You finally did it. You pushed through the grueling questline to reach the Lighthouse peninsula, dodged the Zryachiy snipers, and walked across that bridge without blowing up. You’re ready to meet the game's first in-raid merchant. But then you see it: the quest Make an Impression Tarkov players have been dreading since it was added. It’s a gatekeeper. Literally.
Honestly, this task is where a lot of people just give up on the Lightkeeper grind. It isn't just about skill; it's about patience and having a very specific set of gear. You aren't just clicking heads here. You're trying to prove to a mysterious hermit that you’re worth his time by picking off PMC targets from a massive distance.
What is Make an Impression actually asking for?
The premise is simple on paper. Lightkeeper wants you to eliminate 15 PMCs on the Lighthouse map. The catch? You have to do it from at least 250 meters away. If you’ve played Escape from Tarkov for more than a week, you know that 250 meters is a long way. Like, "pixel-sized head" long way.
Most engagements in Tarkov happen within 50 to 100 meters. Even the "Shooter Born in Heaven" quest, which used to be the gold standard for sniping difficulty, only requires 125 meters now. Doubling that distance changes the game entirely. You aren't just fighting players anymore; you're fighting the game’s rendering distance, projectile drop, and the sheer unpredictability of player movement over a five-second travel time for your bullet.
The Gear You Actually Need
Don't bring a bolt-action rifle and expect to finish this in one raid. You'll go crazy. Most high-level players—guys like Deadlyslob or Pestily—will tell you that semi-auto is the only way to keep your sanity during Make an Impression Tarkov runs.
The AXMC is a popular choice because the .338 Lapua rounds basically ignore armor and have incredibly flat trajectories. However, if you miss that first shot, the bolt cycle time gives your target enough time to reach cover. That’s why the M1A or the RSASS are often better. You can send three or four rounds downrange in the time it takes to chamber one .338 round.
You need a high-magnification optic. The Schmidt & Bender PM II 1-8x24 or the Hensoldt FF 4-16x56 are your best friends here. Anything less and you'll be squinting at a blur. Also, bring a rangefinder. Guessing the difference between 230 meters and 250 meters is the difference between quest progress and a wasted bullet.
Where to Sit Without Dying Immediately
Lighthouse is a meat grinder. If you sit in the most obvious sniping spots, like the "Pride Rock" overlook or the mountains behind the village, you're going to get counter-sniped by someone doing their own quests.
💡 You might also like: Why Cyberpunk 2077 Dog Eat Dog is the Best Hook the Game Ever Had
- The Southern Road Hills: This is a classic. You can overlook the main road leading to the extraction. Most players sprint down this road when they have five minutes left. It’s a predictable path, which is exactly what you want for a 250-meter shot.
- The Chalet Overlook: If you can get high enough on the eastern rocks, you can see the balconies of the high-tier loot chalets. People tend to stand still for a second when they’re looting a safe or looking through a window. That’s your window of opportunity.
- The Peninsula Bridge: Ironically, looking back at the bridge you just crossed is a viable strategy. Players often hesitate before crossing or stop to check for snipers.
It’s boring. You will spend 30 minutes staring at a doorway or a rock. You might go three raids without seeing a single person who isn't 100 meters away. That’s just the nature of the beast.
The Problem With Zeroing and Bullet Drop
Tarkov’s ballistics system is complex, and for Make an Impression Tarkov enthusiasts, it’s the biggest hurdle. Every ammo type has a different muzzle velocity. If you’re using M80 rounds in an M1A, your drop is going to be different than if you're using M61.
At 250 meters, you have to account for the "zeroing" mechanic. If you zero your scope to 200, you still need to aim slightly high. If you zero to 300, you might overshoot if they are exactly at 250. Most pros recommend staying zeroed at 100 or 200 and learning the "mil-dots" on your reticle. It's more reliable than fiddling with the Page Up and Page Down keys while a PMC is running across a field.
Why Does This Quest Exist?
Battlestate Games (BSG) designed Lightkeeper to be an "end-game" experience. It isn't for the casual player who hops on for two hours a week. By the time you reach this quest, you've likely finished the majority of the standard trader tasks. BSG wants to slow down the progression. They want to force you to use the long-range lanes of the Lighthouse map that usually go ignored.
There’s also a psychological component. Make an Impression is a gate. It separates the people who just want the rewards from the people who are willing to master the mechanics of the game. It’s frustrating, sure, but finally seeing that "Task Complete" notification after a 270-meter headshot is one of the best feelings in the game.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Stop wearing bright clothes. Seriously. Use the BEAR or USEC clothing options that blend into the brownish-grey rocks of Lighthouse. If you're wearing a bright blue UNTAR helmet or a massive backpack, you're a beacon.
Don't shoot at everything that moves. If a player is at 150 meters, let them go. If you shoot and miss, or even if you kill them, you’ve just alerted every other player in the area to your position. You’re hunting for the 250-meter white whale. Stay disciplined.
👉 See also: When Does Tales of the Underworld Come Out: The Real Timeline for This Indie RPG
Also, watch your stamina. If you’re prone for 20 minutes, your arm stamina might be full, but the moment you stand up to relocate, you’re vulnerable. Keep some caffeine (like an SJ6 or just some Hot Rod) on hand in case you need to reposition fast after a shot.
Moving Toward the Next Steps
Once you finish this, the world of Lightkeeper opens up further, leading toward tasks like "Abominable Snowman" or "Informant." But for now, focus on the distance.
Immediate Action Plan:
- Select your weapon: Build a high-ergo RSASS or M1A. Bolt-actions are cool for clips, but semi-auto saves lives.
- Load the right lead: Use high-velocity rounds. For 7.62x51, M61 or M62 is preferred for the tracer (so you can see where your misses go) and the punch.
- Learn the landmarks: Go into an offline raid with a rangefinder. Find a spot you like and range the distances to common cover points. Memorize them.
- Patience is a virtue: Set a timer. Commit to staying in a spot for at least 15 minutes before rotating. The biggest killer in this quest is impatience.
This isn't just a quest; it's a test of your knowledge of the Lighthouse map's geometry. Grab your rangefinder, find a cozy bush, and get comfortable. You’re going to be there for a while.