Escape From Tarkov is a game with an interesting split of PVP and PVE engagements. Combined with a mix of settings and a big push towards realism, and you have a game unlike most others.
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Tarkov itself is a mix of different areas, from sprawling forests to crowded industrial parks. Not to mention each of these maps is filled with scavs, cultists, and various paramilitary fighters. No matter which map you're looking to drop into, you're almost guaranteed a fight. With maps as varied as they are in Tarkov, some are better than others. Here are all of Escape From Tarkov's maps, ranked.
9 Customs
One of the earlier maps in the game, Customs is a mid-sized map that balances outdoors areas good for snipers and internal areas like the dorms where close-quarters fights often take place.
There's a good amount of variety in this map, just not as much as in other later maps. The cultists and varied bosses that you may find here are also an interesting feature, but once again they don't stand out compared to later additions. It can also be one of the more player-dense areas for its scale, which doesn't make it as accessible for new players.
8 Labs
The sixth addition to the maps of Tarkov, the labs map is a secret site that you can only access via keycard.
It is a small map that only a certain type of players can enter, and the number of players is restricted too. There aren't a lot of exits either, and most require some effort to use. The amount of loot here is of better quality than most maps and the fighting is often intense. However, it usually isn't as worth it gameplay-wise unless there's a certain task that draws you here.
7 Shoreline
Shoreline is a larger map in the game, and is often popular with newer players as there is a lot of open space and varied areas to check out. Though if you want some solid loot, then you're probably out of luck.
The fighting in some of the areas of higher loot and near exits can be intense, especially if there is a high scav presence at that moment. If you really want to try out sniping, though, this is also a solid choice. Despite this, some matches just feel like a more tense walking sim. The map is just a little too varied to really know what you'll get, and no part really outshines other maps.
6 Reserve
A later addition to the game, Reserve puts you around one of the shelters that would have been used in case of nuclear war in the area. You can see how well that worked out. Home to the Glukhar boss, and a great amount of options for loot and keys, Reserve is a pretty good map to get acquainted with.
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There isn't as much chance of getting gunned down early on or rushed by a boss. It is mid-sized and has a fair amount of internal space for running ARs and shotguns, as well as some cool cliffs and outdoor areas if you want to take a stealthier approach. It is a pretty solidly balanced map all around, unless you're looking for high stress or chaos.
5 Interchange
This map has a pretty fun balance to it. If you want to check out different play types then Interchange is probably the map to run a new loadout on.
The shopping center is a good mix of different close-quarters areas mixed into one, with plenty of places to get a drop on your enemies or take a stand and gun down anyone who comes near. There's some good low to mid-level loot, like scav weapons, and rations to be found here, in addition to keys and keycards. All around, it's a pretty fun map.
4 Streets
If you want to experience Tarkov with a more sniper-focused run, then Streets might be the one to go for.
Open streets and alleyways are immediately at odds with the tight spaces of nearby businesses that could be hiding any sort of baddies. There's a fair selection of enemy types to run into here and some decent loot at times. It can be a lot of fun with a group or even a single friend to squad up and do some damage in. In Solo, though, it can be quite a tense experience, as you can get sniped at any moment.
3 Lighthouse
Lighthouse is one of the larger and more open maps out there. There's the shore, forest area, some industrial areas, and the titular lighthouse that all make up for a good amount of areas to check out different play styles.
You may want to wait to get well accustomed to the game though before jumping into this map, as there are a lot of different enemies, and bosses especially, that you may run into here. Not to mention mines and snipers to add to the danger. There's a solid amount of loot and keys to be found here, as spread out as they may be.
2 Factory
If you want to run a shotgun or SMG, then look no further than the Factory map. It is tense, dark, and you are sure to run into some bad guys. More than once, too — if you survive that long.
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If you want to check if your gunplay is good or not, then there's no better place to find out than here. It is so intensely stressful, and you'll definitely want whatever insurance you can afford before walking into the metallic confines of the factory. The stress only multiplies when you run into one of the map's two bosses, waving either sledgehammer or cultist knife at you wildly as they rush you.
1 Woods
Woods is a classic Tarkov map, and for good reason. Bosses, loot, open space, and close quarters, this map has it all.
It's one of the earlier maps in the game and perhaps one of the best maps for those of any level. If you're low level, you have plenty of options for stealth and cover, while high-level players will know exactly where to go to run into a boss or to get some solid long-distance shots in. If you're looking for a map to be an expert in, you wouldn't be wrong to consider Woods.
Next: Escape From Tarkov: How To Farm Money
