EFT Map Guide: Customs, Interchange, and More

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Why Map Knowledge Matters In Escape from Tarkov

In Escape from Tarkov, understanding the terrain is as crucial as your weapons and gear. The world of Tarkov is vast, dangerous, and filled with enemies lurking in the shadows, so knowing where you are, where to go, and how to navigate efficiently is the key to survival. Unlike other shooters, EFT’s maps are intricately designed to simulate real-world environments with their own unique layouts, loot placements, extraction points, and PvP zones. A single wrong move can cost you everything, from precious loot to hard-earned experience.

Map knowledge not only reduces the risks of dying unnecessarily, but it also helps you maximize your loot efficiency. Whether you’re farming high-value tech on Interchange, hunting for Scav bosses in Woods, or navigating the open spaces of Shoreline, knowing where the best loot spawns are, where to expect enemies, and how to safely extract makes all the difference. The more you learn about each map’s flow, the better you’ll be at avoiding danger and claiming the rewards waiting for you.

On top of that, knowing extraction points and loot hotspots gives you the advantage of planning your movements with precision. Whether it’s securing the KIBA Arms International on Interchange, or knowing the exact location of Shturman’s Sawmill in Woods, this detailed knowledge allows you to make informed decisions, even in the heat of battle. Add to this the unpredictable nature of Scav spawns and player encounters, and it’s clear that map mastery isn’t just a luxury, it’s a survival necessity.

In this section, we’ll dive into the critical benefits of mastering each map, from improving your chances at successful extractions to optimizing your looting paths. Ready to take control of your Tarkov experience? Let’s break it down.

Safe extractions: Learning all extraction points including which are conditional or player-specific allows you to plan your raid route with an exit strategy in mind.
Efficient looting: Knowing where high-value items spawn (like tech crates, hidden stashes, safes, and med bags) increases your profit per run and speeds up quest progress.
Avoiding PvP ambushes: Familiarity with PvP hotspots like Dorms on Customs or Techlight in Interchange helps you either avoid conflict or set up advantageous ambushes.
Scav spawns & pathing: Recognizing Scav patrol areas helps avoid getting flanked or can be used to your advantage if you’re looking for loot or want to trigger AI engagements to locate other players.
Route planning: Planning your path across the map reduces time spent wandering which is when most deaths occur.

For example, in a raid on Interchange, knowing that activating power opens KIBA and unlocks more high-tier loot can influence your entire raid plan. Similarly, on Woods, knowing that the Sawmill often spawns the Scav boss Shturman can help you either avoid or farm him, depending on your loadout.

Ultimately, EFT isn’t just about pulling the trigger, it’s about making informed decisions based on the terrain. And that starts with map knowledge.

Escape from Tarkov Maps Overview

Before diving into detailed guides for each map, it’s helpful to compare them at a glance. Each map in Escape from Tarkov offers a unique blend of challenges, loot potential, and combat styles. Whether you’re a brand-new PMC or a returning veteran, choosing the right map for your skill level and loadout can significantly improve your raid success.

Below is a quick comparison of the most active maps in EFT, including their player capacity, general difficulty, and key uses:

Map	Player Count	Size	Difficulty	Key Uses & Features
Customs	9–12	Medium	Beginner	High quest density, PvP hotspots, balanced layout
Interchange	10–14	Large	Moderate	Best for tech loot, KIBA gun shop, mall PvP
Factory	5–6	Small	High	Fast-paced PvP, close-quarters combat, high risk
Shoreline	10–13	Very Large	Moderate	Resort loot, long-range sniping, diverse terrain
Reserve	10–12	Medium	High	Military-grade loot, underground maze, PvP-heavy
Woods	8–12	Very Large	Moderate	Sniping, stashes, Shturman boss, long sightlines
Streets of Tarkov	10–16	Large	High	Urban warfare, verticality, high-value loot, chaos

Quick tips for choosing a map:

Start with Customs if you’re new it’s well-documented, quest-heavy, and easier to navigate.
Use Interchange for farming barter items and rare electronics.
Avoid Factory until you’re confident in PvP or want to learn fast.
Try Woods to learn positioning and ranged combat.
Use Reserve and Streets once you’re confident and well-geared.

