Extraction in Escape from Tarkov is the single most important skill for survival in the game. No matter how much loot you’ve collected or how many enemies you’ve defeated, if you don’t make it to an extraction point alive, everything you’ve gathered in the raid will be lost. Successful extraction not only means keeping your hard-earned gear but also progressing your quests and building your stash for future raids.
For newcomers, finding and understanding extraction points can be overwhelming. Each map has multiple extraction zones, some with very specific requirements. You might need to find a key, pay a fee, or even cooperate with another player to leave. Under the pressure of enemy PMCs and AI Scavs, it’s easy to panic and make mistakes.
This guide will show you how to extract in Escape from Tarkov, detail where every extraction point is on each map, and give you strategies for picking the safest routes so you can survive more raids. We’ll also go through common mistakes, advanced tactics for experienced players, and finish with a handy cheat sheet you can reference during gameplay.
If you want to push your survival rate even higher, check out our Escape from Tarkov cheats to gain the edge you need while keeping your gameplay stealthy and secure. You can also explore our guide on how the EFT wipe cycle works to prepare for changes that impact extraction strategies.
How Do You Extract In Escape From Tarkov?
While the process sounds simple on paper, extraction in Tarkov can be unpredictable. Here’s the step-by-step approach:
- Spawn into the map: Your starting location will be random and depends on whether you’re a PMC or Scav.
- Check your extraction list: Press O twice to bring up the list of available extracts for the raid. These will vary based on your side and spawn location.
- Identify extraction requirements: Some extractions are always available, others require items like keys, Roubles, or special gear.
- Plan your route: Choose the safest and most direct path. Avoid known PvP hotspots if you’re carrying valuable loot.
- Travel smart: Use cover, listen for gunfire, and move cautiously. Loud running can give away your position.
- Activate extraction: This may mean walking into a zone, flipping a power switch, or waiting for a vehicle to arrive.
- Survive the countdown: Extractions usually have a short timer. If you die before it finishes, the extraction fails.
Types of Extraction Points
- Always Available Extracts: These are open for your faction all raid long. Great for new players.
- Conditional Extracts: Require extra steps like paying a fee, finding a key, or turning on power.
- Shared PMC/Scav Extracts: Can be used by both PMCs and Scavs, usually requiring cooperation.
Pro Tip: Before loading into a raid, study the map for that session. Even knowing two or three safe extracts can drastically improve your survival odds.
Where Are The Extraction Points In Escape From Tarkov?
Extraction points vary widely between maps. Some are well-hidden; others are in dangerous open areas. Use the tables below as a quick reference.
Customs
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Crossroads | None | PMC | North-west corner near main road |
| Trailer Park | None | PMC | South-west area, near industrial site |
| ZB-1011 | None | PMC | South-east wall bunker |
| ZB-1012 | Power On | PMC | South-east bunker, needs power |
| Dorms V-EX | 5,000₽ | PMC | Outside three-story dorms |
| Smugglers Boat | Fire Lit | PMC | North river crossing, look for campfire |
Interchange
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Railway Exfil | None | PMC | North-east rail yard |
| Power Station | None | PMC | Behind power station building |
| Scav Camp | Both present | PMC & Scav | North-west barricade |
| Emercom Checkpoint | None | PMC | South-east road checkpoint |
Factory
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Gate 3 | None | PMC | Main gate near office area |
| Cellars | Key | PMC | Underground tunnels |
| Office Window | None | Scav | Second floor, office window exit |
Shoreline
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Road to Customs | None | PMC | East road heading to Customs |
| Pier Boat | Power On | PMC | Dock at pier, needs power |
| Tunnel | None | PMC | West tunnel exit |
| Rock Passage | Green Flare | PMC | Cliffside with green flare visible |
Reserve
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Armored Train | Train Arrives | PMC & Scav | Central rail yard |
| Cliff Descent | Red Rebel & Paracord | PMC | South-west cliff |
| Bunker Hermetic Door | Power On | PMC & Scav | West bunker door |
| Scav Lands | Both present | PMC & Scav | North-west fence opening |
Woods
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Outskirts | None | PMC | North-west forest edge |
| UN Roadblock | None | PMC | South-west road checkpoint |
| ZB-016 | Key | PMC | Underground bunker |
| RUAF Roadblock | Green Flare | PMC | South-east bridge checkpoint |
Streets of Tarkov
| Extraction Name | Conditions | PMC / Scav | Landmark / How To Find It |
| Sewer River | None | PMC | South drainage area |
| Evacuation Zone | Power On | PMC | Main city square |
| Collapsed Crane | None | PMC | Industrial yard |
| Basement Descent | Key | PMC | Hidden basement entry |
How To Choose The Best Extraction Route
Your best extraction depends on several factors:
- Spawn Location: Choose the closest viable extract to reduce risk.
- Loot Weight & Stamina: Heavy loot means slower movement. Avoid uphill routes.
- PvP Hotspots: If you’re lightly geared, avoid popular extracts during high activity.
- Map Familiarity: Stick to extracts you know well.
Example: On Interchange, if you spawn near the south entrance and have heavy loot, going for Emercom Checkpoint is faster and avoids open terrain compared to heading for Railway Exfil.
Common Extraction Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
- Mistake: Misreading extraction requirements → Solution: Press O twice and confirm details.
- Mistake: Running out of stamina near extract → Solution: Drop non-essential loot to lighten load.
- Mistake: Arriving too late → Solution: Plan route with timer in mind.
- Mistake: Ignoring ambush points → Solution: Use cover and clear angles before entering.
Advanced Extraction Strategies For Experienced Players
- Baiting at Popular Extracts: Draw out campers by making noise near extract.
- Using Rare Exits: Learn less-known extracts like Rock Passage on Shoreline.
- Squad Cover: Assign teammates to overwatch positions during extraction.
- Peak Timing: Extract when activity is low, not right after a fight.
- Feign Extraction: Trigger extract sound, then reposition for a kill.
Extraction Cheat Sheet For EFT
| Extraction Name | Map | Requirements | PMC/Scav Type |
| Crossroads | Customs | None | PMC |
| Railway Exfil | Interchange | None | PMC |
| Gate 3 | Factory | None | PMC |
| Tunnel | Shoreline | None | PMC |
| Armored Train | Reserve | Train Arrives | Both |
| Outskirts | Woods | None | PMC |
| Sewer River | Streets | None | PMC |
Become An Extraction Expert In Tarkov
Mastering extraction is about more than memorising locations, it’s about combining map knowledge, situational awareness, and decision-making under stress. By learning the ins and outs of each extract and practicing your routes, you’ll drastically improve your chances of survival.
If you’re new to the game, our guide on how EFT has evolved over time can help you understand how changes to maps and extracts have shaped current strategies. For a bigger edge, check out our Escape from Tarkov cheats and give yourself the tools to consistently extract with your loot. Every successful escape is a step closer to dominating Tarkov.
