What is PMC Karma in Escape from Tarkov?

The 0.15 update is implementing the PMC Karma system in Escape from Tarkov, but the patch notes left players confused about how the system works. The patch notes are vague, but we have an idea of what can hurt your PMC Karma.

How Does PMC Karma Work in Escape from Tarkov?

Karma is a hidden parameter for PMCs in Escape from Tarkov. Scavs also have Karma, but it’s visible for players. This parameter will influence the new boss Partisan and will be constantly adjusted and balanced by the devs.

When playing as a PMC, the system will consider your actions that will increase your Karma if you follow an “open play style” or apply a penalty if you do something “dishonest,” according to Battlestate Games in the 0.15 patch notes.

The patch notes don’t have a list of actions that either increase or decrease PMC Karma, but it implies it will focus on how you kill other players, so we can say ratting—a playstyle that avoids PvP and focuses on looting—is one of the actions that will decrease your Karma.

Camping and staying in one spot hidden for a long time will probably affect your PMC Karma as well. It’s hard to say what Battlestate Games means by “dishonest” and how much this mechanic will affect players aside from increasing or decreasing the chances of Partisan appearing in a raid with low-Karma PMCs.

A sound notification will mark when Karma changes, but the devs said it will only happen “in some cases.” That sound notification should be enough to identify what actions are impacting your Karma when it happens. Just don’t count on it pinging you every time your Karma is lowered.