Complete Guide to Stray Dogs in Escape from Tarkov: Tips and Rewards

The quest “Stray Dogs” in Escape from Tarkov is a boss-hunting mission provided by Jaeger to players. This task is among the final missions that allow players to qualify for the Kappa Secured Container quest, known as “The Collector.” However, players face the challenge of a very low spawn rate for the required bosses, collectively known as the Goon squad, making it difficult to find and eliminate them.

To successfully complete this mission, you need to take down three bosses: Knight, Birdeye, and Big Pipe. This article will provide valuable tips to aid you in hunting the Goons and finishing the Stray Dogs quest in Escape from Tarkov.

Tips for Completing Stray Dogs in Escape from Tarkov

Goons spawn locations on Lighthouse (Image via Battlestate Games and Tarkov wiki)

As mentioned, your goal in the Stray Dogs quest is to eliminate the Goons: Knight, Birdeye, and Big Pipe. Here are the specific objectives for this task:

Locate and take down Big Pipe
Locate and take down Knight
Locate and take down Birdeye

Finding and Eliminating the Goons

Shoreline Goons spawn location (Image via Battlestate Games and Mapgenie.io)

Birdeye, Knight, and Big Pipe are categorized as bosses and have an extremely low spawn rate. They can appear in various maps including Shoreline, Lighthouse, Customs, and Woods, which means players may need to search thoroughly before encountering them.

In the Shoreline map, the Goons may spawn at the Weather Station. Similarly, you can find them outside the Fortress in Customs, at the Scav bunker in Woods, or at the Lower Chalet or Water Treatment Plant in Lighthouse.

Customs Goons spawn location (Image via Battlestate Games and Mapgenie.io)

To locate them, simply load into any of these maps and survey the areas where they spawn. Another effective method for finding them is to throw a grenade, whether it’s a stun or frag grenade, to trigger their voice lines. If you hear English voice lines coming from the spawn areas, you know you’re on the right track.

When engaging the Goons, make sure to utilize cover to avoid getting shot by Big Pipe or Birdeye from a distance. Knight tends to charge at players he targets, so try to eliminate him while he is sprinting in your direction. Positioning yourself at a doorway or around corners—such as buildings or rocks—will enhance your chances of taking him down.

Woods Goons spawn locations (Image via Battlestate Games and Mapgenie.io)

Additionally, Big Pipe typically follows Knight closely, making him vulnerable after Knight is dispatched. Since Big Pipe does not wear a helmet, aim for headshots for an easy kill.

For Birdeye, remain vigilant as he is silent and has no footsteps. Since his partners are eliminated, he is likely to approach you. When he does, be ready to take him out quickly to secure your victory.

Upon successfully eliminating all three Goons, you can complete the Stray Dogs quest in Escape from Tarkov. You may then loot their bodies for valuables and extract from the raid.

.300 Blackout CBJ ammo (Image via Battlestate Games)

In terms of ammunition, you can use M856A1, M80, M62,. 300 Blackout CBJ, or other types that can effectively penetrate class five armor. Be sure to pair the ammo with the appropriate weapons; otherwise, it won’t perform effectively.

Rewards for Completing Stray Dogs in Escape from Tarkov

Upon completing the quest, you will receive the following rewards:

Experience: 35,000
Jaeger Reputation: +0.02
Roubles: 250,000 (262,500 with Intelligence Center level one, and 287,500 at level two)
S I C C Organizational pouch: 1x
SWORD International MK-18 marksman rifle: 1x
MK-18 10-round magazine: 2x
.338 Lapua Magnum FMJ: 20x

This concludes your guide on how to complete Stray Dogs in Escape from Tarkov.

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