> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.project-fika.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.project-fika.com/advanced-features/headless-client.md).
# Headless Client
General information about the Fika headless client feature for creating a dedicated raid host instance of SPT.
The headless client plugin is an exclusive Fika feature that allows you to host a raid on a separate Escape From Tarkov instance. You are able to offload the AI calculation and other resource-intensive task to improve game play performance. When hosting the raid on a **separate PC** from where you play, FPS gains are usually around 25% to 50% depending on your computer specifications and amount of bots in the game.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note that there is some technical knowledge required to achieve this. If you absolutely have no experience, you will have a hard time.
{% endhint %}
### Specifications
* The headless client is basically another SPT+Fika client instance that will automatically host raids. All players becomes clients (including the player who clicked `HOST RAID`).
* Graphic rendering is disabled to make the headless client as lightweight as possible. However, the headless client is **NOT** a true headless server. It still requires all the game files and a pretty hefty amount of RAM to work (especially for bigger maps such as Streets or Lighthouse).
* It is **strongly** recommended to run the headless client on a separate physical machine. The headless client will NOT work on a VPS. If you really wish to use a paid host, rent a dedicated server.
* A graphic card is NOT required to run the headless client, however it may be helpful for configuring mods.
{% hint style="danger" %}
Using a headless client can create a situation where certain mods either cannot work entirely or become more complicated to properly configure. It is therefore much easier to set up a headless client **before adding any mods** to reduce issues.
If you run into problems during the headless client setup process, consider starting over with a completely fresh SPT+Fika install without any other mods first.
{% endhint %}
More information, guides, and common fixes can be found in the [Headless Client FAQ and Common Issues](/faqandguides/headless-client-faq-and-common-issues.md) section.
### Choose Headless Client Implementation
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Headless Client on a Separate PC" %}
{% hint style="success" %}
This is the intended use case for the Headless Client feature and provides the largest and most consistent performance increase.
{% endhint %}
Both SPT.Server and a Headless Client will run on a separate PC independent of your gaming PC. This means you can utilize your gaming PC in any way you wish, including restarting it, without affecting any other players.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Local Headless / Headless on Same PC" %}
{% hint style="danger" %}
**This is not the intended use case for the Headless Client feature! Please read the warnings at the top of the next page. Support is limited.**
{% endhint %}
If your PC can handle running two EFT clients at the same time, you *may* see a reduction in stuttering or an increase in performance by running a headless client on the same PC where you are playing SPT. Any performance increase is entirely dependent on your hardware and not guaranteed.
#### Some users see performance degradation. Continue at your own risk.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}