Escape from Tarkov’s most recent map has added a whole new atmosphere for survival and combat within the game. Ground Zero has a unique design that offers a cityscape similar to Streets, but on a smaller scale. This map creates a good feel for urban warfare with tall buildings and various vantage points within to offer a very different feel than the traditional large, nature oriented maps. Aside from being smaller than Streets, an existing map in Escape from Tarkov, Ground Zero also provides other unique aspects to make the map stand out.
Level-Based Matchmaking
One of the new features Ground Zero offers is level-based matchmaking. This is something entirely unique to Ground Zero, and is a new way to implement a form of skill-based matchmaking without forcing it on players. The way Battle State Games has implemented this new feature is by making Ground Zero a map the separates level 21 plus players from lower level players. This gives new players or anyone late to start playing a new Tarkov wipe a place to go without having to fight players with maxed out gear right away. Of course if someone wants to play against the high level players from the start they are able to do so by playing any other map. This is the best implementation of skill-based matchmaking I have personally seen. It allows the player to decide if and when they want to use it or not.
Central Area
Due to the size of Ground Zero there are more opportunities to find and get involved in fights than many of the larger maps in the game. There are vantage points looking over large portions of the map that allow players to see what’s going on with ease. The small size also makes it easier to hear gunshots from other players fighting, which makes it much easier to get involved in fights and not have a quiet raid. This is a nice alternative to the only other urban map “Streets”, which is so large it is common to either not find anyone, or find yourself in the middle of an endless gunfight with both PMC’s and player scavs. Here is an overview of the map for a better understanding of the layout.
https://escapefromtarkov.fandom.com/wiki/Map:Ground_Zero?
Loot
The loot ground zero offers is great for new players as well. There are multiple restaurants around the map containing a perfect source for food and water for new players to stock up on. There are also parts containers that are perfect for gathering supplies necessary for various hideout upgrades players want to focus on early during their start to a new wipe. Where other maps have locations with specialized loot, they are often spread out and have long travel distances for exfils. This map allows players to quickly get, gather some loot, and get out. The size of the map means that there are only a few exfils and they are relatively easy to get to.
Summary
Overall the addition of Ground Zero provides a great place for new players to get a good start to the game without having to deal with some of the more difficult aspects of Tarkov. Anyone who has played Tarkov knows it is a very hardcore game and can often push new players away before they even learn it due to the extreme difficulty. This map was a much needed break given for new players to have an easier time learning the base mechanics of the game. I highly recommend any player struggling in Escape from Tarkov to give this map a try.
For a visual breakdown of Ground Zero watch the video below.
Check out more information about Escape from Tarkov here.
