The Escape from Tarkov Customs map is among the most popular maps in the game, along with the Interchange and the Woods map. It is easy to tell why – it is easy to play and makes a good start for most beginners or those who need to understand how the game works. On the other hand, it makes a good battlefield for experienced players who are after a newbie killer spree. Dr Disrespect also loves to play this map.
The game itself does not have the right reputation for beginners though. It is said to be extremely difficult, but also realistic. However, the Customs map might be the ideal starting place to get used to its mechanics. Patience and a little attention to small details will lead you in the right direction. Now, what should you know about this map and where can you find the best loot?
Choosing the factions
Winning in the Customs map has a lot to do with the factions you choose. You can go in two different directions – Usec and Bear. There are not many differences between them. Bear is specialized in AK products and assaults, while Usec is more about AR systems, long-distance shots and weapon upgrades. Also, Bear talks Russian, while Usec goes in English.
Once you are done with choosing a faction, you have to choose between PMC and Scav. Scavs are more like teamwork. Other Scavs in the game will see you as part of their team. Unless you attack first, you are less likely to get attacked. As for the PMC, you will start with random equipment, meaning you do not have to use your personal stash.
As a PMC, you will get in with your main character. Upgrade your character with the right equipment. You can insure the equipment and have it back within a day or two in case other players do not need it. If not insured, it is lost forever.
As a new player, it might be wise to go offline, but keep the PVE on. You will play with other Scavs, but enemies are not around. Just like you cannot lose your equipment, you can also forget about the new gear you find, as you cannot take it.
The start of a raid
The Customs map is quite unforgiving. Once you are in a raid, the first major challenge will be identifying your position on the map. Although you do have a compass, do not expect too much help navigating around. You can purchase a map from the therapist, but it is not that helpful anyway. Plus, it takes plenty of space in the inventory.
Once you spawn, it is time to find an extraction point. If you can see a large red warehouse or storage sheds around you, you are on the west side of the map. On the other hand, if you see a shipping yard or a gas station, you are on the east side. Lots of players hang around spawning points to catch newbies off guard, so take cover as soon as you are out there.
Hot spots in the EFT Customs map
No matter what style, class or strategy you adopt, it is critical to be aware of the hot spots in the EFT Customs map. Knowing where the action happens can help you avoid traffic when you have limited gear, but also give you a nice loot if you are packed and ready to fight.
Dorms and Construction are quite active. They are central, so there will be many players trying to make it to the other side of the map. At the same time, quests are just as lively. There is plenty of loot in every quest, not to mention the Scav spawns.
As a general rule of thumb in this game, it pays off paying attention when you cross a bridge. There are always people keeping an eye on these bridges.
Besides, you will always have to cross one in an attempt to cross the map. The Train Bridge and the Main Bridge are the most active areas from this point of view.
Finding the best loot in the Customs map
Without loot, you should not even bother with the Escape from Tarkov Customs map. In fact, the whole game is about shopping. Whether you flip loot for money or you boost your character, this is what makes the difference in the long run.
The Customs map may not be the richest map in terms of looting, but it still has some good areas. Check the substation on the east side, while Big Red and Dorms have plenty of quality stuff – lots of players hanging around too.
Hidden caches are even better. Here are some of the best ones:
- A blue crate just northwest of the Bus Station
- Under the foliage close to the pipes by Gate 2
- Next to dumpster 21 by the Military Base Checkpoint, check out the barrel
- Next to a wall by the Factory Far Corner
Extraction points in the Escape from Tarkov Customs map
Extraction points allow you to leave the map with everything you have found there. Luckily, there are a lot in the Customs map, yet you will have to do some traveling first. You cannot spawn, kill someone and leave the map right away. If you spawn on the east side, your exits will be on the east side.
Extraction points will vary from one game to another. If you spawn again, there will be different exits from the previous game. You can see them if you tap “O” twice on your keyboard. Some of them have a question mark, meaning you might need to pay to be able to use them or perhaps find a key.
There are not less than 22 different extraction points in the Customs map and most of them do not come with any requirements at all. Practically, you have to cross the entire map and engage in some fights to reach them, but once there, you should complete the map without too many problems.
Just keep in mind that extraction points are often filled with other players looking forward to finishing the map, so unexpected fights may occur when least expected.
Scav players can escape in any of the following areas:
- Administration Gate
- Factory Shacks
- Old Road Gate
- Railroad to Military Base
- Railroad to Port
- Sniper Roadblock
- Warehouse 17
- Factory Far Corner
- Military Base CP
- Passage between rocks
- Railroad to Tarkov
- Scavs Checkpoint
- Trailer Park Workers’ Shack
- Warehouse 4
PMC players have less options than Scavs in terms of Extraction points. These are a few ways to escape:
- Smuggler’s Boat
- ZB-1011
- ZB-1012
- Trailer Park
- Dorms V-Ex
It is worth noting that ZB-1012, Smuggler’s Boat and Dorms V-Ex are not always open. Moreover, Dorms V-Ex requires 7000 Roubles and can only allow four players to get out.
Other extraction points that allow all players to go through include Crossroads, Old Gas Station and RUAF Roadblock. The last two are not always open though.
Final words
The bottom line, the Escape from Tarkov Customs map can be challenging and difficult for a newbie, but it is the best way to gain experience and loot as a beginner. It will most likely set you up for more sophisticated maps in the long run.
