The Beneath the Streets quest represents one of the most demanding challenges within Escape from Tarkov’s Marathon event. Assigned by the Therapist, this multifaceted mission requires players to navigate through interconnected maps and scout critical locations while maintaining survival throughout the entire raid sequence. Understanding the quest structure and optimal strategies can significantly increase your chances of success and help you progress through the Marathon event more efficiently.
Understanding the Quest Framework and Event Context
The Beneath the Streets quest functions as a core component of the Marathon event system, which fundamentally changes how Escape from Tarkov operates by allowing persistent progression across multiple maps within a single raid instance. Unlike traditional raids where players spawn on individual maps, Marathon mode creates a continuous journey through interconnected locations, adding substantial complexity and risk management requirements.
This quest specifically requires players to begin their expedition on Ground Zero, transit to Streets of Tarkov, proceed to The Lab, complete several scouting objectives, and then locate the return passage back to Streets of Tarkov. The entire sequence must be executed within a single raid session, meaning any death forces you to restart from Ground Zero. This design element creates significant pressure and requires careful planning, resource management, and route optimization.
Pre-Quest Preparation and Essential Requirements
Before attempting this quest, players must ensure they have the necessary items and understand the prerequisites for successful completion. Preparation largely determines whether your raid will proceed smoothly or encounter obstacles that impede progress.
Critical Items and Access Cards
The most important requirement is a TerraGroup Labs access keycard. This specialized item grants entry to The Lab and is absolutely essential for completing the quest objectives. Players who lack this card can obtain one through several methods:
- Finding keycards during raids in other locations before attempting the Marathon quest
- Purchasing keycards from the Flea Market if your budget permits
- Trading with other players or NPCs who may have spare cards available
Beyond the access card, carrying a balanced loadout is advisable. While you don’t need heavy weapons or extensive ammunition for scouting objectives, having a primary weapon for defense against Scavs and Raiders proves valuable. Additionally, maintaining adequate medical supplies and energy restoration items ensures you can sustain yourself throughout the extended raid duration.
Transit Route: From Ground Zero to Streets of Tarkov
The initial phase of the quest involves reaching Streets of Tarkov from Ground Zero using the transit system. This transition serves as the starting point for accessing The Lab and completing subsequent objectives.
On Ground Zero, locate the TerraGroup building positioned on the northern section of the map. Near this structure, you’ll find the Emom transit point. Players must use a flare gun to signal for extraction at this location. Fire the flare gun at a 45 to 60-degree angle into the air, and once airborne, sprint toward the designated extraction zone. This transit will transport you directly to Streets of Tarkov, completing the first major leg of your journey.
This transition is relatively straightforward compared to subsequent stages, but timing and navigation accuracy remain important. Avoid lingering too long during the extraction process, as other players or AI combatants may pose threats while you’re stationary or vulnerable.
Navigating Streets of Tarkov and Locating the Lab Entrance
Upon arrival on Streets of Tarkov, your next objective involves finding the passage that leads to The Lab. This entrance is located on the left side of the map in the central district area. Specifically, the passage can be found in the middle section of Streets, accessible through a basement entrance by a doorway in this region.
Players should proceed cautiously through Streets, as this location contains numerous AI Scavs and potentially hostile players. Once you’ve reached the designated area, descend into the basement through the indicated door. This basement corridor connects directly to The Lab, allowing you to proceed with the next phase of your expedition.
Navigation through Streets requires awareness of extraction points and hostile locations. The museum, construction area, and Expo Center represent significant landmarks that can help orient your position relative to the Lab entrance. Moving methodically and using cover effectively minimizes the risk of unnecessary conflicts that could jeopardize your raid.
Lab Scouting Objectives and Location Identification
Upon entering The Lab, you must complete three critical scouting objectives within a single raid. Each location requires you to spend sufficient time in the area to register as “scouted,” which progresses your quest tracking. The three mandatory locations are:
| Location | Map Position | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Server Room | First Floor | Contains computer systems and network infrastructure; located on the primary floor level |
| Hazard Dome | Center of Map / First Floor | The distinctive dome structure positioned in the middle section of The Lab |
| Control Room | First Floor | The central command center with control panels and monitoring systems |
Server Room Navigation
The server room houses extensive computer equipment and electronic systems critical to Lab operations. Locating this room requires moving through The Lab’s corridors toward the eastern section of the map. Once inside, maintain position for approximately 10-15 seconds to allow the quest system to register your presence and mark this objective as complete.
