Scav Karma, also known as Fence reputation, is one of the most influential systems in Escape From Tarkov. It governs your relationship with the trader Fence and directly affects your scav experience. A higher reputation means faster cooldowns, better gear, and safer interactions with AI scavs. On the other hand, a bad reputation can make every scav raid a dangerous struggle against hostile NPCs and other players.
This guide explains how the Scav Karma system works, how to build it efficiently, and what rewards you can expect for maintaining a strong reputation in 2025.
What Is Scav Karma?
Scav Karma is a reputation score with Fence that reflects your behavior as a scav. The higher your score, the more the game rewards you with better gear, safer raids, and improved cooperation with other scavs. It’s designed to encourage teamwork among scav players and reduce senseless infighting that often ruins otherwise profitable runs.
Your current Karma level can be viewed in Fence’s trader menu and ranges from hostile to trusted ally status.
How to Increase Scav Karma
Building Scav Karma involves completing positive actions that align with scav cooperation. Helping other scavs, killing PMC enemies, and extracting with other players are all beneficial. Avoid killing AI or player scavs unless you’re defending yourself—this causes significant reputation loss.
Below are common actions and their approximate Karma effects:
- Killing a hostile PMC: +0.01 to +0.03 Karma
- Extracting with another scav (Co-op extract): +0.25 Karma
- Helping AI scavs fight rogue PMCs: +0.02 Karma
- Killing a friendly scav: -0.10 to -0.30 Karma
Why Scav Karma Matters
Reputation influences nearly every aspect of your scav gameplay. Higher Karma reduces scav cooldown timers, improves scav gear quality, and increases the likelihood of AI scavs assisting you in fights. At higher levels, Fence even sells better items and grants access to exclusive trades.
Maintaining good Karma not only makes scav runs safer but also more profitable—turning what’s normally a backup activity into a primary source of income.
Scav Karma Benefits Overview
The table below summarizes Scav Karma levels and their corresponding benefits:
| Karma Level | Title | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| -1.00 or below | Outlaw | AI scavs attack on sight, poor loadouts |
| 0.00 – 1.00 | Neutral | Standard cooldowns and basic gear |
| 1.00 – 4.99 | Trusted | Improved loadouts, faster scav timer |
| 5.00 and above | Ally | Premium loadouts, AI assistance, Fence trades |
Tips for Maintaining Good Karma
Always confirm before firing at other scavs—many players mistake neutrals for hostiles. Participate in co-op extracts whenever possible and play patiently to avoid unnecessary risk. If a scav attacks first, retaliate only when needed and move away from populated areas to reduce accidental engagements.
Consistency in positive actions keeps your Karma stable across wipes and ensures smoother scav experiences in every raid.
Conclusion
Scav Karma defines how Tarkov’s scav mode feels to play. A high reputation turns the chaotic scav experience into a cooperative and rewarding journey, while negative Karma makes every raid a fight for survival. By respecting other scavs and focusing on teamwork, you’ll enjoy faster progression, better gear, and long-term success under Fence’s favor.
In Tarkov, your reputation is your real armor—protect it as carefully as your loot.