By understanding each map’s scale, player flow, and high-value areas, you can match your raid strategy to your loadout and goals whether that’s completing quests, farming loot, or engaging in PvP.

Customs Map Guide

Customs is one of the most iconic and beginner-friendly maps in Escape from Tarkov. If you’re just starting your journey, you’ll likely find yourself here early and often. This map strikes a perfect balance between high loot value, quest importance, and the opportunity to engage in PvP. Whether you’re trying to complete your first few quests, farm valuable items, or simply get the hang of Tarkov’s mechanics, Customs offers a well-rounded experience. The map features a blend of tight spaces, open areas, and Key locations, all of which come with their own strategic value. It’s a place where new players can both learn the ropes and experience the game’s thrill without overwhelming difficulty.

Customs is also home to some of the most important early quests, which make it essential for players aiming to level up quickly. The map’s critical spots like Dorms, Fortress, and Gas Station are hotspots for intense PvP action but also provide excellent loot opportunities. The quest-related locations provide consistent value, while the extraction points like RUAF Roadblock and ZB-1011 become familiar territory that every Tarkov player needs to master.

Key locations

Dorms (2- and 3-story buildings): High-PvP zone and loot-rich area. The marked room in the 3-story Dorms can spawn rare weapons and valuable items if you have the key.
Fortress (Stronghold): A key military-style structure often filled with Scavs. Great place to find ammo crates, weapon boxes, and sometimes quest items.
New Gas Station: A known Reshala boss spawn and frequent Scav hotspot. Contains quest items, loose loot, and med bags.
Checkpoint / Construction: High-traffic area with frequent player movement good for PvP, dangerous for loot.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	Crossroads	Always open
PMC	RUAF Roadblock	Conditional (flares and lights on if active)
PMC	ZB-1011 / ZB-1012	ZB-1011 always open; ZB-1012 needs power
Scav	Old Road Gate / Factory Shacks	Always accessible for Scavs
Both	Old Gas Station	Available if green flare is lit and boss isn’t present

PvP hotspots

Dorms: Almost every raid includes PvP here. Be cautious players often camp stairwells and peek from windows.
Construction Site: A funnel zone where PMC paths often intersect, especially early game.
River crossing / Bridge: Crossing from Customs side to Big Red or vice versa exposes you always scout first.

Recommended loadouts for Customs

Budget runs: Vepr KM/VPO-136 with PS ammo or shotguns like MP-133. Good for CQB inside Dorms.
Mid-tier kits: SKS or AK-74N with PS ammo. Pair with headset (like Peltors) and meds.
Scav loadouts: Let RNG decide! Great for map practice without risking gear.

Beginner tips

Learn your extracts first run offline raids to memorize them.
Dorms are high-risk/high-reward. If you hear gunfire, consider flanking or avoiding.
Bring dorm keys (110, 114, 206, 204, 203, marked key) to access quest locations and better loot.
Move with cover; avoid sprinting down open streets.

Interchange Map Guide

Interchange stands out as one of Tarkov’s most loot-rich maps, with its sprawling urban environment offering both high-risk and high-reward opportunities. If you’re looking to farm high-tier tech loot or get your hands on powerful weapons, Interchange is the place to be. The heart of the map, Ultra, is a massive shopping mall that is filled with high-value items from weapon mods to electronics, you can find some of the best items in Tarkov here. However, this loot comes with a price: intense PvP action, particularly near popular hotspots like KIBA Arms International and the Power Station.

