Get the most out of your raids with our EFT Customs map guide!
Roaming the maps in Escape from Tarkov, I quickly realized that Customs is one of the most crucial locations to master. With its narrow design and intense firefights, this map forces you to learn the fundamentals of movement, positioning, and extraction.
The EFT Customs Map is a high-traffic area with a mix of loot-heavy buildings, key extracts, and dangerous boss encounters. Unlike larger maps, Customs funnels players into predictable combat zones, making it easier to predict enemy movement.
In this guide, I’ll help you get the important aspects of the map, including spawn points, loot hotspots, extracts, and strategies for surviving encounters with Reshala and his guards.
Also Read: All Escape From Tarkov Maps Ranked
EFT Customs Map Guide: Spawns and Map Layout
Western Spawns
Players spawning near Trailer Park, Military Base Checkpoint, or the Storage area often have to push through Big Red or cross the river early. These areas contain moderate loot but are primarily pathways to more valuable locations. Avoid getting caught in the open while transitioning through these areas.
Eastern Spawns
Those spawning near Dorms, Warehouse 17, or ZB-1012 need to move carefully since these are contested areas filled with loot and frequent firefights. Players in these spawns often rush Dorms for high-value loot or Stronghold for PvP engagements.
Key Navigation Points
The map itself is divided by a river, with key locations on both sides.
- Junk Bridge: A dangerous crossing point due to limited cover and frequent ambushes.
- Main Bridge: A more viable choice due to better cover and high-ground advantages.
- Water Crossing: Some players opt to swim across in desperate situations, though this exposes them to enemy fire.
Also Read: EFT Factory Map Guide
Major Loot Locations
Big Red
This large warehouse contains Intel spawns, safes, and computer racks. The second floor is a prime loot spot but is frequently contested. If you spawn nearby, it’s worth checking quickly before heading to safer areas.
Crackhouse
A hotspot for med spawns, Intel, and occasional rare loot. Crackhouse is notorious for PvP engagements due to its valuable spawns. If you’re looting here, be prepared for a fight.
Dorms (Two-Story & Three-Story)
- Marked Room (Three-Story): Holds high-tier loot, including rare weapons and valuables.
- Two-Story Dorms: Multiple safes, jackets, and loot spawns, making it a consistent source of money.
- PvP Hotspot: Dorms are quest-heavy and often camped by experienced players waiting for unsuspecting PMC squads.
Stronghold
A major loot hub featuring gold spawns, weapon crates, and medical crates. This location also serves as one of Reshala’s spawn points, making it highly contested.
USEC Building (GPU/Green Screen)
A high-risk, high-reward location with rare loot but only one entrance, making it easy to get trapped. If looting here, bring a teammate or a plan for escape.
New Gas Station
Contains safes, medbags, and potential key spawns. This area is crucial for early-game loot runs, but Reshala and his guards frequently spawn here, adding significant danger.
Key Extracts
Crossroads
A common PMC extract located at the far end of the main road. It’s one of the most frequently used exits, making it a reliable choice, but it also attracts enemy players looking to pick off those attempting to extract.
Smuggler’s Boat
A conditional extract near the river, only available when the fire is lit. This extract is useful for quick getaways, but its availability can’t always be relied upon. If you’re planning your route with this extract in mind, always have a backup exit in case it’s inactive.
RUAF Roadblock
Located near Storage, this extract is often populated with scavs, making it a slightly risky exit. AI enemies tend to linger around the checkpoint, and sometimes, other PMCs or scav players may use the area as an ambush spot.
ZB-1012 & ZB-1013
- ZB-1012: An underground bunker extract located on the southern side of the map. This exit is typically quiet, as it’s away from high-traffic areas, but the approach can be dangerous due to potential ambushes.
- ZB-1013: A safer escape route that requires a factory key to access. Having the key can give you an advantage, as this extract is often overlooked by players who don’t carry it.
Dorms V-Extract
A vehicle extract located near the Dorms, requiring cash to use. This option is ideal if you’re heavily geared or don’t want to risk running across the map to another extract.
Old Gas Station
A convenient extract located near the main road, but it is only available when the green light is on. If the light is active, this exit offers a quick and easy way out, especially for players rotating from New Gas Station or Construction.
Also Read: EFT Lighthouse Map Guide
The Boss in Customs: Reshala
Where Reshala Spawns
Reshala, the scav boss on Customs, is one of the most challenging NPCs due to his aggressive guards. He typically spawns at:
- Dorms (Two-Story and Three-Story)
- New Gas Station
- Stronghold
Fighting Reshala and His Guards
Reshala himself is not heavily armored, but his guards wear high-tier armor and are skilled in combat. Their tactics include aggressive pushes, grenade throws, and covering each other in fights. When engaging them:
- Use grenades to flush them out of cover.
- Engage from a distance to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Prioritize the guards before taking down Reshala.
- Check for third parties—other PMCs often hunt him as well.
Survival Tips
Customs can be brutal, especially for newer players. Here are some key survival strategies:
- Stick to cover: Avoid running in the open, especially in high-traffic areas like Bridges and Construction.
- Use audio cues: Dorms and Stronghold often have enemies lurking, listen for footsteps and gunshots before pushing.
- Avoid unnecessary fights: If you have loot, prioritize extracting instead of chasing unnecessary combat.
- Watch out for Sniper Scavs: They spawn on rooftops and can deal serious damage if not taken out quickly.
- Learn loot routes: Efficient looting and extraction routes can maximize profits while minimizing risks.
Conclusion
The EFT Customs Map is a high-intensity battleground that requires a blend of PvP skills, loot knowledge, and strategic movement. So, if you’re looting Crackhouse, battling in Dorms, or hunting Reshala, understanding the map’s key areas and extracts is crucial to success.
With experience, you’ll navigate Customs confidently, knowing when to fight, when to loot, and when to extract safely.
