Interchange is one of Escape from Tarkov’s more dynamic and rewarding interchange map tarkov since it caters to high-risk combat and opportunistic looting opportunities. It takes place in a giant empty mall with three major stores – IDEA, OLI , and Goshan -and several smaller ones containing loot to delve into. The low light levels throughout lead to hyper close quarters combat, while the parking lot and power plant exterior compound offer multiple strategic options.
What set Interchange apart was the mixture of PvE and PvP challenges. Players will battle enemy PMCs and the heavily armoured Scav boss Killa, who stalks the mall with deadly accuracy. The map’s power dynamics compound another level, because turning on the power station will open high-value areas like Kiba Arms and Ultra Medical.
This map can be a bit overwhelming for new players, as it is large and quite dark. But learning this map and how to loot it can yield some of the best rewards in Tarkov. You’ll never forget this card for a moment when hunting for rare electronics or questing after a quest, fighting a hard battle.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Map Name | Interchange |
| Location | Tarkov, Russia (fictional) |
| Map Type | Indoor shopping mall with outdoor areas |
| Main Stores | IDEA, OLI, Goshan, Techlight, Kiba Arms |
| Scav Boss | Killa (heavy armor, RPK-16) |
| Best Loot Spots | Tech stores, Kiba Arms, Ultra Medical |
| Key Mechanics | Power Station activation required for some areas |
| PMC Exits | Railway, Emercom Checkpoint, Hole in Fence |
| Scav Exits | Scav Camp, Power Station, Highway |
| Difficulty | High (dark, close-quarters combat, Killa threat) |
| Recommended Gear | Flashlight/NVGs, armor-piercing ammo, keys |
| Quest Relevance | Multiple early & mid-game tasks (Jaeger, Mechanic) |
| Loot Tier | High (electronics, weapons, medical supplies) |
Key places and loot hotspots
IDEA (Furniture Store)
IDEA is on the first floor and a good spot for hiding-related things. Filing cabinets, tool boxes, and miscellaneous loot spawns can be found inside the store in the back storage area, which any new player should loot. You’ll frequently pick up bolts, screws and other scrap materials here, which are essential for upgrading your hideout.
The core of IDEA contains many weapon crates and duffle bags, providing moderate mid-tier loot. This part is much disputed because it is near overcrowded trails. So, if you’re looting IDEA, remember to check the dark corners and behind shelves, as other players often use them for ambushes!
OLI (Hardware Store)
OLI is a treasure trove for gamers looking for fuel, propane tanks, and industrial loot. The store’s main floor is stacked with shelves filled with valuable barter items, while its logistics area (which requires a key) is a potential jackpot for rare finds like water filters and car batteries.
One of the best things about OLI is its stable fuel spawns, which should be a stop on every hideout crafter’s list. The store’s open design also makes it a frequent location for fierce gun battles, so be careful. As a Scav, OLI is usually less congested and offers a good chance of safe looting.
Goshan (Supermarket)
Goshan is the go-to spot for food, medical supplies , and hidden weapon crates. The storage room at the rear of the supermarket is good. Loot spawns are present for many high-value barter items, particularly sugar and condensed milk.
It’s large and can be attacked from several angles, so be sure to move with caution. Goshan also has a convergence onto the central mall escalators, which are lethal choke points where many PMCs’ breaths last. Want to play it safe? Stick to the outer aisles and steer clear of the inner lanes.
Killa: The Interchange Scav Boss
Killa is one of Tarkov’s most important, feared Scav bosses He has an aggressive personality and a deadly loadout. He wears 6B43 Zabralo armour and is armed with a high-penetration ammunition RPK-16 machine gun. He spawns in or around Kiba Arms, IDEA, or the central escalators.
Killa can’t easily be played into due to how the rounds are throughout the bo5. His armour is impervious to low-tier ammo, so you’ll want to bring armour-piercing rounds. He’s also as aggressive a player as you’re likely to see, and between grenades and burst fire, keeping him at arm’s reach in the early game is a must. If you successfully raid him, his gear includes his armour, helmet, and RPK-16, so his potential haul is very lucrative.
