Radiation is one of the most dangerous threats you’ll face in Vigor, the post-apocalyptic looter shooter by Bohemia Interactive. Whether you’re sprinting to the exit with a full inventory or cautiously looting a crate in a remote barn, understanding how radiation works — and how to survive it — can be the difference between victory and complete loss.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of surviving radiation in Vigor, covering how radiation works, how to prepare, and what to do when it hits. If you want to make it out of an encounter alive and with your loot intact, keep reading.
Understanding Radiations in Vigor
Radiation in Vigor acts as a time-limited endgame mechanic during each encounter. After a set period (usually a few minutes after the airdrop lands), a radiation storm begins sweeping across the map. The storm intensifies over time, creating a deadly environment that forces Outlanders to leave the encounter or risk death.
You’ll know the radiation storm is coming when you hear a Geiger counter clicking sound and see a greenish hue take over the environment. Once it starts, you have a limited time — usually about 90 to 120 seconds — to reach an exit before radiation damage becomes lethal.
Radiation damage is constant and escalates rapidly. If you’re not already close to an exit when the warning starts, your chances of survival drop quickly. Knowing when to leave and planning your route in advance is critical.
Plan Your Escape Route Early
One of the most important survival strategies is to identify exit points early in every encounter. When you first spawn into the map, open your map and take note of nearby exits. Make it a habit to mentally mark two or three escape routes so you’re never caught off-guard.
Even if your main goal is to grab the airdrop, kill other Outlanders, or farm specific loot, always keep an exit in mind. Position yourself in a way that you can retreat quickly if the radiation storm starts earlier than expected or combat slows you down.
If you wait too long, you might end up scrambling across open ground or through firefights in a panic. Smart players loot efficiently and rotate toward their escape routes before the storm hits.
Travel Light, Move Fast
Radiation is unforgiving, so your mobility matters. Running with a heavy inventory — especially filled with heavy weapons like LMGs — can slow you down just enough to make the difference between survival and death. Choose your gear based on your priorities: are you looting, hunting players, or playing it safe?
If survival is your primary goal, travel light. Bring compact, fast-draw weapons, minimal ammo, and prioritize loot that offers high value-to-weight ratios. The lighter you are, the faster you can move, and the more stamina you can conserve for sprinting through radiation zones.
Stamina is key here. Keep an eye on your stamina bar and avoid unnecessary jumps or climbs when the radiation timer starts ticking. Make a direct line for the exit and don’t look back unless you’re absolutely certain you have time.
Use Radiation Medication and Armor Wisely
There are a few tools that can help you endure radiation, but they won’t save you unless used correctly:
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Iodine: This consumable gives temporary radiation immunity for about 30 seconds. It’s a literal lifesaver when you’re just seconds from the exit but taking heavy radiation damage. Use it strategically — not too early, or its effect may wear off before you reach safety.
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Rad Pills: These reduce the buildup of radiation over time, helping delay damage. They’re less effective than Iodine but still useful if you’re forced to take a longer route out.
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Radiation Armor: Certain outfits provide limited radiation resistance. While not foolproof, this gear can give you an extra few seconds of survival, which can make a difference if you’re far from extraction.
Don’t rely entirely on these items. They’re there to assist you, not replace good planning. Smart players combine these tools with fast movement and strategic decision-making.
Know When to Cut Your Losses
Sometimes, the best way to survive radiation is to avoid risky behavior in the first place. If you’re too far from an airdrop or you see another Outlander moving in on it, ask yourself: is it worth it?
Losing a full load of loot because you pushed too far into the map without a solid escape plan is a harsh lesson many players learn the hard way. Prioritize survival over greed. Vigor rewards players who live to fight another day — even if that means walking away from a high-value drop.
If you get caught in a firefight during the radiation storm, don’t hesitate to disengage. No loot or kill is worth dying over, especially when the exit is just seconds away.
