The Genius Behind Tarkov's Beginner Friendly Map

Ground Zero is Escape From Tarkov’s Newest map addition into the game, and the goal of Ground Zero is to be more of an introductory level into the game for new players to become familiar with Tarkov’s mechanic, level design, and general map flow. And while there are some small issues that could still be ironed out, the map itself is a great addition to the game, and a solid start for those who might be new or long-term players revisiting after many years of not playing. I’ve praised BSG’s level design in Tarkov for many years, but Ground Zero kind of takes it to another level. From the actual layout of the map to the subtle storytelling and hints that are sprinkled throughout the whole level, it can be easy to miss some of these, and not appreciate the level of detail that went into the map, especially the ones that are targeted directly at the new players. So, I wanted to talk about Ground Zero and how not only it’s a wonderful level in the more generic sense, but how the map gives you tons of hints, clues, and insight into other mechanics that reside within Tarkov and its other locations, that you will absolutely experience later down the line the longer you play.

For instance, one of the extractions requires you to shoot off a green flare in order to not die to the invisible sniper that watches it. But what Ground Zero does is have a static dead scav right next to the extract that always spawns with a green flare. So, if you are the first one to loot him, you and your entire team can extract safely which also alludes to the same style of extraction on Streets. Even though on that map you need to bring your own green flare, at least on Ground Zero there is a means to leave from that location should you be the first one over there. Nakatani basement is also another great extract because the building has a large neon sign adorned at the top of it, so you know exactly what you’re looking for. It also means that the game is willing to give you context clues to points of interest across the game, if you are willing to look around and find it.

Perception is required to be successful in Tarkov, and Ground Zero does its best to put this mentality at the forefront of its design and layout. The only section of the map that has any semblance of a medical station set up, also just so happens to be the Emercom extract, for both PMC and scav alike. It also helps with one of the first new quests added to the game that takes place on Ground Zero, “Saving the Mole”. Requiring you to locate the PMC group in the TerraGroup parking garage. The garage where this quest starts is right next door from the Emercom extraction, which makes it easy to get your bearings on that half of the map. Ground Zero is littered with other dead PMC bodies. Static, but they tell a story two-fold; that this world is dangerous and should be proceeded with caution, and that no matter where you are in Tarkov, death lurks around every corner. And it can happen to anyone, even you. Some are in rather inconspicuous locations, but they are placed there for a reason, and could allude to something more... destructive lurking ahead. The bodies also leave a paper trail towards the next section of that quest which is finding the scientist and looting his body for a key that unlocks a door on the second floor of the building. The path for this quest just makes sense visually when you look at it. A simple line that takes you deeper into the TerraGroup building. It gets you paying attention to your surroundings and if you actually read the flavor text of the quests you accept, they sometimes fill you in on the details of what it is you’re looking for. There are even actual maps on the level that can assist you if you are lost and need to figure out where you are. There were plenty of screenshots of players utilizing these together, and it was kind of a wholesome moment.

> This map also introduces you to the traps and tricks that Tarkov has on offer to kill you. Mines, claymores, turrets and the like are all laid out on this map, to get you familiar with the dangers that exist, not including AI or other players. In fact, one of the PMC spawns is right next to some landmines. So, if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up walking straight into one. Don’t worry, because one mine won’t kill you. But two will. And claymores... well... that’s a one shot. Better to learn now than later when you have a LEDX on you.

Another important lesson from Ground Zero is how newer tasks will require you to locate an item on the map, but it can spawn in multiple different locations. Prapor’s quest Luxurious Life requires you to find a bottle of wine in Skyside Business Center building, directly across from TerraGroup, but inside the bar, the bottle can spawn in one of six different locations. Get used to this, because some quests will have item spawns in the double digits. There is also another quest from Skier to simply take the car extract. A paid extract that has a one-minute count down before leaving. You can walk away from the van and find a defensive position to hold, but if that countdown hits zero and you are not next to the car, it will leave without you. So, you need to be constantly looking at your extracts to see what the timer is at. This also alerts the entire map that you have paid for the car, because the extract will highlight green as it counts down and then it will turn red once it has left. So, this is an early way of figuring out if the car has already left or is in the process of leaving and you still have time to get a cheeky kill.

Other than that, there are just tons of markings across the map; giving you clues on where points of interest might be. Spray painted signs and arrows giving you a heads up on what’s approaching. Signs with skulls telling you mines or some sort of danger is imminent. And crosshair signs letting you know that advancing forward will lead you into sniper fire. Ground Zero is not the only map to have these littered throughout, but as the newest map and a supposed introductory for new players, BSG taking the time to include every possible way of giving the player information in the world while also having it feel grounded and lore accurate speaks volumes to how meticulous they were with the map. BSG has always knocked their level design out of the park; regardless of whether or not you enjoy playing a map, contextually, visually and design-wise, every map they have made is S-tier. SO much care and attention to every nook and cranny. Maybe a little too much sometimes, because all the loose debris and trash on the ground may be hampering performance, but I digress.

I hope I was able to get across how awesome Ground Zero is from a design perspective. Because out of all the maps in the game, this one takes the cake for having some of the most interesting and useful information injected directly into the map itself. That’s not to knock all the other maps in the game they are all wonderful. But something about GZ and knowing it was made to try and assist new players learn some of the subtle storytelling Tarkov has to offer, while also letting them experience all the different mechanics for extraction, very much so gets kudos from me. Now again, balance and how it plays very much differs from design. Maybe too many PMCs on the map, maybe being allowed to play offline Ground Zero and have your progress saved until level 5 wouldn’t be a bad idea. But that is not for me to decide. Either way, Ground Zero is awesome, and just another example of BSGs industry-wide top tier level design and subtle storytelling. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to watch this video. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on Ground Zero as a map, its design, how it plays and be sure to subscribe for more videos going over how genuinely elite Tarkov’s maps truly are. I hope to see you in future ones.