Choosing the first map to learn and where to gain your initial experience is a dilemma that all new Escape from Tarkov players face.
The decision is undoubtedly influenced by where the initial quests take place, often pointing to Ground Zero.
But is this really the most "Timmy-friendly" map?
In my opinion, there is no truly Timmy-friendly map, as each has unique characteristics and is challenging in its own way. However, each player can make their choice by considering some key factors.
Ground Zero
Ground Zero is undoubtedly a map worth learning early, as the first 4-5 missions from Traders take place here. While it’s true that you can play without doing quests, one of the initial goals for (mostly) any player and any playstile is to reach level 15 as quickly as possible to unlock the flea market. This provides access to better gear and more opportunities to earn money by reselling loot.
Another advantage of Ground Zero is that it is currently the only map that separates low-level players from high-level ones. Players up to level 20 enter a slightly simplified version of the map where no Boss or their guards spawn.
This offers a dual benefit:
You encounter low-level players, usually less equipped.
You face only Scavs, which are the easiest AI enemies in EFT.
It’s true that low-level players aren’t always inexperienced—there’s always a chance of meeting skilled players with low-level PMCs (especially at the start of a wipe). However, the limited quality of their gear makes encounters more balanced.
That said, Ground Zero has a relatively complex layout, compared to other more linear maps, with multiple structures, multi-floor buildings, and an underground section. Additionally, there are many elevated sniping positions (windows and terraces), making inexperienced players easy prey for snipers.
Customs
After the Ground Zero quests, the next ones take place in Customs and Woods.
Customs is a good map for learning to play EFT because it offers a diverse layout, including both indoor structures and open spaces. This allows you to gain experience in mid-to-long-range combat as well as close-quarters combat (CQC).
Many quests take place in Customs, so it’s a map you’ll need to learn well early on.
However, it’s not exactly beginner-friendly, as it’s a popular map for PvP enthusiasts. You’re likely to encounter high-level, experienced, and well-equipped players actively seeking combat.
This means you’re more likely to meet aggressive players rather than those who avoid confrontation.
Additionally, shooting will often draw their attention, and if you don’t move quickly, you might become their prey.
Woods
Woods is considered a "quiet" map because it’s set in a large forested area with no choke points where enemy encounters are common. On the contrary, it’s easy to avoid heavily trafficked paths and steer clear of combat.
Thanks to the abundance of trees and varied terrain, it’s also relatively easy to escape or hide when you hear enemies approaching.
The ease of avoiding player combat by staying away from contested areas allows new players to gain experience with movement and navigation. Additionally, the large number of hidden caches makes it possible to gather a lot of loot with less risk compared to other maps.
However, it’s a large map with few landmarks, making it hard to know where you are when you spawn at the start of a raid if you’re unfamiliar with it. It’s easy to get disoriented (or stumble into a minefield!).
Notable Mention: Factory
Factory is not recommended for absolute beginners because it is strictly CQC and requires quick reflexes, the ability to handle high-stress situations, and the skills to escape dire circumstances where death is imminent.
However, it’s a map where you’re guaranteed to encounter enemies, allowing you to gain a lot of combat experience in a short time.
One challenge in learning EFT is that you sometimes encounter few enemies during raids, limiting your experience fighting other players. While you might run into some AI, fighting players is an entirely different story.
Factory can thus be an excellent training ground for combat, enabling you to accumulate experience more quickly. It’s great for early practice in Practice Mode and, once you’re more confident, for PvP.
So, What’s the Verdict?
As I mentioned at the beginning, there isn’t a “Best Map to Learn On.”
The truth is that in Escape from Tarkov, you need to gradually learn all the maps, following the quest progression and gaining experience along the way.
So, more than a “Best Map to Learn On” there is a logical choice if you want to progess with questing.
When I started playing EFT, Ground Zero didn’t exist yet, so I learned the basics on Customs and Woods. I used both Practice Mode and the Scav runs to learn the maps.
I completed the first quests in Customs and gained PvP experience.
Woods helped me relax by exploring the forest and various areas, collecting loot from hidden caches and less frequented spots to earn money for better equipment.
I also used Factory to practice combat against AI in Practice Mode. Once I got familiar with it, I started engaging in PvP, both to complete quests and to gain experience and confidence in my CQC skills.
I hope this article can help you decide. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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