Tarkov Woods Map: A Comprehensive Guide for Survival and Loot
Introduction
Escape from Tarkov, a name synonymous with intense realism, brutal difficulty, and heart-pounding survival. In this unforgiving world, few locations demand respect quite like Woods. One of the original maps in EFT, Woods presents a unique challenge, a sprawling landscape of dense forests, treacherous open fields, and concealed dangers. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Tarkov Woods map, offering invaluable insights into navigation, lucrative loot locations, potential threats, and essential survival strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit venturing into the wilderness for the first time, this guide will empower you to navigate the Tarkov Woods map with confidence and increase your chances of extracting with valuable loot and your life intact.
Woods Map Unveiled
The Tarkov Woods map is characterized by its diverse terrain. Predominantly a vast forested area, the map also features open meadows, a serene lake, and clusters of small settlements. The overall layout is relatively sprawling, lacking the tight corridors of Interchange or Labs, but it is fraught with its own peril. Players will find themselves traversing across large open spaces, requiring them to consider their positioning and be mindful of sightlines. Chokepoints such as the Sawmill and the bridge near USEC camp, where encounters are common, demand heightened vigilance. The flow of the map tends to funnel players towards key locations, increasing the potential for engagements. Therefore, mastering the Tarkov Woods map means understanding its varied landscape and predicting where encounters are most probable.
Navigating Key Locations
The Tarkov Woods map is peppered with locations that hold significance, either for their strategic value or the potential for loot. Understanding these locations is crucial for survival and success.
Sawmill
Perhaps the most iconic location on Woods, the Sawmill is a hive of activity and danger. Renowned for high-value loot spawns and consistent player traffic, it’s a guaranteed hotspot. Expect intense firefights, especially around the main building and the lumber piles. Shturman, the Woods boss, often roams this area, accompanied by his guards, making it even more perilous, but rewarding for those who dare to challenge him.
USEC Camp
Situated on the western edge of the map, the USEC Camp is a relic of a previous conflict. It contains a series of abandoned structures, providing cover and concealment. The camp is known to spawn a good assortment of medical supplies, provisions, and weapon parts. Keep a keen eye out for hidden stashes scattered around the area.
Sniper Rock
Located to the northeast of the Sawmill, Sniper Rock is a prominent landmark, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area. It’s a favorite spot for snipers, offering excellent sightlines across the landscape. Use caution when traversing the area, as you’re likely to be targeted from this vantage point.
Abandoned Village
To the south, nestled within the dense woods, lies an Abandoned Village. This derelict community offers a mix of loot, including food, clothing, and crafting materials. The scattered houses and structures provide ample cover, but also create opportunities for ambushes.
Attachment Cabin
Found towards the center of the map, the Attachment Cabin is a small, unassuming structure. However, it holds a secret. This cabin is known to spawn weapons and weapon attachments, making it a valuable spot for equipping yourself. Be cautious, as the limited cover can make you vulnerable to attack.
Emercom Checkpoint
A significant location, it sits at the eastern edge of the Tarkov Woods map. Guarded by both Scavs and occasional PMC’s, it offers potential loot but is often contested.
Old Station
Providing a degree of concealment and multiple access points, the Old Station is an area of interest that can attract various players who know the Woods map.
Lumber Yard
Offering several access points and lootable containers, the Lumber Yard can act as a popular location for Scav’s and PMC’s alike to navigate.
Scav House
A small but valuable locale, the Scav house is a high traffic point offering average loot, but a generally safe haven from other PMCs.
ZBL Station
Typically providing fuel and medical supplies, the ZBL station is a worthwhile location to investigate for supplies when playing on the Woods map.
Finding Extraction Points
Extracting successfully is paramount in Escape from Tarkov. The Tarkov Woods map features a number of extraction points, but they vary in availability and requirements.
All Extraction Points
Familiarize yourself with all possible extraction points, including those that are conditional. Some extracts require specific keys, items, or are only available for certain factions (PMC vs. Scav). Clear instruction on how to locate the landmarks needed to guide you to safety are always useful.
PMC versus Scav Extracts
Keep in mind that some extractions are only available for PMCs, others for Scavs. Having this knowledge is imperative to completing a raid successfully.
Securing Valuable Loot
The Tarkov Woods map offers a variety of opportunities for securing valuable loot. From hidden stashes to high-traffic areas, understanding where to look is key to building your wealth.
High-Value Loot Areas
Focus your attention on areas known for high-value loot spawns, such as tech spawns, weapon crates, and medical supplies. Consider any key requirements to access these areas, such as locked rooms requiring keys.
Common Loot Distribution
Understand the types of loot commonly found in different areas of the map. For example, expect to find food and provisions in the Abandoned Village, while weapon parts are more likely to be found around the Sawmill.
Hidden Stashes
The Tarkov Woods map is riddled with hidden stashes, concealed beneath the forest floor. Learn to recognize the subtle signs that indicate a stash location, such as disturbed earth or unnatural rock formations.
Navigating Dangers and Enemies
Woods is a dangerous place, teeming with AI Scavs, player-controlled PMCs, and the formidable boss, Shturman. Understanding the threats is essential for survival.
AI Scavs
The Tarkov Woods map is populated by AI Scavs, who patrol the area in groups. They are typically armed with basic weapons and pose a moderate threat. Be aware of their patrol routes and avoid engaging them unnecessarily.
Boss: Shturman
Shturman is the boss of Woods, typically found around the Sawmill. He is armed with a high-powered weapon and accompanied by a squad of heavily armed guards. Shturman is a formidable opponent, so approach him with caution.
PMC Encounters
The Tarkov Woods map is a popular destination for player-controlled PMCs, who are often seeking loot or hunting for other players. Be aware of popular PMC routes and ambush spots.
Environmental Hazards
The Tarkov Woods map also presents several environmental hazards, such as steep cliffs and open areas vulnerable to snipers. Use caution when traversing these areas.
Mastering Survival Strategies
Surviving on the Tarkov Woods map requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and strategy. Here are some essential survival tips to improve your chances of extracting successfully.
Navigation
The Tarkov Woods map can be disorienting, especially for new players. Utilize online maps and compasses to orient yourself. Learn to recognize key landmarks that can be used for navigation.
Movement and Positioning
Move strategically, using cover and concealment effectively. Avoid open areas when possible, as they make you an easy target.
Gear Recommendations
Select your gear carefully, considering the environment and potential threats. A good headset is essential for hearing enemy footsteps, while a mid-range scope can provide a tactical advantage in engagements.
Early-Game Strategies
If you’re just starting out on Woods, focus on looting less contested areas and avoiding high-risk zones. Prioritize gathering basic supplies and extracting safely.
Completing Quests on Woods
Woods is the location for many quests, both early and late in the game. Knowing the requirements and locations can save valuable time and effort.
Quest Overview
Many quests take place on the Tarkov Woods map. Learning these can dramatically improve your financial situation.
Example Quests
“Shootout Picnic”, “The Tarkov Shooter”, and “Delivery from the Past” all require players to visit and complete objectives on the Tarkov Woods Map.
Conclusion
The Tarkov Woods map is a challenging but rewarding location in Escape from Tarkov. By mastering the map layout, understanding the loot spawns, and adapting to the threats, you can significantly increase your chances of survival and extract with valuable gear. Remember to prioritize preparation, maintain constant awareness, and exercise patience. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and soon you’ll be navigating the Tarkov Woods map with confidence and reaping the rewards that await. Good luck, and may your raids be profitable!
