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The Tarkov Handbook

Ground Zero

3D

The intended starting map for new PMCs, with early-task items, low-to-mid tier loot, and a good place to learn core mechanics.

Map

Features & Notes

  • Stationary AGS-30 30x29mm automatic grenade launchers and NSV Utyos 12.7x108 heavy machine guns.
  • Minefields, Claymores, and Border Snipers — be aware of all three.
  • Matchmaking is split into beginners (Level <21) and experienced players (Level 21+); groups match by their highest-level member.
  • Experienced matchmaking adds a chance at rarer loot, tougher SCAVs, and Cultist spawns.

Bosses

Cultist Priest

Cultist Priest

~25–30% Spawn 850 HP

Has to be expected everywhere (level 21+ raids only)

Leads knife-wielding warriors in stealth, poison, and ambush encounters; footsteps are quieter and they resist thermals. Use high caution in dark approaches, avoid blind corners, and prioritize eliminating followers to isolate the leader. A knife hit inflicts the Unknown toxin (140 HP/min DoT) — carry an xTG-12 or Perfotoran injector.

Cultist knife

Followers: 3–4 Cultist Warriors

PMC-Only Extracts

Mira Ave

Flare Required

Flare extract: shoot a green flare (RSP-30 or 26x75mm signal pistol) into the sky inside the signal area to open it for your whole group. The Scav body against the yellow bus at the extract spawns one flare every raid.

Police Cordon V-Ex

Paid · Single-Use

Just south of the Terragroup HQ at the north end of the map. Costs 5,000 Roubles per player (fee scales with Scav karma), max 4 players, single-use. Border snipers cover the vehicle.

Shared Extracts

Emercom Checkpoint

No requirements.

Nakatani Basement Stairs

In the basement of the Nakatani building. No requirements.

Tartowers Sales Office

Code Word

Requires a note with the code word "Adaptation."

Co-op Extract

Scav Checkpoint

Requires a Scav and a PMC together in the exit zone to activate.

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SCAV-Only Extracts

Ground Zero's wiki extraction table lists no SCAV-only extracts as of this writing — SCAVs use the same Emercom Checkpoint, Nakatani Basement Stairs, and Tartowers Sales Office extracts shared with PMCs.

Transits

Always available, not single-use, but only usable starting 1 minute after raid start.

Transit Notes
Transit to Streets of Tarkov Next to the Mira Ave extraction.