As you navigate Interchange, the key challenge is balancing your time between looting valuable items and avoiding or engaging other players. The map is vast, with wide open spaces near the mall and more confined areas around key loot zones. Understanding the map’s flow where Scavs spawn and where players typically set up ambushes is critical. Whether you’re hunting for tech loot or just looking for a thrilling battle, Interchange will test both your strategy and survival skills.

Key locations

KIBA Arms International: A gun shop packed with weapons and high-value mods. You’ll need the KIBA key, but the loot makes it worth the risk.
Techlight, Rasmussen, and Techno: These electronics stores are prime loot zones for rare barter items and high-tech gadgets.
OLI Warehouse: A large warehouse full of toolboxes, med supplies, and potential barter goods.
Ultra Mall (center): The heart of the map, full of potential loot, high PvP activity, and ambush opportunities. Be careful of chokepoints, like the escalators, where players often camp.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	Power Station	Always open but can be dangerous with active PvP around the area.
PMC	Emercom Checkpoint	Requires the generator to be on for the extraction to be available.
Scav	Railway Exfil	Open for Scavs only. A quick exit if you’re not in combat.
Both	Interchange (flared)	A conditional extraction depending on the map’s flare activation.

PvP hotspots

Ultra Mall: The escalators and middle atrium are known for intense firefights. It’s a dangerous yet rewarding location for loot, but always expect other players lurking.
KIBA and Power Station: Common zones for both PvP and Scav encounters. Players often camp entrances to ambush looters.
Outside/Back Alleyways: Less popular but offers an ambush zone for experienced players who know how to lurk in the shadows.

Recommended loadouts for Interchange

Budget Loadouts: Vepr KM or PP-19 Bizon with cheap ammo (PS or BT). Use for early-game loots and runs.
Mid-tier Loadouts: AK-74 or M4A1 with better ammo (BP, BS). Ideal for mid-game raids when PvP heats up.
High-tier Loadouts: Fully-modified AK-74M or HK416. Equip with advanced optics, armor, and grenades to control large fights in the mall.

Beginner tips

Turn on the power: Power must be activated to access key loot areas like KIBA. Don’t skip the generator near the Power Station.
Use the underground: The mall’s basement offers less direct PvP and may have extra loot, but be cautious of Scav bosses and AI Spawns.
Watch for Killa: Killa, the Scav boss, roams Ultra and can be deadly. Bring armor-piercing rounds if you plan to engage him.
Keep an eye on your stamina: With all the walking and running, manage your stamina, as fights often happen in tight spaces where you’ll need to react quickly.

Factory Map Guide

Factory is the epitome of close-quarters combat in Escape from Tarkov. It’s one of the smallest and most intense maps in the game, designed for players who enjoy fast, chaotic action. Unlike the large, open maps like Shoreline or Woods, Factory is a tight, industrial environment where every corner could hide an enemy or a loot crate. The map is famous for its short raid duration and its unforgiving PvP, with most players encountering each other within the first few minutes.

Factory’s layout encourages rapid decision-making, as players must choose between rushing for key loot or taking a more cautious route to avoid getting caught in a firefight. The constant risk of ambushes around tight spaces like Gate 3, Cellars, and Forklift Area means that every moment could be your last. But with its high-risk comes high reward: if you can survive the madness, you’ll have the chance to earn significant loot and valuable experience. Factory is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who love action-packed, high-stakes gameplay, it’s the ultimate battlefield.

Key locations

Office Room (Key Required): A critical loot location in the Factory. The room contains high-value items like weapon mods and electronics, and players often fight over it.
Locked Room (Near Gate 3): Another important loot location. This room can contain weapon parts, gear, and medical supplies.
Scav Weapon Boxes (Forklift Area): Scav spawns and loot crates in this area can yield decent gear for scav runs.
Office Window (for PMCs): A popular exit for players looking to get out fast without dealing with PvP in the main hall.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	Gate 3	Main extraction point for PMCs. Exits via the main gate after a short walk.
PMC	Cellars	Underground extraction, useful for avoiding PvP, but can be camped.
Scav	Factory Shacks	Scav-only exit, fast and easy.
Both	Office Window	Open to PMCs; it’s a risky extraction since it’s often camped by other players.

