Where to Find Sausage in Escape from Tarkov: The Ultimate Guide

Escape from Tarkov, developed by Battlestate Games, is a hardcore first-person shooter known for its realism, intricate economy, and immersive gameplay. Every item in the game, no matter how mundane it may seem in real life, plays a crucial role in survival and success. One such item is the humble sausage—more specifically, the Saiga-20K tactical folding shotgun, colloquially known as the “sausage gun” due to its long, cylindrical body and distinctive barrel shroud. This guide will answer the burning question: Where to find sausage in Tarkov? Beyond the nickname, we’ll dive into its mechanics, spawn locations, and strategies for acquiring this sought-after weapon so you can dominate close-range combat.

Understanding the Saiga-20K: What Makes It Special?

Before we uncover where the sausage gun spawns, it’s important to understand why it’s so popular among Tarkov players.

Ergonomics and Handling

The Saiga-20K is chambered in 20-gauge ammunition and prized for its excellent ergonomics. With a default recoil of 24 (one of the lowest among shotguns) and a high handling speed, it’s ideal for fast-paced engagements in tight interiors like apartments, industrial facilities, and underground tunnels. Its ability to accept a wide range of attachments—for optics, foregrips, and magazines—adds to its versatility.

Compact and Tactical Design

The 20K’s folding stock makes it perfect for shoulder carry, allowing players to stow it on back rigs and draw sidearms quickly. This compactness is critical for PMC and scav runs where space and speed matter. When unfolded, its 405 mm barrel provides just enough control and range for indoor combat.

Shelled Capacity and Ammo Options

Equipped with the SRM-1278 7-round magazine, it offers more capacity than most 20-gauge shotguns. Additionally, Tarkov features a wide range of 20-gauge ammunition, including buckshot, slug, and specialized rounds—letting you customize your loadout for different scenarios.

Saiga-20K Primary Spawns Across Maps

The Saiga-20K can be found in several maps, primarily as a scaven pickup, a weapon dropped by raiders, a stash addition after reaching certain trader levels, or through scav boss encounters. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where you can reliably find the sausage gun.

Customs (Factory/Reserve Style Spawns)

Customs is one of the most beginner-friendly maps and surprisingly fertile ground for sausage spawns.

• Dorm Buildings: Inside the 2-3 story dorms (Dorm 2 and Dorm 3), check weapon boxes, especially on upper floors. The Saiga-20K may spawn on desktops, inside safes, or in hidden loot containers.
• Garage Complex: The garages near the main factory gates sometimes spawn the sausage in tool cabinets, vehicle trunks, or green loot boxes.
• Scav Raids: Factory scavs have a small chance to spawn with the Saiga-20K. They often appear near the central warehouse and in building interiors.

While not the most common spawn location, Customs offers a low-risk environment to farm gear early in your Tarkov journey.

Woods – Farm and Residential Areas

Woods is another hotspot, particularly in the Farm area. Saiga-20K spawns are more frequent here than on most other maps.

Farmhouse and Utility Buildings

The Farmhouse complex—even after Tarkov’s numerous map updates—still hides rare loot spots. Inside the main house, particularly in the kitchen or bedroom drawers, or within the red metal cabinet, there’s a documented chance for the Saiga-20K to spawn as static loot.

Moreover, the Residential Building near the windmill and satellite dishes often contains a Saiga-20K on upper-floor shelves or weapon caches. Always check under beds and behind desks for hidden loot spawns.

Portable Containers and Loot Crates

Smaller green metal lockers, ammo crates, and even backpacks dropped by scav groups (especially those around the tractor or barn) may contain the sausage. While RNG-based, these containers have a higher chance of yielding rare firearms after in-game events or as part of dynamic loot tables.

Shoreline – Scav Hotspots and Raids

Shoreline brings a balanced mix of risk and reward. While less frequent than on Woods or Interchange, sausage spawns do occur—especially in high-tier residential zones.

Villa and Estate Houses

Large villas, particularly Estate (the gated community), are elite looting zones. Inside master bedrooms or home offices, weapon spawns in safes or bookshelves may include the Saiga-20K, especially if the villa has a high loot spawn tier.

• Estate House 1 and 2: Look inside desks or behind paintings.
• Lighthouse Interior: Though rare, scav raids here sometimes bring rare weapons.

Scav Raids on Shoreline

Certain scav groups camping Shoreline—especially the ones defending the Scav Bunker (Bunker extraction zone)—have a chance to appear with the Saiga-20K. These are not guaranteed, but clearing Scav groups increases your odds over time.

