Look, let’s be real for a second. If you’re at the point in Escape from Tarkov where you’re looking up how to finish Return the Favor, you’ve already been through some serious pain. You’ve probably fought through the Lighthouse bridge, dodged Zryachiy’s aimbots, and finally had that awkward first conversation with Lightkeeper.
But then he gives you this.
It sounds simple on paper. Go to Woods, kill some PMCs near the mountain, and stash some folders. In reality? It’s often a week-long headache of staring at empty rocks. Honestly, it’s one of those quests that makes you wonder if the developers actually play their own game sometimes.
What is Return the Favor Actually Asking?
This isn’t a quest for the faint of heart or the impatient. Lightkeeper wants you to act as his personal "pest control" on Woods. Specifically, he’s tired of people poking around the "mountain area" (the big sniper rock and the surrounding cliffs).
You have two main objectives:
- Eliminate 15 PMC operatives around the mountain area on Woods.
- Stash two TerraGroup "Blue Folders" materials in the USEC camp.
The catch? You can’t even see the stashing objectives until those 15 PMCs are dead. It's a massive wall. You could spend five raids running around the mountain and see absolutely nobody. Or, worse, you kill someone, but because their left pinky toe was three inches outside the "kill zone," it doesn't count.
The Mountain Kill Zone (Where Kills Actually Count)
The "mountain area" is bigger than it used to be, thanks to some recent patches, but it's still finicky. Basically, you’re looking at the massive rock formation in the center of the map—the one where the sniper scav usually sits.
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Kills generally count if they happen on the mountain itself, the paths directly leading up to it, or near the Cultist Bunker (the "secret" entrance near the back of the mountain).
If you’re playing in PvE mode, this is actually harder. In PvP, people naturally gravitate toward the mountain for overwatch positions. In PvE, the AI PMCs have very specific pathing. They don't just "wander" up the mountain because it's a good vantage point. They’re robots. They follow a line.
How to Bait the AI
If you’re stuck on the PMC kills, stop running around like a madman. It doesn't work.
Try these spots:
- The Cultist Bunker: Sit inside or near the entrance. In PvE, PMCs often path from the swamp or the abandoned village toward the bunker. If you stay quiet, they’ll practically walk into your barrel.
- The "Spine" Rock: The smaller rock formation just south of the main mountain. It’s a classic chokepoint.
- The Path to Sawmill: Look for the road that runs between the mountain and the lumber yard. If you catch them on the slope of the mountain, it usually counts.
Bring a Red Flare if you have one. It sounds crazy, but calling in an airdrop near the mountain can sometimes pull AI PMCs (and definitely players) toward the zone. Just make sure the airdrop lands on the mountain area, not in the open field toward the lake.
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Stashing the Blue Folders
Once you’ve finally finished your 15 kills—and hopefully haven't lost your mind—you need to buy two TerraGroup Blue Folders.
Warning: These are expensive. Check the Flea Market, but expect to pay a premium. Once you have them, you're heading to the USEC camp in the northwest.
Folder 1: The Black SUV
Go to the "lower" part of the USEC camp (the one closer to the road/lake). There’s a black SUV parked there. You need to stash the folder on the front passenger seat. It’s a 35-second timer. It feels like an eternity when you’re worried about a stray scav headshot.
Folder 2: The Satellite Dish
Head to the "upper" part of the camp. Look for the large green satellite antenna. There are some wooden crates right behind it. That’s your second spot. Another 35 seconds of holding your breath.
Why This Quest Still Matters in 2026
You might be asking, "Why am I doing this?" It’s not required for the Kappa Container, which is a huge relief for most players. However, it is a hard gate for the rest of Lightkeeper’s rewards.
Completing Return the Favor unlocks:
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- Lightkeeper Rep: +0.03 (Crucial for later trades).
- The VPX Flash Storage Module craft: You can finally make these at Intelligence Center Level 2.
- Access to Payback: The next quest in the chain.
If you want the top-tier "endgame" loot and the ability to craft high-end electronics, you simply have to get through this.
Actionable Tips for Finishing Fast
- Go at Night: In both PvP and PvE, the AI (and players) have a harder time spotting you on the rocks. Bring a thermal if you're rich, or just decent NVGs.
- Don't Rush the Exit: PMCs often spawn or move toward the mountain late in the raid. If the map feels dead at 30 minutes, wait until the 15-minute mark. You’ll be surprised how many "late-game" wanderers show up.
- The "Bait" Grenade: If you’re in the mountain area and hear nothing, toss a grenade. In PvE, this can sometimes "reset" or "alert" AI PMCs, causing them to move toward the noise.
- Check the Bunker Door: If the door to the Cultist Bunker is open, someone (or something) is probably inside. That's a free kill for your tally.
Don't let the frustration get to you. This quest is a marathon. Pack some food, some water, and a lot of patience. Once those 15 kills are done, the rest is just a delivery run. You’ve got this.
Check your quest log after your next Woods raid; if those kills didn't count, you were likely too far down the slope. Adjust your position higher up the rocks and try again.