Operation Aquarius Part 1 is one of the early quests in Escape from Tarkov that many new players find both exciting and confusing. In this mission, you work for the trader Therapist, who asks you to explore the dorms on the Customs map and find something special. It sounds simple, but in Tarkov, nothing ever goes smoothly. The map is full of other players, tight corners, and enemies waiting around every hallway. This is why learning how to finish Operation Aquarius Part 1 safely is very important for beginners who want to grow in the game. With the right plan and careful steps, you can finish this task and earn the rewards that help you survive longer in Tarkov.
Operation Aquarius Part 1 teaches you more than just completing a mission—it helps you learn how Tarkov works. You’ll practice exploring buildings, unlocking rooms, and searching for quest items under pressure. This quest is also a big step in building trust with the Therapist, which opens the way to more missions and better rewards later in the game. Whether you play alone or with friends, this quest will test your patience and planning. In this blog, we will talk about how to start the mission, where to go, and what to do so you can finish Operation Aquarius Part 1 without stress.
How to Start Operation Aquarius Part 1
You can start Operation Aquarius Part 1 by talking to the Therapist in the game menu. Once you reach the required level, usually level 6, she will give you this task. The quest description will tell you that there is a room in the Customs dorms that you need to visit. To get inside, you must have the Dorm Room 206 Key, which is very important for this mission. This key can be found in random loot places, bought from the flea market, or sometimes looted from Scavs. After you get the key, you are ready to move toward the Customs map to complete your goal. It is a good idea to take some basic gear with you, like armor, a weapon, and healing items, because you might face danger along the way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Operation Aquarius Part 1
To complete Operation Aquarius Part 1, you need to follow a few simple but careful steps. First, load into the Customs map and make your way to the Dorms area. The dorms are located near the center of the map and are divided into two main buildings: the two-story dorm and the three-story dorm. The room you are looking for, Room 206, is located in the two-story dorm building. You will need to go up the stairs and use your Dorm Room 206 Key to unlock the door. Inside the room, you will find a water filter, which is the item required for the Therapist’s quest. Once you have collected it, you don’t need to extract immediately, but it is safer to do so to avoid losing your progress.
While you are in the dorms, stay alert. This area is one of the busiest places on the Customs map. Many players come here for quests or loot, which means fights can happen at any time. Try to move quietly, listen for footsteps, and avoid running into open areas. Once you have the item, head to the nearest extraction point to finish the mission. After you safely extract, go back to the Therapist and hand over the quest item. She will reward you with experience points, money, and other helpful items that will support your next missions.
Tips and Tricks for Surviving in Customs Dorms
The dorms area in Customs can be very dangerous because it attracts both new and skilled players. Here are some tips to help you stay alive while doing Operation Aquarius Part 1. Move slowly and carefully when entering the dorms. Running too much can alert other players of your position. Use headphones if possible so you can hear footsteps or gunfire around you. If you hear someone inside, wait and plan your move instead of rushing in. Always check corners and rooms before walking through doors.
It is also smart to go at a time when fewer players are around, such as early in a raid. Bringing a weapon with good close-range power, like a shotgun or SMG, is very helpful inside the dorms since fights often happen in tight spaces. Finally, do not carry too many expensive items. Since this mission is mainly about getting the quest item, focus on finishing the task and leaving safely instead of hunting for extra loot.
Common Mistakes Players Make in Operation Aquarius Part 1
One of the biggest mistakes players make is rushing into the dorms without checking their surroundings. Many new players think they can quickly unlock the door and leave, but this usually leads to being attacked by other players. Another mistake is forgetting the Dorm Room 206 Key. Without it, you cannot enter the room, so make sure to bring it before you start the mission.
Some players also forget to plan their extraction route. Knowing where you will leave before you even start is very helpful. If you complete the quest but get killed before extraction, you will have to redo everything. Others make the mistake of looting too much and staying longer than needed. Remember, the goal is to complete the quest, not to fill your backpack with items. Lastly, forgetting to heal or bring medical items can cause problems if you get into a fight. Always keep a few bandages or a medkit ready.
