The Kolotun Event is Tarkov's 2025-2026 Christmas celebration, bringing new quests, the Frostbite mechanic, Christmas Trees packed with loot across multiple maps, special crafting recipes, and even Santa Claus himself wandering the raids. This guide covers everything you need to know to get the most out of the winter event.
Frostbite Mechanic
The Kolotun event introduces Frostbite, a status effect that hits your character when you're exposed to the cold outdoors.
How Frostbite Works
Step outside and you'll start feeling the cold after about 8 to 10 seconds. Once Frostbite kicks in, you'll deal with several debuffs: reduced Endurance, lower Stamina and Stamina Recovery, slower Energy Recovery, decreased Max Stamina, dropping Hydration, and a Hand Tremor effect.
The debuff cycles on and off in roughly 10-second intervals while you stay outdoors. During active periods, your food and water drain faster than normal. Stay out too long without supplies and you'll eventually die from the exposure.
Removing Frostbite
The simplest fix is going indoors. The effect clears up quickly once you're inside a building. Not every structure works, though. Some smaller buildings on maps like Customs won't remove the effect, so stick to larger structures if you need reliable shelter.
Fire barrels and other heat sources work instantly. Stand near a burning barrel and both the Frostbite debuff and the visual frost on your screen disappear immediately.
Preventing Frostbite
Certain headwear keeps you warm enough to avoid Frostbite entirely:
- Ushanka
- Pompon hat
- Beanie
- Fleece hat
- SSh-68 helmet (the "penis helmet" works because it has a built-in beanie liner)
- Shemagh
Christmas Tree Locations
Christmas Trees spawn valuable loot including ornaments, presents, special food items, and collectibles. These spots attract players, so expect company and come prepared.
Customs: Between the Dorms
The tree sits directly between the two-story and three-story dorm buildings. This is a dangerous spot since Reshala and his guards can spawn here. Clear both buildings before you start looting. If you spawn near Smuggler's Boat or the broken wall by two-story dorms, you can often reach the tree first.
Loot spawns on the ground around the tree, on benches, and tucked under nearby objects. The red-wrapped presents can be picked up while some decorative presents are just props. Check every corner around the base of the tree.
Woods: Sawmill Lakeside Dock
You'll find this tree by the shore near the Sawmill, down by the lake. This area extends the map specifically for the winter event and sits between the Sawmill and the medical camp near a dock.
Check around the tree, the couch, the table, on top of wooden planks, chairs, the floor near a dead body, next to the generator, the boat, and the wooden planks leading up to the tree.
Reserve: Open Field Near Knight Buildings
The tree stands in the open field near the White Knight building, between the Knight structures and the train extraction. Use the large dome as your landmark. Position yourself so the dome is behind the tree when you're looking at it.
This location is exposed to snipers up on the dome, so move quickly. The bunkers in the Echo 2 field are nearby. Loot here is packed more densely than other locations, making it efficient for quick runs. Consider using the no-backpack extraction for fast farming.
Interchange: Old Scav Camp
Located outside the ULTRA Mall at the old Scav Camp co-op extraction point. To find it, stand at the front of the mall (not the OLI or IDEA entrances), face away from the building toward the blue walls of the camp area.
The 1.0 update expanded Interchange, so this area sees more traffic now with the new camp near the rail tracks. Loot spawns around the tree, on the couch beside it, and on the cart with presents on the other side.
Shoreline: Resort Courtyard
The tree is right in the middle of the Resort courtyard, between East Wing, West Wing, and the Admin building near the front entrance by the helicopter. You're exposed to windows from almost every direction here.
Lighthouse: Sunken Village
The tree is at the sunken house area near the bridge leading to Lightkeeper's island, between the Chalet area and the Rogue camp on the shore near the Scav Landing extraction. Use Lightkeeper's tower as your reference point.
Maps Without Christmas Trees
These maps don't have Christmas Tree spawns:
- Ground Zero
- Streets of Tarkov
- Labs
- Factory (unconfirmed but likely no tree)
- Terminal/Labyrinth
What to Collect at Christmas Trees
Ornaments
Three types of Christmas Ornaments spawn on and around trees:
- Christmas Ornament (White): Most common
- Christmas Ornament (Red): Moderately common
- Christmas Ornament (Purple): Rare
Lootable ornaments look more detailed with more polygons compared to the decorative ones. They're typically smaller and can be found hanging on branches, sitting on the tree, on the ground around the base, on benches and chairs, or hidden among presents.
