Escape From Tarkov Tier List: Best Maps For Beginners
This is vital knowledge if you want to make it out alive!
Escape from Tarkov is one of the most punishing and rewarding first-person shooters out there. For beginners, it cannot be understated how important it is that you play a map that’s good for you. You might think the popular small map is best for you, but it might actually be the fastest way to get eliminated as soon as you arrive to the map! In this tier list, we’ll break 9 of the 12 major maps in Escape from Tarkov, ranking them from most beginner-friendly to least, with pros and cons for each. Whether you’re a fresh level 1 or just looking for the easiest way to level your character and complete your early quests, this guide will point you in the right direction.
If you’re a beginner having trouble, you know, escaping from Tarkov, your problem might just be that your gear isn’t up to par with your opponents. One of the best ways to rectify this is to purchase Escape from Tarkov Rubles and take all that money to the market to get yourself the best gear possible and just go wild on the Scavs and other PMCs!
S-Tier: Beginner Heaven
- Customs
Why it’s #1 for beginners:
Customs is widely regarded as the best starter map. Not because it’s easy—but because it teaches you everything. Early quests from Prapor and Therapist send you here, and most beginner guides use Customs as the base reference.
Pros:
- Tons of early quests.
- Familiar to most players, meaning easier help online.
- Good mix of PvP, PvE, and scavving.
- Key locations (Dorms, Stronghold, Gas Station) reward you for learning risk and loot tradeoffs.
- Plenty of low-risk loot routes.
Cons:
- Dorms and Stronghold can be deadly.
- Some extract locations have specifications that might be annoying to memorize.
- Often highly trafficked, especially around mid-wipe.
Tip for beginners: Stick to the outskirts and avoid Dorms until you’re better geared. Learn stash routes and listen for audio cues.
- Shoreline
Why it’s great:
Shoreline is a large map with tons of open space and several safe paths for loot runs. It has a strong loot-per-risk ratio, especially if you avoid the Resort.
Pros:
- Wide open, making it easier to avoid combat if needed.
- Great hidden stashes for passive looting.
- Quests like “Operation Aquarius” and “Sanitary Standards” are easier to complete here.
- Fewer choke points compared to Customs or Factory.
Cons:
- The Resort is PvP central — don’t go there unless you’re ready.
- Map size can be overwhelming at first.
- Navigation without a compass or landmarks can be tricky.
Tip for beginners: Focus on stashes in the western part of the map and avoid the Resort until you’re geared and questing there.
A-Tier: Still Good, But With a Learning Curve
- Woods
Why it’s good:
Woods is an open, forested map with low loot density — but it’s ideal for slow, cautious players. If you’re willing to creep and learn audio detection, it rewards patience.
Pros:
- Great for learning stealth and movement.
- Less PvP-heavy than Customs or Interchange.
- Some key quests here are easier than they seem (e.g., “Debut” Scav kills).
- Scav Sniper AI is manageable with cover and range.
Cons:
- Sparse loot unless you know stash and Shturman spawns.
- Hard to navigate at first due to repetitive forest areas.
- High risk of getting sniped if you linger in open spaces.
Tip for beginners: Learn the USEC and RUAF side extracts, and stick to the map edges to avoid chokepoints near the sawmill.
- Interchange
Why it’s solid:
Interchange has fantastic loot if you’re brave and know the layout. The mall interior is complex, but it holds key barter items and valuable tech spawns.
Pros:
- Loot-rich (especially tech stores like Rasmussen and Techlight).
- Ideal for leveling Scav karma.
- Night raids can be surprisingly safe.
- Quests like “Database” are straightforward with map knowledge.
Cons:
- Navigating the mall is confusing at first.
- Extracts (like Railway and Emercom) are far apart.
- PvP is common in the center and parking garage.
Tip for beginners: Consider running night raids as a Scav to learn the map without facing geared PMCs. Focus on outer tech spawns and exit fast.
B-Tier: Proceed With Caution
- Streets of Tarkov
Why it’s mid-tier for beginners:
Streets is a stunningly detailed map with high loot potential but overwhelming complexity. It’s not terrible for new players, but it requires caution and map study.
Pros:
- Incredible loot in banks, apartments, and grocery stores.
- Some safe paths exist between cover-rich areas.
- Quests are gradually added for mid-level players.
Cons:
- Extremely complex layout.
- High-performance requirements can cause stutters or crashes.
- PMC hotspots are common near the Lexos and Pinewood Hotel.
Tip for beginners: Use the alleyways and side streets instead of main roads. Loot and extract fast unless you want PvP.
- Lighthouse
Why it’s tricky:
Lighthouse is beautiful and full of loot, but its learning curve is steep. The Rogues (AI faction) are dangerous, and knowing where to go safely takes time.
Pros:
- Rich loot in water treatment and chalets.
- Quests offer great progression once unlocked.
- Sniping opportunities for passive XP.
Cons:
- Rogues will obliterate you if you’re not careful.
- Map is long and narrow — tricky navigation.
- Buggy extractions and PvP ambushes near key areas.
Tip for beginners: Stay away from Water Treatment unless on Scav or accompanied by a higher-level friend. Focus on the abandoned village and chalets for early loot.
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C-Tier: High Risk, Low Reward (for New Players)
- Factory
Why it’s tough:
Factory is a fast-paced, small map filled with PvP. While some argue it’s good for learning PvP mechanics, for most beginners, it’s a brutal place to start.
Pros:
- Quick raids (can be over in 5 minutes).
- Great for practicing close-quarters combat.
- Early quests like “Shootout Picnic” can be done here.
Cons:
- High risk of dying instantly.
- Very small — nowhere to hide.
- Sound cues can be overwhelming without good headphones.
Tip for beginners: Play Factory as a Scav to get used to the environment. Use pistols and shotguns until you get confident in CQC.
- Reserve
Why it’s difficult:
Reserve is packed with valuable loot, but that loot is deep in PvP zones. You need keycards, knowledge of underground passages, and experience with AI and players to survive.
Pros:
- Great loot in marked rooms, bunker, and King building.
- Quests pay off later in progression.
- PMC extracts like D-2 can offer escape if you know the switches.
Cons:
- Complex underground system.
- Raiders spawn with lethal gear.
- Camped extracts and maze-like layout.
Tip for beginners: Only run Reserve as a Scav at first. Learn D-2 and Cliff Descent extracts, and avoid Raider areas unless geared.
- The Lab
Why it’s last:
The Lab is Tarkov’s endgame. High-risk, high-reward, and entirely inappropriate for beginners! You need keycards, insurance doesn’t return gear, and PvP is constant.
Pros:
- Best loot in the game.
- Labs Raiders drop elite gear.
- Great XP farming potential.
Cons:
- Keycards are expensive and single-use.
- PvP is non-stop and very sweaty.
- No insurance return — death means total loss.
Tip for beginners: Don’t go here. Seriously. Not until you’re at least level 30+ with plenty of money and a full understanding of PvP mechanics.
In Conclusion
If you’re just starting out in Escape from Tarkov, where you choose to drop in can make all the difference. A lot of people think that — because of its size — Factory is the best map for beginners, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Factory’s small size means there’s a better trained player around most corners, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s also Scavs everywhere. Master the basics on maps like Customs and Shoreline, experiment with loot routes on Interchange, and build confidence before diving into the more punishing environments.
Remember that every death is a lesson in this game. Choose your maps wisely, and survival will soon become second nature.
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