Population Census Quest Guide: Mastering Tarkov’s Streets

In Escape from Tarkov, survival is only half the battle – the other half is navigating the complex quests that challenge your skills, patience, and resourcefulness. One such mission is the “Population Census” quest, assigned by the Therapist. If you’re looking to conquer this task and reap the rewards, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to successfully complete this quest and maximize your efficiency.

What is the Population Census Quest?

“Population Census” is a mid-level quest that becomes available once you hit level 12 in Tarkov. This task is set on the Streets of Tarkov map and requires players to locate a specific journal containing valuable information about the city’s residents. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, as with everything in Tarkov, it’s easier said than done.

Here’s the rundown of what’s expected of you:

1. Locate the journal in the Housing Department building on Streets of Tarkov.
2. Safely extract and hand it over to the Therapist.

Sounds straightforward, but between enemy players, Scavs, and navigating one of the most intricate maps in the game, there’s plenty that can go wrong.

The Stakes and Rewards

Why should you tackle this quest? Completing “Population Census” not only advances your standing with the Therapist but also nets you some sweet rewards:

• 6,900 Experience Points – A solid boost to your overall progression.
• +0.02 Therapist Reputation – Strengthen your relationship with one of the most important traders in the game.
• 35,000 Roubles – This payout increases with your Intelligence Center upgrades (up to 40,250).
• Medical Supplies – 2 Salewa First Aid Kits and 2 Medical Tools to keep you fighting fit.

These rewards are valuable for any player, especially those just beginning to establish their footing in Tarkov.

Finding the Journal: A Step-by-Step Guide

The journal you’re tasked with retrieving is tucked away in the Housing Department building, which is located on the Streets of Tarkov map. This building is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive yellow facade, sitting near landmarks like the Pharmacy, Post Office, and a playground.

Once inside, the journal can spawn in several locations, so you’ll need to search thoroughly. Let’s break it down floor by floor:

First-Floor Spawns

1. Second Office on the Right
   Enter the building and head to the second office on the right side of the hallway. Check the left bottom compartment of the shelf for the journal.
2. Third Office on the Right
   Next, move to the third office on the right. The journal can spawn on the desk with the lamp.
3. Reception Area Near the Stairs
   The reception area adjacent to the staircase is another potential spawn. Look behind the counter on the shelf.
4. Last Office on the Left
   Don’t miss the last office on the left side of the hallway. The journal could be found on the right-side desk here.

Second-Floor Spawn

5. Left Unlocked Office
   Head upstairs to the second floor. In the first unlocked office on the left, check beneath the desk with the fallen bookcase. The journal might be hiding there.

Tips for Success

This quest isn’t just about finding the journal – you also need to survive the raid and extract safely. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Activate the Quest First

The journal will only spawn if the quest is active in your log. Before heading out, double-check that “Population Census” is available and selected.

2. Plan Your Route

Streets of Tarkov is one of the most chaotic maps, with plenty of hot zones and sniper angles. Familiarize yourself with the map, plan your approach to the Housing Department, and scout potential extraction points in advance.

3. Prioritize Survival

Remember, picking up the journal isn’t enough – you need to successfully extract for it to count. If you find yourself overwhelmed by enemies, it’s okay to back off and regroup.

4. Mind the “Found in Raid” Status

For the journal to be valid, it must have the “found in raid” status. This means you must survive and extract without a run-through penalty. Avoid reckless gameplay and focus on making it out alive.

5. Bring Close-Quarters Gear

The Housing Department is an indoor space, so prioritize weapons and gear suited for close-quarters combat. SMGs, shotguns, or compact rifles will give you the edge in tight hallways and rooms.

6. Play During Low-Population Times

If you’re struggling to complete the quest due to high player activity, consider playing during off-peak hours to reduce the chances of running into enemies.

What Happens If You Die?

Let’s face it – Tarkov is brutal, and death is often inevitable. If you’re killed before extracting with the journal, you’ll need to go back and retrieve it again in another raid. The journal resets and respawns in one of its possible locations, so you’ll need to retrace your steps.

To avoid this scenario, don’t rush. Play cautiously, stick to cover, and avoid unnecessary firefights when carrying the journal.

Wrapping Up

The “Population Census” quest is a true test of your scavenging and survival skills in Tarkov. While the Streets of Tarkov map can be intimidating, preparation and patience are the keys to success. With the right mindset and strategy, you’ll be able to retrieve the journal, extract safely, and reap the well-earned rewards.

Good luck out there, and remember – every raid is a chance to learn and improve. Stay sharp, and may your PMC live to see another day in Tarkov’s unforgiving world.

Have any personal tips or experiences with the “Population Census” quest? Share them in the comments below!