PvP hotspots

Main Hall: This area is where most of the fighting happens. With narrow hallways and little cover, expect high tension and fast engagements.
Forklift Area: A prime location for Scav players, but also frequented by PMCs looking for quick loot. Expect ambushes and deadly skirmishes here.
Locked Rooms: The proximity to key loot makes this area a PvP hotspot. Be prepared for gunfights when entering.

Recommended loadouts for Factory

Budget Loadouts: Shotguns like the MP-133 or PP-19 Bizon are ideal for close-quarters combat in the cramped hallways of Factory.
Mid-tier Loadouts: AK-74M or M4A1 with standard ammo and moderate armor. The high fire rate and stability are excellent for clearing tight spaces.
High-tier Loadouts: Fully modded AK-74M or HK416 with advanced optics and armor-piercing ammo. Use grenades to flush enemies out of tight corners.

Beginner tips

Fast engagement: Keep moving fast. Factory is all about quick reflexes. Don’t linger in one spot too long.
Use sound to your advantage: The Factory is small, and you’ll hear footsteps from a mile away. Use this to track enemy movements.
Be aware of your surroundings: The map is full of tight corners and chokepoints. Move cautiously, as there are no “safe” zones.
Play Scav runs first: Factory can be punishing for new players, so get familiar with the layout through Scav runs before taking on the full PMC experience.

Shoreline Map Guide

Shoreline is a map that offers a blend of expansive open spaces and intense interior combat. Known for its size, varied terrain, and the infamous Health Resort, Shoreline is a fantastic map for both looting and PvP encounters. The resort is one of Tarkov’s top loot areas, offering rare items, safes, and quest-related objectives. But while the resort itself is a major draw, the surrounding terrain including wide open fields and sniper nests on Sniper Hill can turn this seemingly tranquil map into a deadly battlefield.

The challenge of Shoreline is managing both its vast size and its high loot potential. As a newer player, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Key locations like Power Station, Weather Station, and Cottages, all of which have good loot and a lower risk of PvP. However, when you venture toward the Health Resort, expect a different experience: the Resort can be packed with other players, often leading to intense firefights as everyone fights for control of the building’s lucrative loot.

Key locations

Health Resort (East/West Wings): This is the crown jewel of Shoreline. The Resort is a massive building filled with safes, keys, and rare medical loot. It’s also the prime spot for PvP, especially early in the raid.
Power Station: A key location for players looking to farm loot. It’s often used as an extraction point, but it also has some decent rare items and can be used to activate certain power-related extracts.
Weather Station: A smaller loot spot, but it often has medical supplies and tech items.
Cottages: A quiet area where you can find some hidden loot and quest items. It’s usually less crowded than the Resort but can still lead to PvP conflicts.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	Road to Customs	Always open. Ideal for quick extractions once you’ve cleared your objectives.
PMC	Tunnel	Always available, though it’s a longer route.
Scav	Rock Passage	Scav-only exit, so be sure to have a decent run before making it.
Both	Old Road Gate	A more conditional exit. Look for this one in quieter raids.

PvP hotspots

Health Resort: The main attraction for most players, but it’s also a PvP hotspot. Expect heavy combat around the entrances and inside, especially for players with keycards or those looting high-value areas.
Power Station: Though a bit quieter, PvP can occur around this area, particularly if multiple players are aiming for the same extraction points.
Sniper Hills: The surrounding hills provide excellent sniper cover. Be cautious when moving across open fields snipers can be lurking.

Recommended loadouts for Shoreline

Budget Loadouts: Vepr KM or MP-133 shotgun. Ideal for close combat around the Resort.
Mid-tier Loadouts: AK-74M or M4A1. With good armor and high-velocity ammo, you’ll be well-prepared for mid-range and close-quarters engagements.
High-tier Loadouts: Fully modified M4A1 or HK416 with good optics, armor, and long-range capabilities. Equip grenades to flush out enemies hiding in Resort rooms or on high ground.