Presents
Two sizes of presents spawn around Christmas Trees:
- Regular Presents: Smaller red-wrapped gifts containing hideout materials and common items
- Large Presents (Neatly Wrapped Christmas Gifts): Bigger presents with better loot, including items worth millions of Roubles
Some decorative presents on the ground are just visual props and can't be picked up.
Special Event Items
- Shyshka: A special food/barter item
- Salads (Olivier Salad): Valuable food items that you can actually eat now
- Tangerines: New event item used in crafting recipes
- Figurines: Collectibles
- Funko Pops: Including streamer items
Christmas Tree Hideout Station
Building Requirements
The Christmas Tree hideout station unlocks special crafting recipes. You'll need:
- 1x Christmas Ornament (White) with Found in Raid status
- 1x Christmas Ornament (Red) with Found in Raid status
- 1x Christmas Ornament (Purple) with Found in Raid status
All three ornaments must have Found in Raid status. Construction is instant with no waiting time. A single successful trip to any Christmas Tree location can give you enough ornaments to build the station immediately.
Crafting Recipes - Weapons
| Item | Materials | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AS Val Mod 4 | 3x Purple Ornament, 1x Tangerine | 1 hour craft time |
| AK-308 | 3x Red Ornament | 7.62x51mm caliber |
| TKPD | 1x Red, 1x White, 1x Purple Ornament, 1x Tangerine | Powerful sniper rifle |
| NL545 | 2x Red Ornament, 4x White Ornament | 850 RPM, extremely effective |
| Marlin MXLR | 1x Purple Ornament | Counts as bolt-action for quests |
Crafting Recipes - Armor and Gear
| Item | Materials |
|---|---|
| Stich Profi Defense Mod.2 Plate Carrier | 8x White Ornament |
| Ballistic Plate Case | 13x Purple Ornament, 20x White Ornament, 2x Shyshka, 2x Tangerine |
| Terraframe Backpack | 5x White Ornament |
Crafting Recipes - Medical and Stimulants
| Item | Materials |
|---|---|
| LedX | 30x White Ornament, 2x Purple Ornament, 1x Shyshka, 3x Tangerine |
| Grizzly Medical Kit | 4x White Ornament |
| eTG-change Regenerative Stimulant | 2x White Ornament, 3x Red Ornament |
| Trimadol Stimulant | 1x Purple Ornament, 3x Red Ornament |
| SJ6 Stimulant | 1x Purple Ornament, 2x White Ornament |
| Mule Stimulant | 3x Red Ornament |
The LedX craft is huge for players around level 35 or higher working on Therapist's quest for the THICC Items Case. Stimulants are great for value since prices will spike once the event ends and the Christmas Tree disappears.
Crafting Recipes - Utility Items
| Item | Materials |
|---|---|
| Gas Analyzer | 1x Red, 1x White, 1x Purple Ornament |
| Whiskey | 2x Purple Ornament |
| Tangerine | 1x Red, 1x White, 1x Purple Ornament |
The Gas Analyzer craft helps with early quests. You can also craft Tangerines if you need them for other recipes.
Cult Circle Ornament Conversions
The Cult Circle hideout station lets you convert ornaments between colors.
Conversion Recipes
| Input | Output | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5x White Ornament | 1x Red Ornament | About 66 minutes |
| 5x Red Ornament | 1x Purple Ornament | About 66 minutes |
| 1x White Ornament | 1x Purple Ornament | About 66 minutes |
| 1x Purple Ornament | 1x Red Ornament | About 66 minutes |
| 1x Red Ornament | 1x White Ornament | About 66 minutes |
Converting Non-Found in Raid Ornaments
If you have ornaments without Found in Raid status:
- Place the non-FIR ornament into the Cult Circle
- The output ornament will have Found in Raid status
- Use the converted ornaments to build your Christmas Tree hideout station
This is useful for any ornaments you receive from gifts that lack FIR status.
Santa Claus and Ded Moroz
Santa Claus (also known as Ded Moroz) appears as a special Scav character during the event. He's easy to spot with his Santa bag, Santa hat, and distinct look.
