Escape from Tarkov Interchange Map Beginner's Guide

Located at the crossroads of Tarkov’s main transport lines, the Interchange map serves as the key link between the city’s port and its industrial outskirts (featured as the Customs in-game). At its center lies the massive “ULTRA” shopping complex, packed with dozens of smaller stores offering provisions, medicine, jewelry, weapons, and electronics, along with three large hypermarkets (Goshan, OLI, and IDEA). The first floor of the mall is patrolled by the Scav Boss Killa — a heavily armed and armored opponent who poses a major danger even to well-geared players. Defeating him yields some of the most valuable and durable gear in Escape from Tarkov, including the Maska 1Sch helmet (Killa version) with a face shield and a customized variant of the 6B13 M assault armor. Thanks to the loot density and Killa’s presence, the Interchange map has become a hotspot for squads, making it particularly risky for solo raiders. Each raid on Interchange lasts 55 minutes, supports 9 to 14 players, and includes numerous Scav spawns throughout the zone.

Here is a summary of what to expect when running a raid on the Interchange map:

• Expect high-intensity PvP fights at medium-to-close range, with occasional long-range duels down corridors. Solo players are at a disadvantage; squads of two or three fare far better.
• Looting potential is high even without preparation, and extraordinary if you possess KIBA keys and know prime loot locations.
• A great opportunity to raise the Attention skill by looting dozens of cash registers (18 in OLI, 20 in IDEA, and 27 in Goshan).

Points of Interest

The Interchange map offers plenty of areas to explore, from the Power Station to the sprawling shopping mall filled with countless stores and the three major hypermarkets: IDEA, OLI, and Goshan. Below are notable locations and their potential loot.

Note1: Left-clicking on the map will open the full-size version in a new tab.

Note2: This guide will be expanded with more detail over time as additional points of interest are added or separated.

1. Power Station

The Power Station once powered the ULTRA mall. It features a large main building alongside smaller shacks and maintenance structures. This site is also an extraction point — via the black SUV at the back, which costs 3000 Roubles (obtainable from cash registers or brought in advance). This extract is single-use, so it may not be available if already used.

Location: North-east part of the Interchange map, near IDEA. Marked as number “3” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Main building: multiple Toolboxes, Fuel Conditioner spawns, lootable Jackets.
• Office: four PC blocks, a File Cabinet, Jackets, electronics.
• Shacks: Toolboxes.

2. IDEA

The IDEA store is a budget furniture retailer clearly inspired by a Swedish brand. It holds a wide variety of industrial and hardware loot.

Location: Northern part of the mall, first floor, just southwest of the Power Station. Marked as “3” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Rare spawns such as Lion and Cat statues scattered on shelves.
• Multiple Toolboxes and industrial items.
• 20 Cash Registers (key spawns inside the bus parked north of IDEA).
• Storage: electronics and industrial loot.
• Office cubicles: PC blocks, tech loot, Duffle Bag.

3. OLI

OLI, modeled after major European home improvement chains, is a treasure trove of materials required for Hideout upgrades.

Location: Southern part of the mall, first floor, northwest of Emercom Checkpoint. Marked as “3” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Industrial and building supplies like hoses, propane, car batteries, Gas Analyzers.
• 18 Cash Registers (register key is in OLI’s logistics office).
• PC Blocks in OLI offices (keys required for certain rooms).

4. Goshan

Goshan, inspired by a French hypermarket chain, is the largest store in ULTRA and ideal for farming provisions and leveling Attention skill with its numerous cash registers.

Location: Western section of the ULTRA mall, first floor. Marked as “4” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Front shelves: provisions, including Tushonka.
• 27 Cash Registers (require Goshan key found on Customs in a white bus near the new Gas Station).
• Weapon Boxes scattered throughout the store and warehouse.
• Lockers: rare spawns like Bitcoins, Gold Chains, Rolex watches.
• Back shelves: tech loot like Car Batteries, Gun Powder, Screwdrivers.

5. KIBA

KIBA is the ultimate weapons store, packed with firearms, mods, and gear. It is one of the most contested locations on the Interchange map, with squad skirmishes almost guaranteed. Killa frequently patrols this area.

Keys Required:

• KIBA 2 (grate door) – reward from Mechanic’s Gunsmith Part 11 quest or via Flea Market.
• KIBA (store door) – spawns in Goshan at a campsite behind a tent.

Location: Central mall, first floor, first store on the left in the right-hand corridor. Marked as “5” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Fully-kitted weapon spawns (AK-74N, M4A1, Shotguns).
• Weapon mods and attachments on shelves and cabinets.
• Grenades in a box near the counter.
• Weapon cabinet, registers, loose cash, Weapon Crates.
• Possible armor and helmet spawns (Sphere-S, Gen4, etc.).

6. Generic

Generic is an abandoned store fortified during the EMERCOM evacuation. Despite being looted initially, it remains a valuable source of gear left behind. Located close to KIBA, caution is advised as Killa may patrol nearby.

Location: First floor, next to KIBA, near southern staircase. Marked as “5” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Grenade crate outside the entrance.
• Three Weapon Crates, a Weapon Cabinet inside.
• Rare spawns like jewelry in the back area.

7. EMERCOM

The EMERCOM Medical Unit offers medical loot but requires a key (MES). The key spawns on Customs in an ambulance near the new Gas Station.

Location: Northern mall, first floor, past Mantis on the left. Marked as “7” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Loose medical items.
• Three Medbags.
• A Jacket and a Weapon Crate.

8. Mantis

Mantis was turned into a field hospital during evacuation and still contains medical loot. Killa often roams this vicinity.

Location: Central mall, first floor, left corridor, northwest of KIBA. Marked as “8” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• Three Medbags, medical supplies, and possible Gold Chain spawn.
• Two Jackets and a Duffle Bag.

9. ADIK

ADIK is a shoe and apparel store modeled after a popular Slavic clothing brand, famously tied to the Adik Tracksuit. It is loosely linked to Ragman’s Stylish One quest requiring 100 Killa kills. Killa may also patrol nearby.

Location: First floor, north-west of the southern escalator, in the same corridor as Generic. Marked as “9” on the map.

Possible Loot:

• A Weapon Box, three Jackets, a Duffle Bag.
• Occasional spawns for hats, backpacks, and armor.

Conclusion

Escape from Tarkov is notoriously difficult with a steep learning curve. This Interchange map guide is designed to help newcomers who struggle with their first raids. We hope it provides clear insights into loot, locations, and survival strategies. If you notice missing details or have feedback, Gamer Choice welcomes your comments to further improve future guides.