All Maps In Escape From Tarkov, Ranked

Escape From Tarkov is one of the most intense and punishing first-person shooters out there, and a big part of what makes it so unique is its wide variety of maps. Each map in Tarkov offers a totally different experience—some are small and chaotic, while others are massive and demand careful navigation and strategy. Whether you’re a new player trying to find the best place to start, or a veteran looking to optimize your routes and loot runs, understanding the pros and cons of each map is crucial. In this article, we’re ranking all the maps in Escape From Tarkov from worst to best based on their design, loot potential, PvP opportunities, and overall gameplay experience. Let’s jump in.

#9: Labs

Labs is one of the most intense and high-stakes maps in Escape From Tarkov. It’s a locked area that you can only enter if you have a special keycard, which already makes it a place for more experienced or well-prepared players. The map is small and tightly packed, meaning fights break out fast and often. There’s some great loot here, but the risk is huge—not just because of the PvP, but also because the extraction points are few and usually require extra steps to access. Unless you’re here for a quest or love nonstop action, Labs isn’t the best place to farm. It’s a tough map that rewards skill, preparation, and nerves of steel.

#8: Customs

Customs is one of the more classic maps in Escape From Tarkov, known for its mix of open areas and tight indoor spaces. It’s a mid-sized map that offers a decent variety of gameplay, with spots like the dorms being hotspots for close-quarters combat, while the open stretches are prime territory for snipers. While it’s solid overall, it doesn’t have the same depth or variety as some of the newer maps. Boss spawns and cultist appearances keep things interesting, but they’re not game-changing. Customs also tends to get pretty crowded, which can make it tough for newer players trying to learn the ropes.

#7: Reserve

Reserve is one of the more balanced and rewarding maps in Escape From Tarkov, offering a solid mix of indoor and outdoor combat. Set in a military base designed as a fallout shelter, it’s packed with great loot, valuable keys, and opportunities for smart plays. The map is home to Glukhar, one of the tougher bosses, but his presence is less aggressive than others, giving you more breathing room early on. With plenty of buildings for CQB fans and open areas for snipers or stealth players, Reserve fits a wide range of playstyles. It’s not as chaotic as Labs or Factory, making it a great choice if you want good loot without nonstop stress.

#6: Shoreline

Shoreline is one of Tarkov’s biggest maps, known for its wide-open spaces, mix of environments, and beginner-friendly layout. It’s popular with newer players because there’s room to move, explore, and avoid constant PvP if you’re not ready for it. That said, if you’re chasing high-tier loot, Shoreline can be hit-or-miss unless you’re specifically heading to the Resort, which is often packed with danger and other players. It’s a great map for long-range combat and sniping practice, but the slower pace and occasional quiet stretches can make some raids feel like a walking simulator. Overall, it’s a decent pick for learning the game, but not the most rewarding for high-intensity loot runs.

#5: Streets

Streets is one of the most atmospheric and intense maps in Escape From Tarkov. Its open roads and alleyways create perfect sightlines for snipers, while nearby buildings and shops offer tight, unpredictable indoor encounters. It’s a map that constantly keeps you on your toes, mixing long-range danger with close-quarters chaos. The loot is decent, and the variety of enemy types adds some unpredictability, especially during longer raids. Streets really shines when you’re playing with a friend or squad—it’s easier to cover angles and push together—but going in solo is a different story. You’ll feel the tension of every step, knowing someone could be watching from a window or rooftop.

#4: Interchange

Interchange is one of the most well-rounded maps in Escape From Tarkov and a great spot to experiment with different playstyles. Set in a massive shopping mall, it offers a solid mix of tight indoor combat, long corridors for tactical pushes, and hidden angles to catch players off guard. Whether you’re running close-range SMGs or testing out a new rifle build, Interchange gives you the space and variety to make it work. The loot here leans toward mid-tier, with plenty of scav gear, food, and useful keys scattered throughout. It’s also a good place to practice PvP without feeling completely overwhelmed. All in all, Interchange is a balanced and enjoyable map for both new and experienced players.

#3: Factory

Factory is the ultimate stress test for close-quarters combat in Escape From Tarkov. Tight hallways, dim lighting, and non-stop action make it the go-to map for players who want quick, intense fights. If you’re running a shotgun or SMG, this place is perfect to see if your reflexes and aim hold up under pressure. It’s fast-paced and unforgiving—blink and you’re back in the lobby. The map’s compact layout means you’re almost guaranteed to encounter someone within seconds, and with bosses like Tagilla or the knife-wielding cultists roaming around, things can get chaotic fast. If you want pure, raw gunplay and don’t mind the stress, Factory delivers every time.

#2: Lighthouse

Lighthouse is a sprawling, open map that offers a mix of environments—from rocky shores and dense forests to industrial complexes and, of course, the iconic lighthouse itself. It’s perfect for trying out different playstyles, whether you prefer long-range sniping, stealthy navigation, or mid-range firefights. That said, Lighthouse isn’t the best place for beginners. The area is loaded with danger, including roaming bosses, hidden landmines, and high-powered sniper AI that can end your run in seconds. For experienced players, though, it’s a rewarding map with plenty of valuable loot and key spawns—just be prepared for a challenge.

#1: Woods

Woods is one of Escape From Tarkov’s most iconic and well-rounded maps, making it a favorite for both new players and seasoned veterans. It offers a balanced mix of wide open areas perfect for sniping, tight interiors for close-quarters combat, and plenty of natural cover for stealthy movement. Whether you’re hunting scavs, farming loot, or looking to challenge one of the map’s bosses, Woods has something for every type of player. Its varied terrain encourages different playstyles, and mastering this map can give you a solid edge no matter your level. If you’re looking for a go-to map to specialize in, Woods is a top-tier choice.

Conclusion

Escape From Tarkov has no shortage of intense, unforgiving maps, each offering a completely different experience depending on your playstyle and loadout. Whether you’re grinding close-quarters fights in Factory, testing your sniper aim in Streets, or looking for that perfect balance on Woods, every map has its own strengths and challenges. As the game continues to evolve, mastering these maps will make you a more adaptable and deadly player in the long run. So whether you’re in it for the loot, the PvP, or the thrill of survival, there’s a map in Tarkov that fits your style.