The Interchange map in Escape from Tarkov is a large, complex area centered around a shopping mall that includes the stores IDEA, OLI, and Goshan.
It is designed to resemble a modern urban environment and is one of the most popular maps due to its lucrative loot, hidden stashes, and challenging layout.
Here’s a guide to help players understand the key features, strategies, and areas of interest on Interchange.
Overview of the Interchange Map
Interchange connects the industrial outskirts of Tarkov to the city’s port, making it a strategic location for players to raid.
The map’s centerpiece is the three-story mall, which is surrounded by an open parking lot. The mall itself is filled with various stores and long corridors that make navigation challenging for newcomers.
The darkness inside the mall, especially at night, adds an extra layer of difficulty, as players need to use tactical flashlights or night vision goggles to see clearly.
Important Areas: IDEA, OLI, and Goshan
The mall is divided into three main areas:
IDEA: A hardware and furniture store resembling IKEA. It has wide aisles and storage sections that are excellent for looting industrial and tech items.
OLI: Another large store located at the opposite end of the mall. It offers a variety of tools, mechanical parts, and electronics, making it a hotspot for finding valuable items.
Goshan: A supermarket located between IDEA and OLI. Here, players can find food, drinks, and various miscellaneous items. The back storage areas are popular for looting electronics and medical supplies.
These main areas are easy to spot due to their large signs, which serve as landmarks to help players orient themselves inside the mall.
Extraction Points and Hidden Stashes
Interchange has several extraction points, each with different requirements:
Railway Exfil and Emercom Checkpoint are the main exits available for most players.
The Power Station V-Ex requires players to pay 5,000 Roubles for extraction. This exit is useful but can be dangerous due to frequent player activity.
Saferoom Exfil is a unique extraction that requires specific steps: activating the power, using a keycard, and accessing the room through a hidden mechanism in the Burger Spot.
Outside the mall, there are numerous hidden stashes where players can find valuable loot. These stashes are typically located around the parking area and along the map’s perimeter, making them good targets for players who prefer safer loot runs.
The Raid Boss: Killa
Killa is a fearsome AI-controlled boss on Interchange, known for his heavy armor and powerful weaponry. He spawns in various locations within the mall, including around the escalators and in the back storage areas.
Players must be cautious when looting in these areas, as Killa’s aggressive behavior and ability to chase players make him a significant threat. The best strategy is to either avoid areas where he is known to spawn or engage him with a well-prepared loadout.
Strategies for Surviving Interchange
Learn the Layout: Familiarize yourself with the map in offline mode. Focus on the mall’s three main sections and practice navigating the smaller shops and hallways.
Use Landmarks: The large signs for IDEA, OLI, and Goshan are useful for orienting yourself. Escalators and staircases can also serve as navigation aids.
Avoid Dark Corners: Due to the map’s low lighting, players often hide in dark areas. Use tactical gear such as flashlights or night vision to avoid ambushes.
Loot and Leave Quickly: Interchange can be a hotspot for player-versus-player combat, especially near high-value loot areas. Plan your loot runs and extraction routes in advance to minimize risk.
Key Loot Locations
The best loot spots on Interchange include:
Kiba Outlet: A gun store that contains rare weapon attachments and firearms. However, it requires two keys to unlock.
Techlight and Techno: These electronics stores frequently spawn graphics cards, SSDs, and other valuable tech items.
IDEA and OLI back storage areas: Ideal for finding industrial items, tools, and mechanical components.
Final Tips
Understanding the layout and danger zones of the Interchange map is crucial for survival. Start with safer routes around the perimeter and work your way into the mall as you gain confidence.
Use landmarks to stay oriented, be mindful of other players and Killa’s location, and learn the extraction points thoroughly. Whether you are looting for profit or completing quests, mastering Interchange will significantly improve your gameplay experience.
FAQs
Q: What are some of the most popular Escape from Tarkov Interchange map guides?
Tarkov Interchange Map Guide – EscapefromTarkov.com
Escape from Tarkov Interchange Map Guide – YouTube
Escape from Tarkov Interchange Map Guide – Reddit
Q: What is the Interchange map?
A: The Interchange map is a large indoor shopping mall in Escape from Tarkov. It is one of the most popular maps in the game, due to its many loot spawns and challenging layout.
Q: How do I get to the Interchange map?
A: You can access the Interchange map by completing the “Scav Island” quest. Alternatively, you can purchase a keycard from other players or find one in the game world.
Q: Where are the best loot spawns on the Interchange map?
A: There are many good loot spawns on the Interchange map, but some of the best include:
The Killa’s Office: This room contains a high-value loot container and is often guarded by Killa, a powerful NPC.
The Supermarket: The Supermarket is a large area with many shelves and counters that contain a variety of loot.
The Mall Atrium: The Mall Atrium is a central hub where players often meet and fight. It also contains some good loot spawns.
The Shooting Range: The Shooting Range is a good place to find weapons and ammunition.
Q: How do I navigate the Interchange map?
A: The Interchange map can be confusing to navigate, as it is large and has many levels. It is important to learn the layout of the map and the locations of the different landmarks. You can also use the map’s minimap to help you navigate.
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