Beginner tips

Get familiar with the Resort layout: The Resort is a complex building with many rooms. Familiarize yourself with key areas like West 301 and East 226 to maximize your loot chances.
Watch for snipers: Shoreline has numerous open fields and hills that are perfect for snipers. Move carefully and always keep cover in mind.
Plan your route carefully: Shoreline is vast, and the risk of getting stuck or encountering unexpected PvP is high. Always have an extraction plan and keep an eye on your stamina.
Use the cottages: While the Resort is busy with PvP, the cottages are a quieter alternative with hidden loot and quest items. They’re perfect for slower, methodical runs.

Reserve Map Guide

Reserve is a complex and high-risk map, often reserved for more experienced players. This military base map is filled with valuable gear, including high-tier weapons, armor, and rare items, making it a favorite for players looking to gear up fast. However, the map’s complexity, with its intricate underground bunkers and tech buildings, requires not only good map knowledge but also strategic thinking. D2 Bunker is a prime extraction point and loot area, but gaining access to it requires both key cards and power activation all of which make it a high-stakes operation.

PvP is frequent on Reserve, particularly near the military-style Black Pawn, White Pawn, and King areas, where rare loot and high-value gear attract a lot of attention. The underground tunnels and bunkers, while offering good cover, also create chokepoints that are often camped by other players. The danger is elevated on this map, but so are the rewards. For those who have honed their Tarkov skills and want to test their tactical prowess, Reserve offers one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences in the game.

Key locations

Black Pawn, White Pawn, and King: These are critical military loot zones filled with ammo, weapon mods, and armor. These areas are essential for players looking for high-tier military gear.
D2 Bunker: This underground facility is one of the most sought-after extraction points. The area is loaded with rare loot but requires power to be turned on and can be dangerous due to player and Scav activity.
Tech Buildings: Often feature high-value tactical gear, including night-vision goggles, armor plates, and medical supplies.
Underground Tunnel System: A complex maze that allows players to avoid surface-level PvP. However, navigating the tunnels requires caution, as there are plenty of ambush points.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	D2 Bunker	Requires power activation but leads to a high-loot, safe extraction.
PMC	Hermetic Bunker Door	High-risk area but can be a safe exit with careful timing.
Scav	Scav Lands	Co-op PMC/Scav extraction point, typically involves working together for a safe escape.
Both	Scav Lands	Also an option for co-op PMC and Scav teams looking to escape together.

PvP hotspots

Tech Buildings: These zones are high-traffic and often lead to PvP clashes between players after the same high-value items.
Bunker D2: Because of its high loot potential, this area can turn into a battlefield, especially near the extraction points.
Underground Tunnels: While avoiding the surface-level danger, players in the tunnels can get ambushed, especially near the D2 or bunkers.

Recommended loadouts for Reserve

Budget Loadouts: Use an SKS or Vepr KM with basic armor and ammunition. Good for getting in and out quickly without risking high-tier gear.
Mid-tier Loadouts: AK-74M or M4A1 with decent armor and better ammo types (like BP or BT). Perfect for handling tougher PvP engagements in military zones.
High-tier Loadouts: Fully-modified M4A1 or HK416 with advanced optics, armor-piercing rounds, and plenty of grenades. Ideal for clearing the bunkers and securing high-loot areas.

Beginner tips

Map Awareness is Key: The underground tunnels and bunkers can be confusing. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the layout, as it’s easy to get lost or ambushed.
Don’t Rush D2: While D2 can offer a valuable extraction point, it’s also a hotbed for PvP. Wait for the coast to clear or use a distraction to reach it safely.
Coordinate with Scavs: If playing as a Scav, coordinate with PMC players in Scav Lands for easier extraction.
Check the power: If you’re aiming for the D2 bunker extraction, make sure the power is on. You don’t want to be caught unprepared in a high-risk area.