Interchange – High-Risk, High-Reward Spawns

Interchange is one of the best maps for farming high-tier loot. The Saiga-20K is more likely to spawn here with proper knowledge of key buildings.

TerraGroup Labs (Labs Entrance Zone)

If you have access to Lab keys, the Labs spawn system can include the Saiga-20K. While Labs focuses on NATO-caliber weapons, the shotgun pool occasionally includes rare offerings like the sausage gun.

Residential Zone 3 (R3) – Top Floor Loot

Apartment complexes in R3—especially those accessed via Goshan or Kappa entrances—have safes, nightstands, and wall cabinets where Saiga-20K can spawn. Floor 3 and 4 loot rooms are particularly worth checking.

Goshan Store Backrooms

Behind Goshan’s main showroom, storage rooms with desks and cabinets may include the Saiga-20K. While less common than AKs or VSSs, it’s still a viable location—especially if other players haven’t looted it pre-raid.

Trader Stashes and Progression Goals

One of the most reliable ways to obtain the Saiga-20K is through trader progression. Unlike RNG-based loot spawns, trader goals offer a guaranteed path—albeit with a long-term commitment.

Prapor Level 4 Quest – “The Unheard”

This is the key quest for players committed to earning the sausage gun through gameplay. You must:

1. Obtain a Saiga-12 or Saiga-20K (can be borrowed or looted initially).
2. Kill 50 scavs using only that weapon.
3. Ensure scavs are killed during raids and counted toward progression.

Upon completion, Prapor rewards you with a full-featured Saiga-20K, often already assembled with a decent optics mount or sling. It’s a grind, but a viable long-term investment.

Peacekeeper Barter Unlock

Peacekeeper sells the Saiga-20K for approximately 22,000–25,000 RUB, provided you complete a simple bourse task: deliver two packs of Dried Puff Dogs (a rare snack found on scavs or in floor loot). This is often faster than grinding 50 kills and is ideal for new players with access to currency.

Scavs and Boss Encounters: Hunting Human Carriers

Besides static loot spawns, the Saiga-20K can be obtained by engaging enemy players or scavs who are carrying it.

Scav Possibility Rates

While not common, scavs on Woods, Shoreline, and Factory can spawn with the Saiga-20K—especially on higher difficulty tiers (e.g., PMCs on RaidCooldown). The chance is still relatively low (<5%), but frequent raids increase overall exposure.

Scav Boss – Goons and Guards

Some scav bosses have a chance to carry rare shotguns. For instance:

• Partisan Guard Units at the Partisan Camp on Woods occasionally appear with Saiga shotguns, both 12 and 20 gauge.
• Reshala’s Guards on Lighthouse may carry Saiga-20Ks during specific events.

These engagements are high-risk, but defeating such guards can net you not only the sausage but also rare mods or attachments.

Safe Room Storage: Crafting and Pre-Loot Strategies

For players with a developed stash, crafting a Saiga-20K is an option. While the weapon itself isn’t craftable in the hideout Workbench, core components are.

Required Crafting Tree

To obtain a fully kitted Saiga-20K, you’ll need:

• Kiba Arms AR-15 M2 T2 14″ Barrel – Craftable at Tarkov’s crafting system (requires Gunpowder, Metal Scrap, etc.)
• Magpul MOE Hand Stop
• SRM-1278 20x70mm 7-round mag

Although the base Saiga-20K can’t be crafted, assembling a fully modded version from parts allows customization prior to a raid.

Tips for Pre-Looting

Use the map’s procedural spawn awareness to your advantage:

• Raids on Woods at night: The Farm area sees increased scav spawns, boosting your chance to encounter one with the gun.
• Loot priority zones: Focus on interiors in high-tier residential buildings since static spawns are more common than floor loot.
• Use scavs intelligently: Farm the 50-kill Prapor quest during PMCs by hunting large scav groups during a lockdown phase.

Market Value and Profit Potential

As of recent Tarkov updates, the Saiga-20K remains a high-demand firearm due to its balance of ergonomics, recoil control, and versatility. A modded version with a red dot sight and extended mag can sell for 150,000–200,000 RUB on the flea market.

Most Profitable Configurations to Sell

Building and selling a complete “sausage platter” (fully modded Saiga-20K) is a popular endgame money-maker, especially during market volatility involving other shotguns.

Gameplay Tips: Maximizing the Saiga-20K in Combat

Owning the sausage gun is one thing—using it effectively is another. Here’s how to dominate mid-to-close engagements with this weapon.

Best Ammunition Choices

While 20-gauge ammo is less damaging than 12-gauge, the Saiga-20K can still be lethal with proper loadouts.

