Here's why your Compass is not working in Escape From Tarkov

If you're wondering why your Escape From Tarkov Compass is not working, or how to use special slot items after the patch 12.12.30 update, then make sure to read this guide.

Harry Boulton

05th Jul 2022 12:11

Images via Battlestate Games

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If you've loaded into the latest patch 12.12.30 and you're wondering why is your Escape From Tarkov Compass not working, then you definitely are not alone. The Compass in Escape From Tarkov is an invaluable tool in helping players make their way around the large maps, so not being able to use it can cause many raiders to get lost.

So, if you're wondering why is your Escape From Tarkov Compass not working, and you want to know how to use special slot items, then make sure to carry on reading.

Escape From Tarkov Compass Not Working

The main cause of the Escape From Tarkov Compass not working issue is the shift to a more comprehensive special slot system after the Escape From Tarkov 12.12.30 patch notes.

With this switch, players have been given two additional special slots in their inventory, up from just the one, where they can place items like the Compass, Rangefinder, WiFi camera, and MS2000 Markers. Any item placed in the special slots is not lost upon death, so it is a really great way of keeping hold of useful items, or specific items you might need for quests.

Escape From Tarkov Compass Not Working

However, with this change, Battlestate Games has removed the option to discreetly bind the compass to a key input. Previously, there was an option in the controls sub-menu where you could change the specific key input to bring up the compass in the game, and this was set to the 'U' key as default.

Now, there is no such option for the Compass, and instead, players will have to manually map each special slot item to one of the number keys - like you would for healing items in your rig or pockets.

How to use special slot items

Mapping these special slot items to your number keys is thankfully a straightforward process, as all you need to do is either drag the item to the specific number you want to bind it to, or simply hover over the item and press the corresponding number you wish to use.

Escape From Tarkov How To Use Special Slot Items

We find it best to map it to the '0' key, as it is the furthest away from your natural hand location, so you are far less likely to accidentally press it - or need any more important items in its place.

One thing you can do - especially when mapping it to an out-of-the-way key like '0', is to create a secondary bind outside of the number row. This could mean a return to the 'U' key that you are more familiar with, or something more easy-access like one of the mouse side buttons.

Escape From Tarkov Compass Not Working Keybind

Another thing you can do is change the press type to continuous, making it so that the compass only appears when you're holding the assigned button. This is very handy if you find yourself running into gun fights with your compass still out, as it means that you just need to release the button, instead of reaching over to press it again.

Luckily, as none of these items are lost upon death, you only need to map them once and they will stay mapped forever - unless, of course, you decide to change them in the future.

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About The Author

Harry Boulton

Harry is a Guides Writer at GGRecon, having completed a Masters of Research degree in Film Studies. Previously a freelance writer for PCGamesN, The Loadout, and Red Bull Gaming, he loves playing a wide variety of games from the Souls series to JRPGs, Counter-Strike, and EA FC. When not playing or writing about games and hardware, you're likely to find him watching football or listening to Madonna and Kate Bush.