5 Critical Steps To Instantly Complete 'Operation Aquarius - Part 1' In Escape From Tarkov (2025 Guide)

Operation Aquarius - Part 1 is one of the most crucial early-game quests in *Escape from Tarkov* (EFT), serving as a gateway to the Therapist's core questline and essential medical supplies. As of December 18, 2025, the fundamental objective remains the same, but the current state of the wipe—with updated AI, spawn points, and loot tables in patches like 0.16 and the transition to Tarkov 1.0—makes a fresh, tactical approach absolutely necessary for survival. This definitive guide cuts through the noise to provide the most efficient, up-to-date strategy for completing this task and securing your early-game advantage.

This quest, given by the vendor Therapist (Elvira Khabibullina), is often a player's first major foray into the high-risk, high-reward area of the Customs map: the Dorms. Failure to complete it quickly can severely bottleneck your progression, especially in a fresh wipe environment where every early level and vendor reputation point counts. Follow this step-by-step breakdown to secure the objective, extract safely, and unlock the next phase of your journey.

Operation Aquarius - Part 1: Quest Profile and Requirements

Before stepping into the harsh environment of the Customs map, it is vital to understand the exact parameters of the quest. This early-game task is designed to introduce players to the concept of finding specific quest items in a dangerous, contested location, a core mechanic of *Escape from Tarkov*.

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• Quest Giver: Therapist (Elvira Khabibullina)
• Required PMC Level: Level 6
• Map: Customs
• Objective: Locate the water stockpile hidden inside one of the Dorms rooms on the Customs map.
• Completion Requirement: Survive and extract from the location after locating the stockpile.
• Key Required: Dorm Room 206 Key (Optional, but highly recommended)
• Preceded By: Sanitary Standards - Part 1
• Leads To: Operation Aquarius - Part 2

The Therapist's Mandate: Why Water is Essential

The quest lore revolves around the Therapist’s efforts to maintain sanitary and humanitarian standards in the war-torn region of Tarkov. The water stockpile is a critical resource needed for her operations. This narrative context is what drives the urgency of the task. By successfully completing this mission, you not only progress your personal quest line but also increase your standing with a key vendor, granting access to better medical supplies and services.

The key entity here is the Therapist. Increasing your reputation with her is crucial for unlocking advanced medical items like the Grizzly First Aid Kit and better prices on essential consumables, making this quest a top priority for all new players (known as Low-Level Players or LLP).

The Definitive 5-Step Strategy for Quest Completion

The two-story Dorms building on Customs is a notorious hotspot for player-versus-player (PvP) combat, as it contains numerous high-value loot spawns and is the location for several early-game quests. A direct, aggressive approach is often fatal. The following strategy focuses on stealth, speed, and safety.

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Step 1: Gear Up and Acquire the Dorm Room 206 Key

While it is technically possible to complete the quest without the Dorm Room 206 Key, having it is a massive advantage. Without it, you are reliant on another player leaving the door open or the room being unlocked, which is a gamble. The key can be found in various locations:

• Scavs: Scavs often spawn with various Dorms keys, so check their pockets and bags.
• Jackets: Search jackets found across all maps, especially on Customs itself.
• Flea Market: The easiest, albeit most expensive, method is buying the key from the Flea Market once you reach the required level.

For gear, focus on a budget setup. A simple SKS or AK-74N with decent armor like a PACA and a basic helmet will suffice. Your primary goal is to move quickly and avoid prolonged engagements with PMCs (Player-Operated Characters) or heavily-armed Scav Bosses like Reshala and his guards, who frequently patrol the Dorms area.

Step 2: The Safest Route to the Two-Story Dorms

Your spawn location dictates your route, but the general principle is to approach the Dorms from the least exposed angle. The Two-Story Dorms building is the smaller of the two Dorms structures.

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• Avoid the Center: Do not run directly through the open courtyard between the two Dorms buildings. This is a common sniper lane.
• Use the Walls: Hug the outside perimeter wall of the Customs map until you reach the Dorms area.
• Enter from the Back: The safest entry point is often the back door or the fire escape, depending on which side of the building you are approaching from. The Two-Story Dorms is located on the eastern side of the map, near the bridge.

Listen for footsteps and gunshots. If the area is already hot, consider waiting a few minutes or finding a safe hiding spot to let the initial wave of conflict pass. Patience is a virtue in *Escape from Tarkov*.

Step 3: Pinpointing the Water Stockpile in Room 206

The objective is located in Room 206 on the second floor of the Two-Story Dorms building. This is the critical entity you must locate. The second floor is accessible via the main staircase near the front entrance.

• Ascend: Quickly but cautiously move up the stairs to the second floor.
• Locate 206: Room 206 is one of the first doors on the left side of the hallway as you come up the main stairs.
• The Stockpile: The water stockpile itself is not a physical item you pick up, but a quest interaction point. It is typically found on the floor or hidden behind a piece of furniture within the room. When you are in the correct spot, a prompt will appear allowing you to "Locate" the item.

Once you interact with the stockpile, the first part of the quest objective is complete. You must now focus entirely on survival and extraction.

Step 4: The Tactical Retreat and Evasion

The moment you complete the "Locate" objective, your focus shifts to extraction. The Dorms area is now an active threat zone. You must survive the raid to successfully complete the quest.

• Immediate Exit: Do not linger to loot. LSI keywords like Loot Run and High-Value Loot are distractions right now. Your priority is the Extraction Point.
• Check Your Exfil: Identify your nearest available extraction point. Common Customs extracts include Crossroads, Trailer Park, or Smuggler's Boat.
• Avoid Scav Spawns: Be wary of common Scav patrol routes and spawn points, especially near the extraction zones. The Trailer Park extract, for example, is often heavily guarded by AI Scavs.

If you encounter a PMC, do not engage unless you are certain of a quick kill. Evasion and stealth are your best tools for a successful Exfil. Remember, dying at this stage means you lose the quest progress and must repeat the entire run.

Step 5: Secure Extraction and Claim Rewards

Once you reach a designated extraction point and the timer counts down, you have successfully survived the raid and completed the field portion of the quest. Return to the main menu and turn in the quest to the Therapist to receive your rewards.

The rewards for completing 'Operation Aquarius - Part 1' are highly beneficial for early-game progression:

• Experience (XP): A significant amount of experience points, helping you rapidly level up.
• Roubles: A substantial sum of in-game currency.
• Therapist Rep: A vital boost to your reputation with the Therapist, unlocking higher loyalty levels.
• Unlocks: Access to the next quest in the chain, Operation Aquarius - Part 2, and potentially new items for purchase.

By following this detailed, up-to-date guide, you transform a high-stress early-game challenge into a manageable, efficient run. Mastering the Customs Dorms with a tactical mindset is key to your long-term success in *Escape from Tarkov*.