practical use. Green flares are for extraction and can only be used in specific places to open an exit. Yellow flares are given to you to use once an objective for a quest is completed—the quest may ask you to fire a signal flare once a boss or unit is killed. Red flares are a little more unique: Using these calls in an airdrop crate containing an assortment of items.

The crates vary in size and content and can hold some pretty rare equipment if you’re lucky, so don’t go wasting your red flares if you manage to get your hands on a couple!