Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore first-person shooter that demands knowledge, skill, and a healthy dose of patience. One of the earliest maps players encounter, and arguably one of the most frequently visited, is Customs. This guide serves as your comprehensive resource for navigating the treacherous landscape of Customs, equipping you with the knowledge to extract, acquire valuable loot, and ultimately, survive. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced initiate, understanding the intricacies of Customs is crucial to thriving in the world of Tarkov.
Map Overview: Understanding Customs
Customs is more than just a map; it’s a battleground where every shadow holds a potential threat and every corner promises a reward. The landscape is characterized by a winding river that divides the map, numerous warehouses, the iconic Dorms building, and a variety of other structures. Mastering the layout of Customs is your first step toward survival. Knowing where you are, what’s around you, and the potential dangers within each location dramatically increases your odds of success.
Map Layout and Key Locations
The topography of Customs is defined by its central river, which acts as a natural barrier and a key reference point. The terrain slopes and offers varying cover opportunities, making tactical positioning essential.
Old Gas Station is one of the initial points of interest for new players. It offers cover and a place to find basic supplies. The area around Old Gas Station, including the nearby forest, is often the site of early-game skirmishes and quest objectives. Loot can be found scattered around the building, in the storage rooms, and in vehicles.
New Gas Station sits just across from Old Gas Station, and also offers some initial loot opportunities. These spots are often overlooked by experienced players but can sometimes yield early game treasures.
The Dorms, both the three-story and two-story buildings, are undoubtedly the most contested areas of Customs. The building’s layout presents numerous rooms, corridors, and vantage points, making it ideal for intense close-quarters combat. The three-story Dorms are the more dangerous of the two, often housing high-value loot and, consequently, more players seeking to claim it. Both buildings are frequently the scene of ambushes, team fights, and desperate attempts to survive. Thoroughly clearing the Dorms requires patience and strategic movement. Understand that this area is frequently a “hot zone” where conflict is practically guaranteed.
Across from the Dorms is the Factory Zone, offering another key and important area. The Factory key is extremely valuable, granting access to a small but high-risk area in the Factory. The area is often the location of quest objectives and offers valuable loot that is worth the risk.
The ZB-013, ZB-014, and ZB-101 bunkers are essential to survival. You must be aware of the layout. The bunker key is required for extractions and can also hold valuable loot.
The Construction Site provides a vantage point for engaging in combat, but also presents significant exposure. The site also houses valuable loot. Players need to be aware of their surroundings and the potential for snipers in this area.
The Big Red Warehouse is a warehouse that contains a variety of valuable loot locations. The area presents a unique challenge and opportunities for tactical gameplay. Be aware that the area is often frequented and has high competition.
The Customs Office provides another location for valuable loot and tactical positioning. The area is ideal for planning and executing attacks or setting up ambushes.
Finally, the Smuggler’s Boat provides a small opportunity for looting. This can also be an extraction point.
Key Landmarks
Effective navigation on Customs relies on recognizing key landmarks. These features help you orient yourself and understand your position relative to other areas. Memorizing these features is crucial for successful raids. Some landmarks include:
- The River: The central river provides a clear reference point for orientation.
- The Railroad: The railroad tracks that run along the map are valuable for navigation.
- The Dorms: Dominates the central area and is easily recognized.
- Big Red Warehouse and Construction Site: Large, distinct structures that are difficult to miss.
- Smuggler’s Boat Can also be used for orientation.
Extraction Points: Your Ticket to Safety
Knowing how to get out of Customs is just as important as knowing the map itself. Extracting with loot is the primary goal of every raid, and finding the right extraction point at the right time is crucial.
Permanently Available Extractions
These extractions are always available, regardless of the conditions. You can use these locations at any time.
- RUAF Roadblock: Located near the Old Gas Station. Easily accessible. This extraction point is generally considered safe but can still be ambushed.
- Dorms – Old Gas Road: Located past the construction area and near the extract for the Old Gas Station.
Conditional Extractions
Conditional extractions become available under specific circumstances. These often require keys, items, or specific conditions.
- Dorms – Smuggler’s Boat: Requires the Smuggler’s Boat key, which is often found in filing cabinets and other loot locations.
- Old Gas Station – Railroad to Military Base: Requires the Railroad to Military Base key.
- ZB-013, ZB-014, ZB-101: Requires the respective key, which is frequently found.
Extracting with Scavs
Scav extractions present a unique opportunity. If you spawn as a Scav and encounter other Scavs, you have the chance to extract with them.
- This requires cooperation between Scavs.
- This provides an easy path to extracting if you choose to use it.
Loot Locations: Riches and Rewards
The thrill of Escape from Tarkov often comes from finding valuable loot. Knowing the best loot locations on Customs is crucial to maximizing your earnings.
High-Value Loot Areas
Certain areas consistently yield more valuable items than others.
- Dorms: Safe rooms, filing cabinets, and the general area of the building are rich in potential loot.
- New Gas Station, Old Gas Station, Factory Zone: These areas can contain valuable items.
- Construction Site, Big Red Warehouse, Customs Office: High-risk, high-reward loot locations.
Specific Loot to Look For
Certain items are consistently in high demand and worth a significant amount of money on the market.
- Key Cards: Dorms safes, filing cabinets
- High-Value Weapon Mods: Weapon boxes.
- Quest Items: Check stash locations, safes, filing cabinets, and various container spawns.
Looting Strategies
Effective looting requires efficient use of time and awareness of your surroundings.
- Prioritize areas with high-value potential.
- Quickly assess the value of items.
- Be aware of the sounds of other players.
- Keep a general direction to avoid backtracking and wasted time.
Strategies and Tips for Survival
Surviving Customs requires a combination of knowledge, strategy, and adaptability.
General Strategies
- Navigation and Awareness: Use landmarks, pay attention to the compass, and constantly scan your surroundings.
- Sound and Positioning: Learn to interpret audio cues, listen for footsteps, gunshots, and other sounds that will give away player positions.
- Communication: If you are playing in a group, consistent communication is vital.
Playing as a PMC
- Tactical Movement: Use cover, and move between cover to avoid detection.
- Gunfights: Engage in combat when necessary, utilizing cover, and pre-aiming around corners.
- Camping Spots: Learn common camping locations, and use grenades or other tactics to clear them.
Playing as a Scav
- Scav Runs: These allow you to learn the map, acquire loot, and gain experience without risking your PMC.
- Loot Priority: Prioritize high-value items that can easily be sold to traders.
- Faction Relations: Understand that killing other Scavs can make other Scavs turn on you.
Quest-Specific Tips
Many early-game quests take place in Customs.
- Learn the quest locations: Learn where the quest locations are in order to be successful.
- Prioritize and Prepare: Understand the potential dangers of the quest location.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Poor movement and awareness can lead to ambushes and quick deaths.
- Not knowing the map and its extraction points will cause you to be caught in the open and will also lead to wasted time.
This comprehensive guide to the Customs Tarkov map will enhance your ability to navigate this challenging environment. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to surviving raids, accumulating wealth, and becoming a successful player in Escape From Tarkov. Remember that practice, patience, and a willingness to learn are key to success in this unforgiving game. The best way to improve is to familiarize yourself with Customs, experiment with different strategies, and learn from your mistakes. Embrace the challenge, hone your skills, and conquer Customs!