• MP-20 T 20×70: Effective for close-range buckshot—one of the best 20-gauge rounds in Tarkov.
• 20x70R SLUG: For anti-Kevlar or long-range stopping power (effective up to 25 meters).
• LPS-C 20 T 20×70: Low recoil for follow-up shots in tight spaces.

Avoid subsonic or light loads unless flush-fighting with no cover.

Optimal Attachments

• Mount: GSO 30mm Ring Mount for optics.
• Recoil Control: RSB-20K shroud + muzzle brake.
• Ergo Enhancements: Magpul grip, cheek riser.
• Capacity: Always use the SRM-1278 7rd mag if possible.

This setup keeps ergonomics above 80, enabling lightning-fast reloads and aim transitions.

Recommended Playstyles

• Indoor Looter: Use the folded stock to keep it on your back rig and pair with a pistol for utility.
• Scav Run Pusher: Start with a Saiga-20K to clear buildings fast—especially effective against AI scavs.
• CQC Defender: Hold choke points like hallways with 20-gauge slugs or buckshot.

The key is its speed: use it to dominate early-mid game raids when high tier guns are scarce.

Why Is It Called the “Sausage Gun”?

The nickname “sausage” comes from the weapon’s long, tubular design resembling a smoked sausage link—especially with the RSB-20K barrel shroud installed. Over time, the community adopted this term, and it became a fan-favorite moniker for one of Tarkov’s few folding shotguns.

This community-driven name has even influenced gameplay culture—“sausage runs” refer to dedicated farming attempts to find or use the weapon.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Despite its strengths, the Saiga-20K has drawbacks: limited ammo penetration, lower stopping power than 12-gauge shotguns, and scarcity of spawn locations.

Scarcity of 20-Gauge Ammo

20-gauge shells are less common than 12-gauge. Solution:

• Use the crafting system to produce your own using Propellant and Metal Scrap.
• Buy surplus from Ragman or Mechanic barters.
• Sell unwanted 20-gauge guns (e.g., TOZ) to Peacekeeper for quick currency or to unlock flea access.

Low Armor Penetration

Even top-tier 20×70 rounds struggle against Level 4-5 armor. Compensate by:

• Aiming for the head or shoulder regions.
• Pairing with companion weapons to finish off armored targets.
• Using slugs at close-medium range to disable movement.

Final Thoughts: Is the Saiga-20K Worth It?

Absolutely. The Saiga-20K is not just a meta weapon—it’s a symbol of close-quarters efficiency in Tarkov. Whether you’re looking to complete Prapor Level 4, craft a monster platter for the flea market, or simply dominate Farm buildings with a reliable CQC tool, this weapon serves a niche few others can match.

While it may not replace a 12-gauge SPAS-12 in raw power, its ergonomics, compact profile, and low recoil make it ideal for fast-paced raids. And with careful farming—knowing exactly where to find sausage in Tarkov—you can unlock one of the community’s most beloved firearms.

Pro Tips Recap

• Farm Prapor Level 4 quest for a guaranteed Saiga-20K.
• Check Farmhouse interiors and Woods residential zones first.
• Sell modded versions for maximum profit on the flea market.
• Use MP-20 T rounds and an RSB-20K shroud for peak performance.

Now, gear up, head to Woods, and start your sausage hunt—the game is waiting.

Where can I find sausage in Escape from Tarkov?

Sausage in Escape from Tarkov can be found primarily in fridges and storage containers located throughout various maps. The most reliable spots include the kitchens and residential buildings on Streets of Tarkov, particularly in the New Gas building and the sanatorium. Sausage is also commonly located in refrigerators found in dormitory-style buildings on Lighthouse and in the houses surrounding the sawmill on Woods. Since sausage is a Tier 1 nutrition item, it spawns with moderate frequency, especially in areas where foodstuffs are expected to appear.

Another strong location is the garages on Factory, particularly the ones near the main production building. Players often overlook these spawns, making them a valuable source when planning short raids. Additionally, keep an eye on the refrigerators near the canteens on Interchange and Reserve, as these are high-traffic food storage areas. Remember that spawn rates may vary between raid restarts and game updates, so consistent scouting of these spots will improve your chances of obtaining sausage reliably.

What is sausage used for in the game?

In Escape from Tarkov, sausage serves as a food item that restores health when consumed. Eating a sausage replenishes approximately 50 hydration points and provides a moderate boost to energy, which in turn increases your maximum allowable stamina. This makes it especially useful during prolonged engagements or when performing intensive movements like sprinting and crouching for extended durations. While it doesn’t heal physical injuries like fractures or lacerations, it helps maintain player performance by addressing hydration and energy depletion.