Rewards You Get After Completing Operation Aquarius Part 1
Once you finish Operation Aquarius Part 1 and turn it in to the Therapist, you will receive a good set of rewards. The rewards usually include experience points, roubles (the in-game money), and medical supplies. These rewards help you prepare for the next part of the quest, Operation Aquarius Part 2, which is also given by the Therapist. You will also gain reputation points with the Therapist, which is important for unlocking better deals and new missions in the future. The XP you earn will help you level up faster, and that means access to more traders and items.
Even though the rewards might not look huge compared to other missions, they are valuable for players who are still learning the game. The main benefit of completing this quest is that it builds your skills in map knowledge, movement, and survival.
Why Operation Aquarius Part 1 Is Important for Beginners
Operation Aquarius Part 1 is one of the best learning quests for new players in Escape from Tarkov. It teaches you how to use keys, explore buildings, and plan your actions before moving. Many new players get overwhelmed by Tarkov’s complex maps and intense gameplay, but this mission gives you a small, clear goal that helps you understand the basics.
It also helps you get used to the Customs map, which is one of the most played maps in the game. You will learn where to go, how to identify key buildings, and what places to avoid. Completing this quest builds confidence, and that’s very important for beginners who are just getting started. Plus, you’ll learn the importance of extracting safely, not just fighting or looting, which is a key skill in Tarkov.
How to Avoid Danger While Completing Operation Aquarius Part 1
Staying safe during this mission depends mostly on timing and awareness. If you spawn far from the dorms, take your time and move through cover instead of open spaces. Try to enter the dorms from the side or back doors to reduce your chances of being seen. Listen for other players or Scavs before you go inside. If you hear shooting, wait a bit before entering, because it might mean another player is already doing the same mission.
Another smart trick is to use grenades or sound distractions before entering. This can confuse other players or scare Scavs away. Once you get inside, move quickly but carefully toward Room 206. If the area is too dangerous, it’s okay to leave and try again in another raid. Remember, completing the mission safely is more important than rushing.
Expert Advice to Finish Operation Aquarius Part 1 Faster
Experienced Tarkov players suggest going light when doing this quest. Bring only what you need: a basic weapon, armor, and the Dorm Room 206 Key. Don’t bring expensive gear because there’s always a risk of being killed. Another tip is to learn the spawn points on the Customs map. If you know where you start, you can plan your fastest route to the dorms and avoid high-traffic areas.
If you’re playing with friends, let one player guard the hallway while another unlocks the door and grabs the item. This team strategy can save time and increase your survival rate. Also, watch some map guides or practice in offline mode before starting the real raid. This will help you get familiar with the dorm layout and reduce mistakes during the mission.
What Comes After Operation Aquarius Part 1
After finishing Operation Aquarius Part 1, the Therapist will unlock Operation Aquarius Part 2. In the second part, you will need to return to the same area but complete a different task. It becomes more challenging, but by then, you will already know the map and how to move around safely. This makes it easier to handle future missions.
Completing both parts of Operation Aquarius will help you progress in the Therapist’s questline and unlock more useful missions later in the game. It also boosts your confidence as a player because you’ll know how to handle key-based tasks and survive in dangerous areas.
Conclusion
Operation Aquarius Part 1 may seem like a small quest, but it’s one of the most helpful missions for new players in Escape from Tarkov. It teaches the basics of navigation, combat, and survival in one of the game’s most active maps. With the right plan and patience, you can complete it without much trouble. Once done, you’ll not only earn rewards but also gain valuable experience that will help in your future raids.
FAQs
What key do I need for Operation Aquarius Part 1?
You need the Dorm Room 206 Key to unlock the room in the two-story dorm on the Customs map.
Where can I find the Dorm Room 206 Key?
You can find it in random loot containers, on Scavs, or buy it from the flea market.
What rewards do I get after finishing Operation Aquarius Part 1?
You get experience points, roubles, medical supplies, and reputation with the Therapist.