Woods Map Guide

Woods offers a unique tactical experience in Tarkov, focusing on stealth, sniping, and long-range combat. As the name suggests, Woods is a large, forested map with open spaces and a variety of natural cover. Unlike more congested maps like Factory or Interchange, Woods gives players the opportunity to take a more patient approach. With long sightlines and a lack of large structures, Woods rewards players who are good with a sniper rifle or those who know how to utilize the environment to their advantage.

The map is home to Shturman, the Scav boss, who can spawn at the Sawmill, making that area a major PvP hotspot. But aside from Shturman, the map also features scattered marked circles and hidden stashes, making it perfect for loot hunters. Players who are able to navigate Woods carefully avoiding open spaces and capitalizing on the dense terrain for cover will find themselves well-equipped for success. However, the map requires patience and careful planning, as rushing into the open can quickly lead to death from a hidden sniper or ambushing players.

Key locations

Sawmill: A central location, often home to Scav Boss Shturman, and packed with high-tier loot. Be cautious here, as both PMCs and Scavs frequently fight over the area.
USEC Camp: A good place to find weapons and barter items. It’s relatively safe compared to other areas, but you still need to be alert for enemy players.
Marked Circle: Hidden loot stashes and rare items can often be found here. It’s worth the detour if you’re looking to stock up.
Hidden Stashes: Scattered throughout the map, these stashes can contain high-value loot, especially when searching near rocks and underbrush.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	Outskirts	Always open, but can be a bit out of the way depending on your raid route.
PMC	UN Roadblock	Accessible but requires a careful approach to avoid ambushes.
PMC	ZB-014	Needs a key, but a great exit for more tactical players.
Both	Factory Gate	Quick and accessible, great if you’re looking for a fast exit.

PvP hotspots

Sawmill: This is where most of the action happens. Players often rush here to take down Shturman or loot his boss’s gear.
Marked Circle: While less frequently targeted, this spot can sometimes become a PvP hotspot for loot-focused players.
USEC Camp: Occasionally sees PvP action, though it’s often quieter than other zones on the map.

Recommended loadouts for Woods

Budget Loadouts: A simple Mosin or SKS with PS ammo is perfect for sniping or engaging at medium range. Pair with light armor and a good backpack to maximize your loot potential.
Mid-tier Loadouts: AK-74 or M4A1 with decent armor and mid-level ammo (like BP or BT). Use optics and suppressors to keep your shots precise and stealthy.
High-tier Loadouts: Fully upgraded M4A1 or AK-74M with high-velocity ammo and good optics. Be prepared to clear Sawmill and other high-traffic areas efficiently.

Beginner tips

Use long-range optics: Woods is all about controlling sightlines. Equip a scope and be prepared to take down enemies from a distance.
Be patient: This map requires a more methodical approach. Take your time, scan the area, and plan your route carefully.
Avoid open fields: Woods has many open spaces where you can easily be sniped. Stick to the trees and rocks for cover.
Watch out for Shturman: The Scav boss at Sawmill can be tough to take down. If you’re aiming for him, bring a strong loadout and be ready for a fight.

Streets of Tarkov Map Guide

Streets of Tarkov is a chaotic urban map that introduces a different kind of combat to Tarkov. Featuring tight alleyways, high-rise buildings, and a mix of interior and exterior fighting, Streets is an intense, dynamic battlefield. It’s a newer map that’s still being explored by many players, which means every raid can present a new challenge be it facing off in close-quarters in a hotel or picking off players from a rooftop sniper nest. The map’s design requires players to constantly adapt to the ever-changing environment.

What makes Streets unique is the vertical combat. Unlike many maps in Tarkov, Streets allows players to engage from multiple levels, whether from the rooftops or from within the buildings themselves. This creates new opportunities for tactical play but also opens the door for ambushes from all directions. The key loot areas like Lexos Car Dealership, Concordia, and Hotel offer significant rewards but are also magnets for PvP encounters. The map’s complexity and its size make it more suitable for experienced players who can handle the chaos and are comfortable with its intense, unpredictable nature.