Beyond its immediate buffs, sausage is also utilized in certain quests. For example, Peacekeeper requires food items—including sausages—for various supply-side tasks. These quests often yield valuable rewards such as weapon mods, keys, or currency, making sausage a small but meaningful resource. Additionally, due to its common use in quests and relatively low market value, traders may stockpile sausages for barter trades, increasing their utility beyond mere sustenance during raids.

Is sausage a rare item in Escape from Tarkov?

Sausage is considered a common-tier food item and is not classified as rare in Escape from Tarkov. It spawns more frequently than high-tier nutrition items like energy drinks or canned meat, making it accessible during most raids. However, its availability can fluctuate based on map-specific spawn rules and the current server wipe cycle. Players on lower-difficulty maps like Factory or Woods are likely to encounter sausage more regularly than on highly contested maps such as Shoreline or Interchange.

Despite its common status, some players report shortages during peak times due to high consumption rates, especially from players completing quests or preparing for endurance-based raids. This creates a situational scarcity that makes farming sausage spawns worthwhile. Stockpiling several sausages during low-traffic raids can provide a strategic advantage, ensuring you’re prepared for future missions without needing to scavenge during high-risk encounters.

Can I buy sausage from traders in Escape from Tarkov?

Yes, sausage can be purchased from certain traders in Escape from Tarkov, though availability depends on the trader’s stock rotation and your reputation level. Peacekeeper, primarily known for his U.S. military surplus goods, occasionally sells sausages as part of his standard food inventory. Thora, another potential source, may list sausages when restocked, particularly at lower levels of trust when food items are more abundant in her wares.

Keep in mind that trader stocks reset after each patch or raid restart, so checking regularly is necessary. Prices may vary based on demand and server economy shifts. While buying from traders ensures a reliable supply, it often costs more than scavenging—especially if you’re farming lower-tier maps where spawning is more predictable. For budget-conscious players, combining trader purchases with active looting strategies offers the best balance between cost and availability.

How does sausage compare to other food items in Escape from Tarkov?

Sausage holds a middle-ground position among food items in Escape from Tarkov. It offers 50 hydration and moderate energy restoration, outperforming snacks like crackers or chocolate but falling short of premium items like MREs or canned beef stew, which provide higher stat boosts and longer-lasting effects. Sausage does not inflict negative effects such as stomach pain, which some canned goods may bring, making it a safer and balanced nutritional choice during raids.

Another advantage is its lightweight nature—sausage takes up only one slot in your inventory, making it ideal for quick consumption without significant space investment. While it doesn’t heal physical traumas, the hydration and energy it provides can help stave off exhaustion during prolonged firefights or tactical repositioning. For new players or those on quick raids, sausage is a dependable, no-frills option that supports stamina management efficiently when better nutrition sources are unavailable.

Does eating sausage have any negative effects in the game?

Unlike certain canned foods in Escape from Tarkov, sausage does not carry a risk of causing negative effects such as stomach pain, intoxication, or allergy reactions. This makes it one of the safer food options available, especially for players who are unfamiliar with the risks associated with expired or low-quality consumables. Its predictable outcome ensures that consuming a sausage will always provide a consistent boost to hydration and energy without unwanted side effects.

However, while sausage is safe, it’s important to note that it doesn’t provide any healing benefits to physical health conditions such as blood loss, fractures, or tremors. Relying solely on sausage for in-raid recovery without proper medical supplies can leave you vulnerable in prolonged engagements. Therefore, pair sausage consumption with first-aid kits or meds like analgesics for comprehensive in-raid support, especially during longer, high-risk operations.

What is the best strategy for farming sausage in Tarkov?

The best strategy for farming sausage involves targeting specific maps and loot spawn points with high refrigerator density. Maps like Streets of Tarkov, Factory, and Woods offer repeatable spawn locations in kitchens, garages, and residential buildings. Focusing on these areas during shorter raids minimizes risk while maximizing potential yield. Using a map with marked fridge locations—available through community-created resources—can significantly improve your efficiency.

Another effective method is to conduct quick, focused raids where your primary goal is looting rather than engagement. Equip light gear with fast extraction routes and avoid hot zones to reduce threat exposure. After collecting multiple sausages, store them in your hideout stash for future use or quest requirements. Over time, this farming routine can build a substantial reserve, allowing you to trade, complete trader tasks, or sustain yourself during lengthy combat scenarios with minimal investment.