How Trading Works
- Find Santa and approach him (he might wave to get your attention)
- Drop an item on the ground near him (barter items, meds, whatever you have)
- Santa picks up your item
- He throws something back to you as a gift
- You can trade with him twice per encounter
Possible rewards include Moonshine, Graphics Cards, Chocolate, and various other items. Sometimes you hit the jackpot, sometimes you get basic stuff like chocolate.
Santa and Scav Karma
Killing Santa no longer affects your Scav karma. Players have confirmed this. It's still unclear whether Santa carries the valuable loot he trades on his person, so the decision between killing him or trading comes down to personal preference and risk tolerance.
Event Quest Chain Walkthrough
The Kolotun event features a series of quests that unlock one after another. More quests might be added as the event progresses.
Quest 1: Missing in Action (Prapor)
Available from: Event start
Objective: Stash food supplies at three locations across Woods, Reserve, and Interchange. Prapor gives you all the items you need.
Items Provided:
- Pack of Arseniy Buckwheat
- Bottle of Tarkovskaya Vodka
- Iskra Ration Pack
You'll place one of each item at each location (9 total placements, 3 per map). Each placement takes only 5 seconds, much faster than typical stash quests. You don't need to extract for the items to count, so if you die afterward, your progress still saves.
Woods: Scav House
Head to the lonely house near the Outskirts extraction. Go inside and place items near the boxes.
Reserve: Guard Barracks
Northwest corner of the map behind the train station. Enter the left-side guard barracks, turn right immediately, and find the small room with a knocked-over table and two shelving units. Place items by walking up to the table.
The train station is your easiest extraction from here.
Interchange: Path to River Shack
In the new camp area in front of the mall past the rail tracks. Find the small shack near the barrier at the edge of the new camp, close to the Path to River extraction. Place items near the locker inside.
This area sees heavy traffic because of existing loot. If you're using the camp extraction, bring a green signaling flare.
Rewards:
- 5,000 EXP
- +0.01 Prapor Reputation
- 21,110 Roubles
- 1x 5.45x39mm 7N40 ammo pack (120 rounds)
- 3x AK-12 5.45x39 early model 30-round magazine
- 1x Kalashnikov AK-12 5.45x39 assault rifle
Quest 2: Clearing the Way (Skier)
Available after: Missing in Action
Objective: Kill 20 targets on Customs
Straightforward combat quest. Bring your favorite loadout and hunt down 20 enemies on Customs.
Rewards:
- 12,000 EXP
- +0.01 Skier Reputation
- 50,664 Roubles
- 2x Set of Files "Master"
- 2x Smoked Chimney Drain Cleaner
Quest 3: Kolotun (Jaeger)
Available after: Clearing the Way
Objective: Extract from every map (except Labs and Terminal/Labyrinth) while you have the Frostbite status effect.
Maps Required:
- Customs
- Woods
- Shoreline
- Reserve
- Interchange
- Lighthouse
- Streets of Tarkov
- Ground Zero
- Factory
This quest is time-consuming but not hard. Run to extracts, wait for Frostbite to activate, then leave.
Rewards:
- 18,000 EXP
- +0.01 Jaeger Reputation
- 75,996 Roubles
- 2x Dry Fuel
- 2x Metal Fuel Tank
- 5x .308 ME ammo pack (20 rounds)
- 1x Marlin MXLR .308 ME lever-action rifle
Quest 4: Come by the Fire (Skier)
Available after: Kolotun (there might be a time delay before it appears)
Objective: Complete multiple objectives on Woods while wearing a Pompon hat (Skier provides it):
- Kill 5 targets on Woods while wearing the Pompon hat
- Mark 4 spots along "Skier's route" using MS2000 Markers
Required Items:
- 4x MS2000 Marker (buy from Prapor)
- Pompon hat (provided)
You don't need to extract for the markers to count. Use your Special equipment slots to carry markers so you don't lose them all if you die.
Marker Location 1: EMERCOM Camp
Place a marker at the large tent inside EMERCOM Camp on the east side of the map.
Marker Location 2: ZB-016 Bunker
West of the Eastern Rocks extraction point.
Marker Location 3: Old Sawmill
Find the house with the large antenna and place your marker there.
Marker Location 4: Northeastern Village
A small house with a large yard on the northwestern side of the village. The vehicle extraction is nearby.