Key locations

Lexos Car Dealership: A high-value loot zone filled with weapons, armor, and rare barter items. However, the area is usually heavily contested.
Concordia: Another loot-rich building, great for finding meds, tech items, and high-tier armor. It’s often a hotspot for PvP.
Hotel: The hotel is a key strategic point for vertical combat, offering multiple levels of interior spaces and windows for sniping.
Alleyways and Rooftops: These offer strategic positions for ambushing or avoiding heavy traffic in the streets. The rooftops also provide a fantastic vantage point for snipers.

Extraction points

Faction	Extraction	Notes
PMC	Evacuation Zone	Available in most cases but can be risky with high player traffic.
PMC	Klimov Street	Requires a flare to be activated, but a great extraction point if controlled.
Scav	Underpass	Only available for Scav players, providing an easy exit once they’ve looted sufficiently.
Both	Klimov Street (flared)	A conditional extraction requiring flare activation, which can add another layer of strategy.

PvP hotspots

Hotel and Lexos: These locations are frequently the focus of player battles, especially as loot-rich areas are always in demand.
Stairwells and Alleys: Vertical and tight quarters combat is prevalent here. Always be ready to check overheads and corners, as ambushes are common.
Main Streets: Wide open, with multiple entry points and areas to cover. These streets are often littered with traps and quick ambushes.

Recommended loadouts for Streets

Budget Loadouts: Use shotguns like the MP-133 or PP-19 Bizon. These are perfect for close-range, fast encounters in tight spaces.
Mid-tier Loadouts: M4A1 or AK-74M with mid-tier ammo (like BP). Equip a good scope for long-range engagements and armor for survival.
High-tier Loadouts: Fully customized M4A1 or AK-74M with high-quality armor and optics. Utilize grenades and flashbangs to clear alleyways or clear rooms effectively.

Beginner tips

Know your exits: Always know where your nearest extraction points are. Streets can be unpredictable, and getting trapped can be deadly.
Control sightlines: Rooftops and windows are key to success here. If you can control the verticality, you have a significant advantage.
Avoid bottlenecks: Areas like stairwells and narrow alleyways are perfect ambush points. Don’t rush in move carefully and listen for footsteps.
Communication is key: In squads, communication is vital, especially when entering buildings or crossing streets. Working together can turn a potentially deadly situation into a victory.

Best EFT Maps For Beginners To Progress

Choosing the right map at the right time can dramatically improve your Tarkov experience. Rather than jumping into the chaos blindly, smart progression allows you to learn the game’s core mechanics, develop map memory, and steadily build confidence — without losing your gear to every bush wookie or hallway camper. Below is the recommended map path for beginners, designed to match your evolving skills and objectives as a new player.

