Loot and fight like you’re on a shopping spree with our EFT Interchange map guide!
I still remember my first raid on Interchange, I spawned near the parking lot, unsure where to go, and within minutes, I was caught in a firefight near IDEA. This map is one of the most intense in Escape from Tarkov, featuring a massive shopping mall packed with loot, PvP hotspots, and extraction routes that can be just as dangerous as the fights inside.
Understanding the EFT Interchange Map is key to surviving and making money. So, if you’re a looter or a fighter, this guide is prepared perfectly for you, we’ll get into critical map categories, covering spawns, loot locations, extracts, Killa, and general survival tips to help you navigate the challenges effectively.
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EFT Interchange Map Guide: Spawns and Map Layout
Interchange is a large open space surrounding the ULTRA shopping mall, with player spawns located around the perimeter.
North Spawns
If you spawn in the north, you’ll likely be near Power Station or Railway extract. This gives you the advantage of being close to the power switch, which activates locked loot rooms, but it also means other players will be pushing towards you for the same reason.
South Spawns
Spawning in the south puts you closer to Emercom extract and the tech stores on the second floor. This side of the map offers better access to Techlight, Teo, and Techno, making it ideal for looters aiming for quick high-value items.
Mall Interior
The mall itself is the central battleground of Interchange, consisting of three major stores: IDEA, Goshan, and OLI. Each store has distinct loot pools, making them important targets for specific item farming. The parking garage beneath the mall provides a sneaky way to navigate the map while avoiding open areas.
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Major Loot Locations
here are some of the best spots for getting some sweet loot in Interchange.
IDEA
This store, located on the west side of the mall, is a great spot for players looking to farm electronics. You’ll find graphics cards, circuit boards, power supplies, and Tetrises on the shelves and in the back offices.
Goshan
Situated in the center of the mall, Goshan is mostly known for its food spawns. If you need provisions like sugar, condensed milk, and water filters, this is the place to go. You can also find car batteries and gold chains on the shelves, making it a decent stop for barter items.
OLI
If you’re looking for industrial loot, OLI on the east side is your best bet. This store contains hoses, motors, WD-40, and propane tanks, which are essential for hideout upgrades. The back storage areas also have a chance to spawn car batteries, which can fetch a high price on the flea market.
Tech Stores (Techlight, Teo, Techno)
Located on the second floor, these stores are prime spots for graphics cards, gas analyzers, and other tech-related items. Since these items are highly valuable, these stores attract some of the most dangerous players in the raid. If you plan to loot here, be quick and aware of enemy movement.
Emercom Medical
This is a top-tier medical loot location where you can find Letics, morphine, and defibrillators. Since medical supplies are always in demand, this area is frequently contested. Expect to run into players looking for healing items or completing quests.
KIBA Gun Store
One of the most dangerous and rewarding locations in the mall, KIBA requires two keys to access but contains weapons, armor, and high-end mods.
Key Extracts
Knowing how to get out alive is just as important as looting. Interchange has multiple extraction points, each with unique conditions:
Railway Exfil (West Side) and Emercom Exfil (East Side)
These are the two primary extracts, located at opposite ends of the map. They are always open, making them reliable options, but they are also common ambush points for extract campers. Always check your surroundings before making the final run.
Power Station Car Extract
If you spawn near Power Station, you have the option of using the paid vehicle extract. This extract requires roubles and can only take a limited number of players per raid. It’s a great option if you’re looted up and want a safer exit.
Hole in the Fence
A special extract that allows you to leave without a backpack. This is useful if you’re running a lightweight loot run and don’t want to risk a long extraction. However, it limits your carrying capacity.
Safe Room Extract
One of the most unique extracts in Tarkov, this exit requires the 11SR Keycard and power activation. After swiping the keycard in the Goshan bathroom, you need to disable the alarm before extracting.
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The Boss in Interchange: Killa
Killa is a solo boss that roams the middle of the mall, particularly near Mantis, Brutal, and Generic stores. He’s an aggressive fighter who can take down even the most experienced players.
Weaponry
Killa typically wields an RPK-16 or a PP-19, both of which can shred through armor. His high-damage fire rate makes him a major threat in close-quarters combat.
Armor
His M2 rig and face shield make him incredibly tanky, requiring high-penetration ammo to take him down. If you’re using lower-tier bullets, aim for his legs to deal effective damage.
Behavior
Unlike other bosses, Killa doesn’t have bodyguards, but he’s an expert at using cover and throwing grenades. He aggressively pushes players, making retreat difficult. If you’re planning to fight him, bait him into open areas and use cover wisely.
Survival Tips
- Listen for Audio Cues – Footsteps on different surfaces (tile, wood, metal) can reveal enemy positions. If you hear movement above or below you, use that information to plan your next move.
- Use the Underground Parking for Movement – The garage beneath the mall is a great way to move across the map safely. While it’s still risky, it’s often a better option than running through open areas on the ground floor.
- Power Station Timing – Turning on power activates KIBA and Ultra Medical, which attracts attention. If you’re planning to hit these high-value loot spots, either do it early before players arrive or wait until the chaos dies down.
- Avoid Killa Unless Necessary – If you don’t need to fight him, stay away from the Brutal and Mantis area. Killa can ruin your raid if you’re unprepared.
Conclusion
The EFT Interchange Map is a high-risk, high-reward environment filled with loot and danger at every turn. Knowing where to loot, how to extract, and how to handle Killa will improve your survival rate and profit margins. Adapt, move wisely, and extract safely to dominate Interchange.