Rewards:
- 10,000 EXP
- +0.01 Skier Reputation
- 42,000 Roubles
- 1x TDI KRISS Vector Gen.2 9x19 submachine gun
- 4x Glock 9x19 "Big Stick" 33-round magazine
- 4x 9x19mm AP 6.3 ammo pack (50 rounds)
Quest 5: Knuckle Sandwich (Prapor)
Available after: Come by the Fire
Objective: Stash 4x TP-200 TNT Brick at the same four locations from Come by the Fire (all on Woods).
Prapor provides the TNT bricks. Since you already visited these spots for the previous quest, the routes should be familiar.
Rewards:
- 15,000 EXP
- +0.01 Prapor Reputation
- 63,000 Roubles
- 2x Electric Drill
- 2x Spark Plug
Additional Quest: Cold Start (BTR)
Requires: Access to BTR
Objective: Deliver 4x Fuel Conditioner to the BTR
The fuel conditioners don't need to be Found in Raid. Just bring them to the BTR and turn them in.
Quest: Setting Priorities (Mechanic)
Locked behind: Cargo X Part 4
Objectives:
- Kill PMC operatives while using an active headset without wearing any armor
- Kill PMC operatives while wearing a TSh-4M-L soft tank crew helmet without using any active headsets
Rewards:
- Sens Prolex DX5 Tactical Earplugs (new item)
- Topographic Intel Maps (Lighthouse and Customs versions, new items likely for future content)
- Additional items TBD
Special Event Content
Fireworks Signal Flares
You can find special Christmas-themed signal flares on dead Scavs and other loot sources. Fire one and a firework goes off in the sky, followed by the "Jolly Holiday United Nations" plane arriving to drop a Christmas-themed supply crate shaped like a sleigh.
These airdrops contain high-value loot including keys, stimulants, weapons, and other rare items.
Christmas/Santa Killer Gear
Special cosmetic gear variants are available:
- Santa Killer Helmet: Standard helmet with a Christmas hat attached
- Santa Killer Armor: Armor decorated like a gingerbread man
New Equipment
SR-25 / M110: The M110 variant is available from Skier Level 3 with a new texture and model.
Nut Container: Craftable at Workbench Level 1 using a Magnet and Flat Screwdriver (53-minute craft). This small container fits in your secure container and stores nuts, bolts, nails, and screws.
New Rigs: Two new rigs with Class 1 armor have been added. Their purpose isn't clear yet, possibly for future quests.
Other Changes
Ammo Packs: You can no longer list ammo packs on the Flea Market. This might be a balance change or a temporary fix for a bug where sellers could drain most ammunition and sell single rounds.
Matching Progress Indicator: A new loading screen shows matching progress with stages and time predictions.
Test Drive Quest Changes:
- Part 1: Now requires SR-25 with Hybrid 46 suppressor and 1-8x scope, 10 PMC kills (no distance requirement)
- Part 2: Changed to MP5 SD with ProSight, 20 PMC kills
- Part 4: Changed optic to EKP-1S-03
- Part 5: Changed from Uzi to SR-2M with KP-SR2 sight, now on Factory
Farming Strategy Recommendations
Best Map for Ornaments: Woods
Woods offers the highest concentration of presents and ornaments. The Christmas Tree location has more loot opportunities than any other map.
- Spawn and head straight to the Sawmill lakeside dock area
- Loot all presents and ornaments around the tree
- Check secondary spots like the couch, tables, planks, boat, and generator area
- Extract and repeat
Hideout Crafting Priority
Best Value:
- Stich Profi Plate Carrier (Class 6 armor for just 8 white ornaments)
- AS Val Mod 4 (if you like the weapon)
- NL545 (excellent assault rifle)
- LedX (if you need it for Therapist's quest)
Good Value:
- AK-308
- Stimulants (SJ6, Trimadol, eTG, Mule) for personal use or selling later
Situational:
- Marlin MXLR (for bolt-action quests)
- Gas Analyzer (early game help)
- Other crafts as needed
Saving Items
Hold onto these items rather than using or selling them immediately:
- Tangerines
- Shyshka
- Salads
- Pickles
- Extra ornaments beyond what you need for crafting
Conclusion
The Kolotun Event packs solid rewards for players willing to brave the cold. Between quest rewards, Christmas Tree crafting recipes, and festive loot scattered across Tarkov, there's plenty of reason to participate before the event ends. Focus on completing the quest chain for guaranteed rewards, farm Woods for the highest ornament yields, and prioritize crafting the Stich Profi plate carrier and stimulants for the best value from your collected ornaments. Good luck out there, and stay warm.