The unforgiving world of Escape From Tarkov demands more than just shooting skills and knowledge of weapon modifications. Survival hinges on your ability to navigate the treacherous landscapes, outsmart other players, and most importantly, extract successfully. Streets of Tarkov, with its labyrinthine streets and intense player density, presents a particularly daunting challenge. This guide is your comprehensive compass, leading you through the maze of extract points, ensuring you understand their nuances and increase your chances of escaping with your hard-earned loot.
Understanding the Vital Role of Extracts in Tarkov
In Escape From Tarkov, extraction is the final hurdle, the gateway to securing your loot and keeping your gear. Failing to extract means losing everything you’ve gathered during the raid, a crushing blow to your progress. Every map, including the sprawling Streets of Tarkov, offers designated extraction points where you can safely leave the raid. These aren’t always readily available; some require specific conditions to be met, adding another layer of complexity to your escape strategy.
You might encounter permanent extracts, always available to any player. These are your safety nets, reliable options to aim for if everything goes south. Conditional extracts, on the other hand, demand specific actions or items. You might need a key, a specific quest completed, or a certain amount of time to pass before they become active. Cooperative extracts are the most unique, requiring interaction with other players to be used. These often pose a higher risk, especially if your cooperative partner decides to betray you. Understanding each type, their conditions, and their locations is essential.
Navigating the Urban Jungle of Streets of Tarkov
Streets of Tarkov distinguishes itself as one of the largest and most complex maps in the game. The environment, a sprawling urban landscape, features a dense network of buildings, streets, and open areas. The sheer scale, coupled with a high player count, translates to frequent firefights and an ever-present sense of danger.
The map is structured in zones like Concord, Lexos, and the Cinema. Each has its own distinct layouts, chokepoints, and loot opportunities. Furthermore, this map is built to constantly shift. Scavs, Player Scavs, and PMCs populate the environment adding an extra layer of chaos to every raid. This requires a detailed knowledge of the extract points to be able to navigate the map. The difficulty of navigating the large, dangerous map and the high player count emphasizes the importance of a strategic approach to extraction.
Unveiling Extract Locations: A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s delve into the specifics of each extract on Streets of Tarkov. Remember, map knowledge is key.
Permanent Extracts – Always Ready
These are your go-to options, available from the start of the raid. They offer a reliable escape route, provided you can reach them safely.
- Railway Exfiltration (USEC and BEAR): Located on the southwestern side of the map, near the railway tracks. Walk to the end of the train tracks to extract. This is very easily camped, and one of the most popular extraction points in the game.
- Road to Customs (USEC and BEAR): Situated at the edge of the map near the construction. Be wary of snipers as you approach and be prepared to run a gauntlet of players.
- Scav Camp: Located on the east side of the map, near the construction area. Watch for snipers from the windows, and the surrounding area is often hotly contested by Scavs and PMCs alike.
Conditional Extracts – Meeting the Requirements
These extracts demand that you meet specific criteria before they become available. Be prepared with the necessary items or complete any quests required to open them.
- Sewage Manhole: Found in the southern area of the map near the sewers. You will need the Emergency Provisions extract for this extract to become available. Approach the manhole cover on the side of the road and interact with it. Beware of potential ambushes.
- Heating Pipe: Located in the northern part of the map, near the construction. Requires the Heating Pipe extract. This extract allows for quick escapes, however, the limited cover means players are heavily exposed.
- Exfil To Factory: Located in the east of the map near the train tracks, available at the end of the raid. This extract requires the player to make it to the end of the map. However, once there, players can quickly extract with ease.
- Lighthouse Extract: Located on the northeast of the map, you can only use this extract if you have the lighthouse extract enabled. This allows players the ability to quickly extract. However, the high value locations make this a high risk and high reward extract.
Cooperative Extracts – Working Together
These require cooperation with another player to utilize. Communication and trust are paramount, and this may come at an unexpected cost.
- Outskirts: Located on the eastern part of the map. Requires interaction with another player, in either a PMC or Scav. Watch for ambushes by the person you are extracting with, as these can also be used to bait other players.
- Garage: Located on the west side of the map, requires interaction with another PMC or Scav. This is often a high-risk area, so be sure to keep an eye on your surroundings.
Crafting an Effective Extract Strategy
A successful extraction doesn’t happen by chance; it requires deliberate planning and adaptability.
Pre-Raid Preparations
Before venturing into Streets of Tarkov, gather crucial information. Research the map’s extract points based on your faction and current loadout. Determine whether you have any keys or other required items. Knowing the map’s layout, the location of potential threats, and the routes to each extract will give you a significant advantage.
In-Raid Decisions
The extraction landscape can change rapidly. Assess the situation. Consider your proximity to other players, the intensity of the firefights, and the location of loot. Balancing the risk and reward is vital. Choose the best time to move toward your chosen extract, bearing in mind that the longer you spend in a raid, the higher the chances of encountering hostile players.
Teamwork and Coordination
For cooperative extracts, communication is crucial. Establish clear signals, designate roles, and develop a plan of action. Coordinate your positions to maximize awareness and watch for threats. The success of a cooperative extract rests upon trust and cooperation.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even the most seasoned players sometimes make mistakes.
Rushing Extracts
Don’t immediately head for an extract. Thoroughly check the area for other players before approaching, who may be camping, or planning to engage with you.
Failure to Recognize Requirements
Failing to meet the requirements of a conditional extract is a common mistake. Double-check the extract requirements. Prepare the keys, items, or complete the necessary tasks before setting off.
Underestimating Threats
The open environment of Streets of Tarkov makes you vulnerable. Don’t underestimate potential ambush spots. Be vigilant. Use cover, and listen for footsteps and gunshots to stay one step ahead.
Ignoring Audio Cues
Audio cues are invaluable. Listen for the sounds of other players, their movements, and gunshots. Use this information to anticipate and mitigate risk.
Making Use of External Tools
Enhance your extract knowledge by utilizing third-party resources. Many interactive maps and websites offer real-time extract information. These resources show you the locations of extracts, indicate when they are available, and provide valuable data on player spawns. While relying on these resources, integrate them into your planning to provide a smoother and safer experience.
Concluding Thoughts
Mastering the art of extraction is a journey. By learning extract locations, understanding their requirements, and developing a sound strategy, you can significantly increase your survival rate. Be patient, learn from your mistakes, and adapt your tactics to the ever-evolving dynamics of Streets of Tarkov. As you become more familiar with the map, you’ll be better equipped to make sound decisions and escape with your loot.
Remember, the key to successful extraction is a combination of knowledge, preparation, and adaptability.
Call to Action
Now that you have a better understanding of Streets of Tarkov extracts, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below.
Also, be sure to check out our other guides for more Tarkov strategies. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Escape From Tarkov content!
