Ah, Interchange. The shopping mall that once promised deals on home appliances now offers a different kind of bargain: your life for a shot at loot. This sprawling concrete behemoth in Escape from Tarkov isn't just a place to shop till you drop; it's a place where you'll likely drop while trying to shop. As of 2026, this map remains a chaotic favorite, a giant three-story labyrinth of retail therapy gone horribly wrong. The IDEA and Oli megastores stand as silent witnesses to the panic of Tarkov's evacuation, their shelves picked cleaner than a Scav's pockets. But let's be real, nobody comes here for the ambiance. They come for the gear, and the real challenge begins when you've got it and need to get out alive. That's where knowing your exits becomes more crucial than knowing the price of a can of sprats.
🚨 The Emercom Checkpoint: Your Reliable (But Popular) Ride Home
Let's start with the classic, the ol' reliable, the extraction point that even a PMC with a severe concussion could probably stumble into. The Emercom Checkpoint in the south-eastern corner is basically the mall's main exit. You can't miss it—just look for the traffic jam of abandoned military trucks that scream, "We tried to leave in a hurry, and it didn't go well." From the back of the Oli warehouse, two big ramps lead you right down to this party. Pro tip: spot the giant power line pylons from a distance and follow them like breadcrumbs. They'll lead you straight to the promised land of extraction... or, more likely, straight into a sniper's crosshairs.
Why is it so popular? Well, it's straightforward, has plenty of cover (those trucks aren't just for show), and it's open to both PMCs and Scavs. That last point is a double-edged sword, though. By the end of a raid, this place can get busier than the IDEA toilet paper aisle during a panic buy. Everyone and their mother knows about it, so expect company. It's the extraction equivalent of trying to leave a Black Friday sale—everyone's trying to get out the same door at once.
🕳️ The Hole in the Fence: The Sneaky Getaway
Need a quick, discreet exit? Got a belly full of loot and a heart full of fear? Then the Hole in the Fence might be your best friend. Tucked away along the eastern fence line, right behind the main mall, this spot is for PMCs who prefer a side exit over the main doors. You'll find it in a parking bay below the mall, hiding behind some containers where the fence takes a little inward dip.
Now, here's the kicker: this exit isn't always open. It's like that one emergency door that sometimes has an alarm on it. You gotta check if it's active for your raid. If it is, and you've been looting the mall's basement levels, it's a golden ticket to freedom. It's dangerously close to the mall's entrances, which is great for a fast escape but also means you might bump into someone else trying to make a fast entrance. For Scavs, this door is locked, sorry folks.
⚡ Power Station (V-Ex): The Paid Express Service
Feeling fancy? Got some cash to burn? Head northeast to the large power plant near the IDEA warehouse. This isn't your average extraction; it's a Vehicle Extraction, or V-Ex for the cool kids. For the modest fee of 5,000 Roubles, a friendly (or at least, not immediately hostile) driver will whisk you away. Think of it as calling an Uber in the middle of a warzone.
The area itself is, let's say, spicy. The power station is a notorious hotspot for ambushes. But if you've just hit the jackpot in IDEA and need a direct route out, it's worth the risk and the fare. Just make sure you loot those cash registers in Goshan first! You can find it by following those trusty power line pylons along the eastern wall. Remember, this luxury service is for PMCs only and isn't running 24/7.
🚂 Railway Exfil: The Scenic (and Safer) Route
If you prefer your extractions with a side of peace and quiet (relatively speaking), amble on over to the Railway Exfil in the far north-west. It's a bit of a hike from the main mall, which is precisely why it's often safer. Most of the trigger-happy maniacs are still busy fist-fighting over graphics cards in the tech stores.
To find it, look for the go-kart track in the parking lot on the IDEA side. Head past it towards the highway, cross over or under it, and you'll see the railway line. Your exit is nestled between two train carriages under a small bridge. It's a chill spot with some extra lootable containers lying around if you've got time. The best part? It's open to both Scavs and PMCs. It's the extraction point that doesn't discriminate.
🔐 The Saferoom: The Indoor Emergency Exit
Now for something completely different: an extraction point inside the mall. That's right, you don't always have to brave the great outdoors. The Saferoom is a unique exit located in the basement levels, underneath the Oli supermarket. It's perfect for those "loot and scoot" runs where you want to grab something valuable and vanish before the big boys show up.
Finding it is the real challenge. The lower levels are a maze of identical-looking loading bays and storage rooms. Your best bet is to find the main escalator near the offices and supply room and head down. But be warned—this area is a popular Scav hangout. Trying to find this room without a map is like trying to find a specific store in a mall you've never been to, while people are shooting at you. High-risk, high-reward, and for PMCs only.
🤝 Scav Camp (Co-Op Exfil): The Buddy System
Last but not least, we have the Scav Camp, Interchange's only Co-Op Extraction Point. It's all about friendship here... or forced cooperation. Located in the containers almost right across from the mall's main west entrance (facing the highway), this exit requires more than one player in the zone to activate. It's the game's way of saying, "Can't we all just get along?"
The answer, usually, is no.
This spot is fantastic if you're rolling with a squad. It's easy to find and coordinate. If you're a solo player? Well, good luck convincing a random enemy PMC to hold hands and extract together. The area is also wide open, making you a sitting duck for any sniper on the highway. It's available to both factions, but you'll need a +1 to RSVP. It's the extraction point that really makes you work for your social life.
Final Thoughts & A Quick Survival Cheat Sheet
So there you have it, the six main ways to get out of the retail nightmare that is Interchange. Remember, even when you're in the extraction zone counting down the seconds, you're not safe. Stay alert until the very last moment.
Here’s a quick breakdown to keep in your tactical vest:
| Extraction Point | Location | Available To | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emercom Checkpoint | South-East | PMC & Scav | Busy, obvious, good cover. Follow the pylons. |
| Hole in the Fence | East Fence | PMC Only | Not always active. Sneaky & close to mall. |
| Power Station (V-Ex) | North-East | PMC Only (Timed) | Costs 5,000 Roubles. High-risk area. |
| Railway Exfil | North-West | PMC & Scav | Safer, longer walk. Between train carriages. |
| Saferoom | Oli Basement | PMC Only | Inside the mall. Hard to find, watch for Scavs. |
| Scav Camp (Co-Op) | West Highway | PMC & Scav | Requires 2+ players. Very open and exposed. |
At the end of the day, knowing these exits is what separates the rats from the... well, the dead rats. Plan your route before you go in, adapt when things go sideways (they will), and maybe, just maybe, you'll make it out with that GPU. Happy hunting, and try not to get lost in the furniture section.