Hazard Dome Investigation
The hazard dome represents the most visually distinctive landmark within The Lab. Positioned centrally within the facility on the first floor, this dome-shaped structure serves as a prominent navigational reference point. Players should approach this location with caution, as it frequently attracts other players and AI combatants seeking valuable loot. Spend adequate time near the dome’s center to ensure the quest recognizes your scouting action.
Control Room Examination
The control room functions as the administrative hub of The Lab, containing monitoring systems and operational controls. This location typically features a billiard table in an adjacent office area, which serves as a helpful landmark for orientation. Similar to other objectives, remain in the room long enough for the quest to register completion.
Strategic Route Planning Through The Lab
Efficient routing through The Lab significantly impacts your survival chances and conserves resources. Consider the following strategic approach:
- Begin with the nearest objective relative to your entry point to minimize travel distance
- Move methodically between locations while maintaining awareness of foot traffic patterns and AI spawning zones
- Avoid predictable pathways where other players commonly travel
- Use side corridors and alternative routes when available to reduce exposure
- Monitor audio cues for approaching Raiders or other players before they enter your current location
The order of objective completion matters less than your ability to reach all three locations safely. However, many experienced players recommend completing objectives in the order: Dome, Server Room, and then Control Room, as this sequence minimizes backtracking and reduces overall raid time.
Locating and Using the Return Passage to Streets
After completing all three scouting objectives, your final task involves locating the passage that leads back to Streets of Tarkov. This exit is positioned near the orange dome structure, adjacent to an office area containing a billiard table. The passage entrance appears as a doorway or corridor connecting The Lab back to the Streets of Tarkov map.
Reaching this exit marks a critical point in your raid. You do not need to actually extract or reach a final extraction point to complete the quest; reaching the passage and the Streets of Tarkov portion of the map fulfills all remaining quest requirements. However, extracting successfully ensures you retain any loot collected and guarantees your progress saves properly.
Common Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Players frequently encounter several obstacles during this quest that can derail progression. Understanding these challenges allows you to implement preemptive strategies that increase success rates.
Keycard Unavailability
Running out of Lab keycards forces you to either abandon the quest or invest significant resources in acquiring replacements. Prevent this by purchasing multiple keycards before attempting the quest or ensuring you have spare cards in your secure container. Planning ahead eliminates this potential blocker entirely.
Death and Progress Loss
Since dying requires restarting from Ground Zero, defensive positioning and conflict avoidance become paramount priorities. Adopt a cautious playstyle that prioritizes survival over engagement. Run away from AI groups, avoid open areas during travel, and use cover effectively when confronted with threats.
Extended Raid Duration
The cumulative time spent traversing multiple maps can exhaust your character’s energy and hydration levels. Carry sufficient food and water items to sustain yourself throughout the entire sequence. Monitor these statistics and consume restorative items proactively rather than waiting until your character begins suffering negative effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete this quest outside of Marathon mode?
No, this quest requires Marathon mode specifically, as it’s the only mode that permits transiting between multiple maps within a single raid session. Traditional raid modes do not support the continuous progression necessary to complete this objective.
What happens if I die during the quest?
Death forces you to restart the entire quest from Ground Zero. All progress toward scouting objectives is lost, and you must re-enter The Lab and complete all three locations again. This design encourages careful, defensive gameplay.
Do I need to extract at a specific location to complete the quest?
You do not need to extract at a traditional extraction point to complete this quest. Reaching the return passage to Streets of Tarkov and transitioning back to that map fulfills all requirements. However, extracting from Streets ensures your session progress saves permanently.
How long does the quest typically take?
Expected completion time ranges from 30 to 60 minutes depending on your familiarity with map layouts, navigation efficiency, and whether you encounter other players or significant resistance from AI combatants. New players should anticipate longer timeframes.
Can multiple players complete this quest together?
Yes, groups of players can coordinate their efforts and complete the quest collaboratively. This approach provides tactical advantages through mutual support, though it requires communication and synchronized movement across the map network.
References
- Escape from Tarkov Official Wiki – Beneath The Streets — Fandom Community. Accessed May 2026. https://escapefromtarkov.fandom.com/wiki/Beneath_The_Streets
- Escape from Tarkov Marathon Event Guide — Official Game Documentation. 2026. https://www.escapefromtarkov.com