- Blockchain Council
- September 01, 2024
Escape From Tarkov (EFT) is a popular hardcore shooter known for its realistic gameplay and complex in-game economy. One unique aspect of the game is the Bitcoin Farm in the player’s hideout, which simulates a simplified version of real-world Bitcoin mining.
What is Tarkov Bitcoin?
In Escape from Tarkov, Bitcoin is an in-game item representing a fraction of the real-world cryptocurrency. The game allows you to mine in-game Bitcoins. Tarkov’s Bitcoin is obtained primarily through the Bitcoin Farm module in your hideout, which allows you to generate Bitcoins over time by inserting graphics cards (GPUs) into the farm.
The Bitcoin produced can then be sold to vendors in the game for significant in-game currency, known as Roubles. So it is a way to generate passive income by producing Bitcoins in your hideout. It is also one of the primary currencies used to buy gear, ammo, and other essentials needed for raids.
The value of Tarkov Bitcoin is directly tied to the real-world price of Bitcoin, making it fluctuate depending on actual market conditions. This link makes it a unique aspect of the game, as players not only engage with in-game dynamics but also indirectly with real-world economics.
Building the Bitcoin Farm
To set up a Bitcoin Farm in your hideout, you need to gather specific resources and meet certain requirements. Building the first level of the farm involves collecting items like T-Shaped plugs, VPX Flash Storage Modules, Power Cords, and CPU Fans. Once the base farm is built, it needs to be stocked with graphics cards, which are either found during raids or purchased from the in-game flea market. Each level of the Bitcoin Farm allows for more GPUs, which increases the rate at which Bitcoin is produced.
- Level 1 Farm: Can hold up to 10 GPUs.
- Level 2 Farm: Expands capacity to 25 GPUs.
- Level 3 Farm: Allows up to 50 GPUs.
Requirements for Building a Bitcoin Farm
- Graphics Cards: The critical component for Bitcoin mining. GPUs can be found in raids, crafted, or bought from the flea market, but they are often expensive.
- Fuel and Generator: The Bitcoin Farm requires the hideout’s Generator to be active, consuming fuel over time, which adds to operational costs.
- Level 2 Intelligence Center: Essential for managing data and unlocking advanced modules.
- Level 3 Security: Provides protection for your hideout.
- Level 3 Medstation, Nutrition Unit, and Lavatory: Necessary for overall hideout functionality.
- Level 3 Illumination: Improves lighting and supports other advanced upgrades.
- Level 2 Generator and Vents: Power and ventilation systems to support mining operations.
- Level 2 Stash: To store and manage resources efficiently.
The construction time and resource cost increase with each level, making the farm a significant long-term investment. Additionally, maintaining the Bitcoin Farm requires constant power, so you’ll need to keep your hideout generator fueled, adding to the running costs. Further, finding GPUs in raids is more economical than buying, as purchasing them can cost hundreds of thousands of Roubles each.
How the Tarkov Bitcoin Farm Works
Once set up, the Bitcoin Farm begins mining based on the number of GPUs installed. The efficiency of your Bitcoin Farm depends on how many GPUs you install. A single GPU will mine one Bitcoin approximately every 20 hours. As more GPUs are added, this time decreases:
- 10 GPUs: Produces one Bitcoin in about 12 hours and 50 minutes.
- 25 GPUs: Reduces the time to 8 hours and 6 minutes.
- 50 GPUs: The maximum setup can mine one Bitcoin in about 5 hours.
However, there are diminishing returns on the mining rate when you add more GPUs, and the farm can only hold three Bitcoins at a time. This means that you must collect and sell mined Bitcoins regularly to maintain the flow of income.
It’s beneficial to be a pro at BTC before starting out. Many players have found that gaining a structured understanding through resources like Certified Bitcoin Expert™ enhances their ability to make strategic decisions in Tarkov’s economy.
Is the Tarkov Bitcoin Farm Worth It?
The potential profitability of the Bitcoin Farm largely depends on the number of GPUs you have installed and the current market value of Bitcoin. However, it’s important to note that setting up and upgrading the farm requires a substantial upfront cost. For example, a single GPU can cost over 500,000 Roubles, and upgrading the farm to its highest level can demand millions in total investment. Given these high costs, the farm doesn’t become profitable immediately and often takes several weeks to break even.
Profitability calculations show that, depending on GPU prices and the farm’s production speed, it might take about 60 days to just cover the costs of building and upgrading the farm. This break-even period can stretch even longer if you’re not constantly running the farm at full capacity or if Bitcoin prices drop significantly. Thus, the farm tends to be more viable for players who can build it early in a wipe cycle when there’s enough time to reap benefits before the next reset.
Tips for New Players
For new players or those with limited resources, starting with a Level 1 farm is usually the most feasible approach. It provides a manageable entry point without the heavy investment required for higher levels. However, if you’re planning to play for an entire wipe (a reset of the game’s progress that happens periodically), upgrading the farm further can become worthwhile. The potential returns increase significantly at higher levels but only if you can sustain the upfront costs and are willing to invest the time needed for a return.
Conclusion
Tarkov Bitcoin offers a valuable way to earn passive income. While it requires careful planning and a significant investment of resources, the benefits can be substantial if managed well. Start with a level one farm, gradually increase your GPU count, and keep your generator fueled to maximize your earnings.
