Starting your raid in Escape From Tarkov can be pretty hard. The game’s tough learning curve, tricky mechanics, and brutal combat make it one of the hardest games ever.
You already have your first loadout set up, but now, where do you start? Picking the best map for beginners in EFT is super important if you want to get the hang of things more efficiently.
Many players recommend Factory for its small size and fast-paced action. However, I will prove you you why Customs is the ideal map for beginners. With its open design, manageable combat scenarios, and excellent quest opportunities, it offers a perfect environment to learn and grow.
Let’s dive into why Customs stands out as the best map for beginners in EFT.
Why Factory Isn’t Ideal for Beginners?
Also Read: How to Die Less in EFT: 4 Strategies to Stay Alive Longer
Factory may seem tempting for its simplicity, but it often overwhelms new players. Its compact layout and verticality make encounters unpredictable and intense.
Players on Factory are either heavily geared veterans looking for PvP or lightly geared scavengers trying to sneak by. This dynamic makes it difficult for beginners to find their footing.
Additionally, Factory focuses heavily on close-quarters combat, which isn’t representative of the broader Tarkov experience.
The Best Map for Beginners in EFT – Customs
Also Read: Should You Choose BEAR or USEC In Tarkov ?EFT Faction Guide
1. Open Layout with Ample Cover
Customs has a nice mix of wide-open areas, tight hallways, and plenty of spots to take cover. This setup lets new players try out different ways to play, whether it’s picking off enemies from a distance or creeping around inside the buildings.
For example, areas like Big Red and Dorms offer ample loot and decent cover for combat practice. If you find yourself under attack, Customs’ layout provides multiple escape routes. You can reposition behind walls, buildings, or even bushes, giving you a chance to outmaneuver your opponent.
2. Traffic Flow and Player Spawns
The flow of traffic on Customs is another reason it’s the best map for beginners in EFT. The map’s rectangular design makes understanding player movement straightforward.
Spawn points are spread across the map, with most players converging in high-loot areas like Dorms, Fortress, and Crackhouse. As a beginner, you can use this predictable flow to your advantage.
For example, if you spawn near Big Red, your primary focus should be looting and moving carefully toward extraction points. Knowing that most players will head toward the map’s center allows you to avoid unnecessary PvP until you’re ready.
3. Extraction Points
Customs has a variety of extraction points, but some are situational. If you spawn on the Big Red side, you’ll often aim for Old Gas Station or ZB-1012. If you’re on the Boiler side, options like Smuggler’s Boat or Crossroads become more viable.
These extraction points encourage exploration and map mastery. As you play, you’ll develop an understanding of which routes are safest and how to navigate them efficiently.
The Map and Quests on Customs
Also Read: Where to Find Every Keycard in Tarkov?
Quests are a core part of EFT, and Customs excels in this area. Many early-game quests are centered on this map, making it an ideal starting point. Completing quests not only rewards you with valuable gear but also familiarizes you with key locations on the map.
Here are some beginner-friendly quests on Customs:
Debut (Prapor): Kill five Scavs and hand over two MP-133 shotguns.
Checking (Prapor): Locate a truck and retrieve a bronze pocket watch.
Shortage (Therapist): Find three Salewa kits.
Operation Aquarius (Therapist): Locate water supplies in Dorms.
Sanitary Standards (Therapist): Find gas analyzers.
Practice Against Scavs
Customs is home to several Scav hotspots, including:
• Big Red
• Rough Roadblock
• Fortress
• New Gas Station
• Dorms
Scavs are less intimidating than PMC players, making them great practice targets. Engaging with Scavs helps you improve your aim, reaction time, and situational awareness.
Additionally, listening for Scav dialogue can clue you into nearby PMC activity, allowing you to decide whether to engage or retreat.
Loot Opportunities
Loot is a critical part of Escape from Tarkov, and Customs offers plenty of opportunities for beginners to build their stash. Key areas like Dorms, Crackhouse, and Fortress house high-value items such as weapons, armor, and barter goods.
For beginners, hidden stashes around the map are also worth exploring. These stashes often contain valuable items, and learning their locations can provide a steady income. Over time, running a stash route becomes second nature, allowing you to earn money without relying on risky PvP encounters.
Tips for Navigating Customs as a Beginner
1. Use Offline Mode: Practice navigating Customs without the pressure of other players. Enable Scavs to simulate real encounters and learn the map layout.
2. Stick to the Edges: Avoid high-traffic areas like Dorms and Fortress until you’re more comfortable with combat. Stick to the map’s edges and loot less-contested areas.
3. Be Patient: Rushing into engagements often leads to death. Take your time to observe your surroundings and plan your movements.
4. Listen Carefully: Sound is critical in Tarkov. Footsteps, gunfire, and Scav dialogue can reveal enemy locations and help you avoid danger.
5. Plan Your Exfil Route: Always know where your extraction points are and plan a safe route to get there. Check for situational extracts like Old Gas Station (green smoke) before committing.
Conclusion
Customs is undeniably the best map for beginners in EFT. Its balanced layout, manageable combat scenarios, and quest opportunities make it an ideal starting point.
So, take your time, explore the map, and complete quests to build your confidence. With practice, you’ll soon master the ins and outs of Customs, setting yourself up for success in Tarkov’s unforgiving world.
But have you ever wondered how you would perform if the map showed you where your enemies were? That’s exactly what you can achieve with our EFT hack. The ESP tool allows you to find all the good loot and shows you the location of your opponents. Make sure you go check it out!
