Escape From Tarkov Ground Zero Map Guide

Welcome all new survivors and returning veterans after the most recent wipe. This latest update is unique because it changes the way everyone begins their journey. Today, we’re presenting you with the updated Escape from Tarkov Ground Zero map guide. Here, we’ll cover the key details that every player must know—how to extract, how to handle the first quests, and a handful of useful tips and tricks to make your first runs smoother. Ready? Let’s dive right in!

First off, the Ground Zero map isn’t just a regular new location. It is the mandatory starting map after a wipe, meaning your first trader quests will all send you here. This area was specifically created to ease beginners into Tarkov’s brutal gameplay. To achieve this, the map is limited to players under level 20, while Scavs are able to visit at any time. It contains nearly all the core mechanics featured on other maps, which makes it the perfect tutorial ground. We’re going to break it all down for you now.

Ground Zero Map Quests

Starting in patch 0.14, you’ll have brand-new early-game quests to complete on the Ground Zero map. Here’s the list of what you’ll encounter:

• Skier’s “Burning Rubber” – you’ll be given 5000 rubles and tasked with using the paid SUV extraction.
• Therapist’s “First In Line” – you must find the medical station and bring back any 3 medical items.
• Prapor’s “Shooting Cans” – kill 5 enemies (either Scavs or PMCs) on Ground Zero.
• Mechanic’s “Saving The Mole” – locate the missing scientist and recover his hard drive.
• Prapor’s “Luxurious Life” – a quest on this map that requires you to locate a liquor store.

These are the core Ground Zero map quests, and now we’ll walk you through how to complete each one in detail.

Burning Rubber Quest Guide

This is likely the simplest quest you’ll encounter. All you need to do is locate the black SUV extraction and use it. Just like with other paid extracts, this one is available regardless of spawn location, though only one player can use it per raid. After paying, you must wait 60 seconds before leaving—longer than the usual 15-second extracts.

The SUV extract for this quest is called the Police Checkpoint. You’ll find it at the end of the road between the Terragroup building and the Empire building. Stand at the Terragroup main entrance, and look to the right side. There you’ll see the black SUV with glowing rear lights, marking your exit.

First In Line Quest Guide

This quest requires you to locate the Emercom Station, which doubles as an extraction point.

To find it, head behind the Skyside building, directly across from the Terragroup entrance. Face the Terragroup building, then turn left and follow the street. At the end, turn left again until you spot the Unity Credit Bank on your right. The Emercom checkpoint is in the parking lot just in front of the bank. Approaching the location will complete the objective. To use this extraction, go near the bank’s entrance—look for the body lying to the left of the door.

The second part of the quest requires you to hand over 3 medical items. You can loot these or take them off other players. To find them yourself, check the following:

• The Emercom station itself
• Dead bodies scattered around the streets
• Upper floors of nearby office buildings

There aren’t many hidden stashes on the Ground Zero map, so you should easily find enough items to complete the quest.

Shooting Cans Quest Guide

This mission puts you in firefights. Fortunately, players here won’t have top-tier gear, so you’ll be on more even footing. If you’re hunting PMCs, your best bet is to camp or patrol quest-related areas, since other players will also be heading there.

For Scavs, check these likely spawn zones:

• In front of the Terragroup main entrance
• Underground parking areas
• The Empire building
• The Fusion building
• Main roads connecting the four major structures

This quest also requires visiting two stationary weapon emplacements:

• AGS grenade launcher – located on the second floor of the Capital building. Enter, head right, and take the escalator up. Go up the stairs, then check the second office on the left. The launcher covers the road leading to the Terragroup building.

• Utyos machine gun – located on the fifth floor of the Empire building. Enter through the main doors, head behind reception, and take the stairs. You’ll need to crawl through barbed wire on the staircase. Once on the fifth floor, turn left then right, and the machine gun will be waiting, aimed at the Terragroup building entrance.

Saving the Mole Quest Guide

For this quest, head into the Terragroup building. You’ll need to complete several steps:

1. Enter either through the lobby or underground parking.
2. Head behind the reception desk, near the giant cat statue. At the end of the hallway blocked by rubble, you’ll find the dead scientist with a key.
3. Return to the lobby, then go upstairs to the second floor. Turn right to find offices numbered 3 and 4. Use the key to unlock office 4. Inside, a desk with two monitors holds the hard drive.

Tip: You can skip the key by entering office 3 (the cafeteria). Climb onto the windowsill, exit through the window, and cross to office 4. Smash the glass with your knife to enter. Remember, you’ll need to exit the same way since the door won’t unlock from inside.

Luxurious Life Quest Guide

This one is straightforward. Locate ASAP Winery, which sits near the Skyside building, just across from the Terragroup complex.

Extraction Points

Extraction is how you survive raids and bring your loot home. Your available exits depend on spawn location, but you’ll usually have to cross the Ground Zero map to escape. The exits include both regular and conditional ones. Two notable examples are:

• A co-op extract that requires teaming up with a Scav player
• A special extract requiring a flare to activate

Extraction	Requirements	Notes
Nakatani Basement Stairs	Available based on your spawn point	Nakatani building is situated on the edge of the map. Inside, you will find the lobby with elevators, and at the end, there will be stairs. Use them to go down to find the extraction.
Police Cordon V-Ex	5000 Roubles per player, Maximum of 4 players	The exit is to the right side of the Terragroup entrance. Look for the black SUV parked on the road.
Emercom Checkpoint	Available based on your spawn point	The exit is behind the Skyside in the Unity Credit Bank
Mira Ave	Use either: - Handheld RSP-30 green flare - Signal pistol fired 26x75mm green flare	Turn around, facing the entrance of the Terragroup, and use the main road to go down the street and then turn right. You’ll see signs saying that you need to use the flair.
Scav Checkpoint (Co-op)	Scav + PMC	This exit requires at least two players, one has to be a Scav and the other PMC. This exit is located on the opposite side of the Emercome Checkpoint exit.

If you learn your way around the Terragroup building, you’ll be able to find your extraction routes without much trouble.

F.A.Q.

How Many Exists Are On The Ground Zero Map in Tarkov?

The map features 5 extraction points, though you won’t always have access to all of them. Which exits you can use depends on your spawn location and faction. You can always confirm your active exits by checking the in-game extraction list.

Where To Find the AGS Grenade Launcher and Utyos Machine Gun on Ground Zero?

The AGS grenade launcher can be found inside the Capital building on the second floor, positioned in one of the offices. The Utyos heavy machine gun is located in the Empire building, also on the second floor, overlooking the surrounding area.

Where to Find the Key to the Office in the Terragroup Building?

You’ll find the scientist’s body on the ground floor of the Terragroup building. Head past the lobby to a hallway blocked with debris—this is where the key is located.

Is There A Paid Extraction on Ground Zero Map in EFT?

Yes, the paid extract is at the Police Checkpoint. To use it, you must pay 5000 rubles and wait for 60 seconds by the black SUV before extraction is complete.

What Is the Level Limit For the Ground Zero Map In Escape From Tarkov?

This location is restricted to PMC players under level 20. However, Scavs can enter and play on the map without any level restrictions.

Conclusion

The Ground Zero map is designed as the introductory battleground for Escape from Tarkov. It introduces players to their very first quests, which are relatively simple by Tarkov’s standards but can still be confusing without guidance. If you’re unfamiliar with the layout, quest objectives may seem overwhelming at first. That’s why this Gamer Choice guide exists—to help you master the basics and confidently complete your early objectives. Understanding extractions is equally important, as they dictate your survival. With this walkthrough, you now have the knowledge to make your first raids on the Ground Zero map far less stressful and much more rewarding.