As a seasoned gamer who’s been battling through the chaotic world of Tarkov for years now, I’ve got to say that when it comes to the great USEC vs BEAR debate, my personal preference leans towards USEC – but only just!
At the onset of each fresh round in Escape from Tarkov, you’ll encounter a screen requiring you to pick between the USEC and BEAR factions. However, the question isn’t about which one is superior, but rather which aligns more with your playstyle or preferences.
Initially, a novice player might not perceive the decision as crucial, but it’s nonetheless significant to grasp the unique benefits that each faction offers. Detailed explanations of these advantages can be found below.
USEC or BEAR?
As a bit of a boring answer, it doesn’t really matter whether you pick USEC or BEAR, but generally, players prefer to pick USEC for a number of different reasons.
Voice
In English-speaking regions, players tend to choose US English Characters (USEC) because they speak the same language. This is particularly appealing to individuals based in North America due to its familiarity.
You are able to select English-speaking BEAR voices though, so don’t feel limited to USEC if that’s your primary deciding factor.
Lighthouse & Rogues
From a gameplay perspective, the only real difference you’ll find between the two factions is how you interact with the USEC Rogue AI enemies on the Lighthouse map.
These adversaries, positioned at the Water Treatment Facility, are innately and instantaneously aggressive towards Private Military Companies belonging to the BEAR faction. They have a reputation for becoming hostile even from more than 100 meters distance.
As a player, I find that USEC PMCs generally steer clear unless they inadvertently get too near or decide to take shots first. This fact greatly simplifies many quests based around the Lighthouse, since I can largely bypass the Rogues if I choose not to engage them in combat.
In the game, there aren’t any adversaries like the Rogues that resemble bears yet, but it has been mentioned several times that they may appear in the future. As of now, there’s no set timeline for their arrival and only a few suggestions hinting towards the Streets of Tarkov as the potential map. So, there’s no need to concern yourself with this development at present.
Starting gear
Regardless of your chosen faction, you’ll get diverse initial equipment, yet the variations aren’t significant. In fact, chances are high that you’ll lose everything within just a few days!
As a gamer, I’d break it down like this: In the world of USEC, we kick off with top-notch Western gear, such as the M4A1, MP5, and 5.56x45mm rounds. On the other hand, BEAR players begin their journey armed with solid Russian hardware, including the AK-74M and PP-19-01, with 5.45x39mm ammo to back them up.
In the initial phases, I find the BEAR equipment more user-friendly, particularly since you can’t immediately secure a gas block for the M4A1. However, the 5.56×45 M855 ammunition that comes with USEC is incredibly powerful during the early wipes when used in conjunction with an AUG.
Essentially, don’t place a lot of importance on the gear itself because you’re likely to misplace it, but if you don’t mind the other disparities between factions, simply select the one that offers your favored starting firearm and ammunition for a wipe.
Quests
At present, there are only two unique missions that belong to specific factions: “Our Own Land” by Prapor and “Counteraction” from Peacekeeper. In essence, these tasks share a common objective, but with slightly different requirements. For “Our Own Land”, you’re tasked with eliminating 20 USEC PMCs on the Lighthouse map, whereas for “Counteraction”, your goal is to take out 20 BEAR PMCs on the same map instead.
As a die-hard fan, I must admit that my character can’t embark on both Prapor’s one-of-a-kind quest for the BEAR faction and Peacekeeper’s exclusive mission designed specifically for USEC players. Each journey is tailored to its respective faction, making it impossible to accomplish them together in a single playthrough.
With more players joining USEC, it becomes more challenging to finish Counteraction because there are fewer BEARs encountered, particularly on maps like Lighthouse where they have a noticeable disadvantage.
Clothing
Perhaps the most impactful difference of all though is the range of clothing options unique to either faction. Sold by Ragman as a service, players can unlock and purchase new attire for their PMC, and your available wardrobe depends on your initial faction choice.
Most people find the wardrobe from BEAR more appealing, particularly the Telnik sweater. Personally, I’m partial to the Urban Response USEC hoodie, but I’d advise you to explore both styles thoroughly before making up your mind.
Essentially, when a new reset occurs, your choice of faction also resets. This means if you’re not satisfied with your decision, you won’t have to wait long before getting another chance to pick a different side.
Can USEC and BEAR play together?
Regardless of the side you’ve chosen, there are no limitations or barriers that prevent interaction with both USEC and BEAR players while playing together.
It’s great news indeed! It would surely be disappointing if a choice of faction prevented you from playing with your friends. Fortunately, there are no such restrictions, and you’re free to team up with anyone you want.
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2024-08-19 17:42