It’s usually best for new players to avoid Killa unless you have the firepower to take him down. By listening for his unique RPK gunfire, you can trace his position and avoid bad battles. Though his drops are nearly terrible good fucking luck because what he drops isn’t the greatest but yet a bunch of old players still camp him so the area where he spawns is risky loots high.
Power Station and Map Control
The Power Station is a small structure within the mall that is extremely important to interchange map tarkov gameplay. Pressing the power switch on the inside opens a few useful areas: the Kiba Arms store, the Ultra Medical LEDX spawn, and the emergcom exfil for PMCs.
Players who flip on the power switch also create a beacon on the map that players can see at a distance, setting off a race to control the station. If you plan on looting Kiba or Ultra Medical, getting the power station should be at the top of your list. But watch out for enemy PMCs storming your location, as many players do loot runs based on power.
Best PMC and Scav Exits
PMC Exits
Railway Exfil: It’s always open, but super dangerous due to sniper sightlines.
Emercom Checkpoint: Need power to turn on, but one of the more secure exits.
Hole in the Fence: A fast getaway, but no backpacks.
Scav Exits
Scav Camp: This is outside OLI and a dependable exit point for Scav players.
Power Station: If you happen to be looting the fringes of the mall, it’s convenient .
Highway – Located near Emercom, this extraction is frequently less contested.
Picking the appropriate exit varies depending on your looting and the time left in the raid. Always check to make sure you are not being watched before epilating, as it’s a very common tactic to camp the exits.
Loot Routes and Secret Stashes
Interchange is also full of hidden stashes outside the mall, some of which have incredibly safe loot options. One popular route is to spawn close to OLI, loot hidden stashes, enter the mall for tech stores, and extract at the Railway.
These hidey-holes can be filled with rare barter items, intelligence folders, and graphics cards. They don’t provide the same end-game gear as Kiba or Ultra Medical, but are a safe option for players who do not want to run into other players.
To raid as quickly as possible, learn the stash locations and record your path before the raid. Stash runs are well-suited for Scav players, but not limited to, as they offer a chance to grab some loot without directly contacting heavily armed PMCs.
Tips for surviving Interchange.
Pack a flashlight or NVGs: The mall is pitch black, so visibility is always limited.
Listen for Killa’s RPK: His gunfire sounds isolated and warns of surrounding danger.
Skip the middle escalators. Both escalators are death, especially when snipers take up positions.
Memorise key spawns: Kiba, Ultra Medical and OLI Logistics keys can make or break a game.
Corners and shadows: The trap laid in the darkness of small spaces.
Honing in on these tips will dramatically increase your chances of survival on Interchange. If you’re seasoned or new to Killing Floor 2, this map will shake you in your pants, wondering what lurks around the corner!
Final Thoughts
Interchange is still one of Tarkov’s most fun maps, with intense combat and high-end loot galore. Hunting Killa to looting tech stores, each raid is a new challenge. Let’s see if we can get you an understanding of the map layout, focus areas and extraction points to turn Interchange into a gold mine.
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(FAQs)
What are the best loot locations on Interchange?
The second most valuable loot is in the tech stores (Techlight, Rasmussen, Texho) and Kiba Arms, which is made up of GPUs and rare weapons.
How do I unlock Kiba Arms?
To access the doors, you’ll need two keys (KIBA Store Key and KIBA Outlet Key) and turn on the Power Station.
Where does Killa spawn?
Killa runs the store near Kiba Arms, IDEA, or the centre escalators. His RPK-16 shots indicate his location.
How can PMCs withdraw safely?
Emercom Checkpoint (assuming power is on) or Railway Exfil are both full of folks.
Where can I get LEDX?
The best spawn is in Ultra Medical (room 11); however, you need a key and the power needs to be on.
