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Best Audio Settings for Escape From Tarkov

Audio is important in an FPS like Escape From Tarkov. We have a way for you to get an advantage while playing. It's simple.


Listening to danger all around you is extremely important. Sometimes, with all the noise around you, it may be hard to fish out those precious footstep sounds, moments before you get ganked. We can help you set it so that part is easier than ever, and with better ears, you'll spot danger just in time as it shows up. We'll cover both Escape From Tarkov and Escape From Tarkov Arena!

You can go beyond the audio settings available in game, and take it to the next level with Parametric EQ customization. This can let you tune the audio to a much more detailed way, boosting various frequencies such as bass and mids. But we don't want you to do anything complicated. It's simple really, because we have made a special audio preset customized specifically for Escape From Tarkov and Escape From Tarkov: Arena.

How to Get the Best Audio Settings for Escape From Tarkov/Arena

1. If you're playing on PC, download GG and sign up; if you already are a user, head over to the Sonar section in GG.

2. In Sonar, switch to the Game tab, then you can see the Equalizer screen. From the configuration dropdown, select Escape From Tarkov (note that Escape From Tarkov Arena is also available!). You can also start typing it in the search bar.

Escape From Tarkov Arena audio settings

3. Click the X in the upper right corner and that's it! Make sure your audio device is set to "SteelSeries Sonar — Gaming" to receive audio output configured by this preset.

Alternatively, if you own an Arctis Nova 5 Wireless headset, you can select the preset from the Nova 5 Companion App (guide linked), and use it on console.

What does the Escape From Tarkov/Arena presets change?

Escape From Tarkov

Escape from Tarkov audio

The most important facet here is boosting the audio of footsteps. You'll be able to hear your enemies stepping around much more clearly, so that audio will be emphasized on relevant surfaces.

Escape From Tarkov: Arena

Escape from tarkov arena audio

  • More Immersion — 70/120/200 Hz

    • Added power and depth to make environmental sound more obvious and immersive
    • Enhanced gunshot and explosion
    • Enhanced hit sounds when gunshots land
  • Reduced — 30 Hz High-Pass

    • The bass level is reduced so that the sound of gunshot and footstep locations is more audible
  • Foosteps — 200/3000/4000 Hz

    • Enhanced footseps on different types of roads and surfaces
    • Enhanced bullet ricochet sound
  • Boostings Highs and Gunshots — 9000/12000 Hz

    • Compensation for the sub bass addition to balance sound
    • Enhanced bullet ricochet and bullet shell loading into chamber sounds
    • Enhanced gunshot location and clarity

As you can see, these are pretty substantial tunings. With improved sound, you are more likely to survive and extract successfully! Don't hold yourself back with bad audio, but use everything to your advantage in Escape From Tarkov and Escape From Tarkov: Arena!


Having issues with Sonar? Please see our Knowledge Base for helpful articles.

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