Start with Customs: Your first real challenge
Customs is the foundation for most new players. It offers a manageable layout, a balance of loot and combat, and most importantly, many of the game’s early quests are located here. You’ll learn to navigate from point A to point B, engage in mid-tier firefights, and understand extraction timing. Dorms and Fortress will teach you the risks of high-value loot zones, while areas like Construction and Gas Station give you your first taste of PvP flow. This is your proving ground.
Move on to Woods: Patience pays off
Once you’ve cut your teeth on Customs, Woods is the perfect next step. It’s quieter than most maps, which means fewer player encounters, but don’t get complacent. Woods will teach you patience, stealth, and long-range engagement. It’s also home to valuable hidden stashes and the Shturman boss encounter. Learning to navigate the terrain and use natural cover will sharpen your survival instincts.
Graduate to Shoreline: The Loot-learning curve
Now that you can handle basic navigation and long-range threats, it’s time to take on Shoreline. The map is massive, with one of the best loot areas in the game: the Health Resort. Navigating its interiors will challenge your room-clearing and close-quarters skills. Outside, Shoreline’s beaches, fields, and hills will push your ability to stay undetected while moving between loot locations and extractions.
Take on Interchange: Loot at your own risk
Interchange adds a new layer of complexity. With its vertical mall layout and deep tech loot, this map is a goldmine for gear but it’s also a magnet for heavily armed PMCs and the fearsome boss Killa. Here, you’ll sharpen your navigation in multilevel interiors, practice strategic flanking, and get used to timing your raid around power switches and extractions. It’s a logical step once you’ve built up map sense and gear confidence.
Ready for Reserve? Bring a plan.
When you feel ready for more tactical play, Reserve becomes your next destination. This military compound is dense with loot, player traffic, and AI threats and it comes with the added pressure of underground tunnel systems and power-controlled extractions. Reserve rewards preparation. You’ll need to know your exits, manage your meds and ammo, and stay alert for the boss Glukhar and his heavily armed guards. It’s not beginner-friendly, but it’s a massive leap forward in both rewards and challenges.
Try Factory: Short, brutal lessons
Factory isn’t technically complex, but it’s brutally unforgiving. You’ll be forced to react fast, aim faster, and either survive or learn from your mistakes. For players looking to improve their PvP skills, Factory offers tight quarters, fast respawns, and zero downtime. Think of it as a combat simulator, ideal for practicing reflexes and learning weapon handling under pressure. Use Scav runs here to practice safely before committing valuable gear.
End with Streets: The Ultimate test
Streets of Tarkov is a culmination of everything you’ve learned. It’s the game’s most urban and dynamic map, combining everything from sniper battles on rooftops to claustrophobic hallway fights. The complexity of its layout and player density make it suitable for confident, well-equipped players. If you’ve reached this point in your Tarkov journey, you’re ready to handle whatever chaos the city throws at you.

A Summary Of Key Considerations For Any EFT Map

To survive and thrive in Escape from Tarkov, you need more than just knowledge of the maps; you must be adaptable, strategic, and aware. Below are a few universal tips that will help you succeed on any map:

Sound is your friend: Always use high-quality headphones to track the movement of enemies and Scavs. Hearing footsteps or doors opening can give you crucial information about where the action is.
Memorize extraction points: Know your exits before engaging in a raid. Familiarizing yourself with where to extract saves you time and stress, especially when things get chaotic.
Adapt your gear to the map: Choose your loadout based on the map’s environment. For example, bring sniping gear for Woods, or close-range weapons for Factory.
Use cover and stay low: Movement in the open is dangerous. Always keep to cover and move cautiously to avoid becoming an easy target.
Know when to fight or flee: If you’re unprepared for a fight, it’s often better to avoid PvP and focus on completing your objectives. Live to fight another day.
Use offline mode for practice: Don’t hesitate to run through maps in offline mode, especially when learning new areas or figuring out loot routes.

These practical tips will help you not only survive but also maximize your efficiency and success in every raid. Master these universal tips and more with the help of Elocarry’s EFT cheats to enhance your survival and loot efficiency in Tarkov.

The Road To Mastering Any Map In Tarkov

Mastering the maps of Escape from Tarkov isn’t an overnight feat. It takes time, patience, and plenty of trial and error. But with every raid, you’ll learn more about the map layouts, the key loot spots, and the common PvP zones. With persistence, you’ll gain a better understanding of Tarkov’s chaotic, unforgiving world.

By frequently revisiting and practicing each map, you’ll start to instinctively know where to go, what loot to expect, and how to survive and extract successfully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tactics, loadouts, and routes until you find what works best for you. Escape from Tarkov is about learning and adapting your survival depends on it.

So bookmark this guide and use it as your roadmap to mastering Tarkov’s most iconic maps. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced player, there’s always room for improvement. And if you’re looking for a bit of extra help, check out our EFT cheats to enhance your experience, improve your loot runs, or speed up your progression.