DesertStorm Map POI Guide
DesertStorm [EXTRACTION] points of interest: lighthouse, military base, prison high-tier loot, headquarters spawn, and how POIs tie to supply drops and extracts.
Points of interest (POIs) are the vocabulary of Desertstorm Extraction callouts. Squads say “lighthouse,” “prison,” or “military base” the way Tarkov players name extracts. Knowing what each POI contains, how long you should stay, and which extract it pairs with separates profitable raids from kit donations.
This guide catalogs the major POIs referenced in community footage and developer-aligned walkthroughs, links them to supply drops and boss fights, and gives risk ratings for solo vs squad play during alpha.
Headquarters (main spawn)
Headquarters is your off-raid hub — not a combat POI. Functions:
- Stash access — Store extracted loot; see stash upgrades.
- Trader menus — Buy, sell, accept J tasks from traders guide.
- Raid queue — Launch back into Desertstorm Extraction via M menu.
New accounts should treat HQ as classroom: bind controls, organize inventory, then queue first raid.
Lighthouse
The lighthouse POI sits on elevated terrain — excellent visual control for scouting drop locations and player rotates. Strengths and risks:
- Pros — Long sightlines for DM rifles; early warning for supply drop pushes.
- Cons — Minimal cover; sniper duel magnet; slow extract if caught on cliff ring.
Solo players: snapshot the area, loot peripheral crates, leave. Do not anchor entire raid on lighthouse unless squad holds angles.
Military base
Military base POIs pack weapon spawns, armor plates, and ammo crates — mid-to-high tier depending on patch. Expect:
- Heavy AI patrol density in PvE-forward alphas.
- Player squads running PvP raider builds during peak hours.
- Key or task requirements on certain doors — check active J objectives.
Route planning: enter with two extracts mapped via extraction points; military loot takes time to search, shortening your exit window.
Prison (high-tier loot)
Community overview footage highlights a prison compound with god-tier loot potential — also the highest wipe probability on server. Guidelines:
- Squad recommended — Multiple angles, long clear times.
- Budget phase-out — Do not run budget starter kits deep prison until map knowledge is solid.
- Third-party rule — Sound of fighting draws rats; hold grenades and meds.
Link prison runs to boss fights intel — some patches place boss-adjacent rewards nearby.
Industrial and highway POIs
Between landmarks, industrial yards and highway overpasses spawn crafting mats (duct tape, electronics) for stash upgrades. Lower PvP heat than prison, better for steady make money loops.
Use loot value rules — industrial junk sells well early wipe.
Dynamic POIs: supply drop zones
Unlike fixed buildings, supply drop landing zones are temporary POIs. They overwrite normal risk profiles — quiet fields become arenas. Read full tactics on supply drops guide.
Spearhead and alternate places
Some POI names also appear in Spearhead or Deathzone places from the map hub. Queue the correct Roblox experience — POI layout and loot tables may differ. Spearhead received active development attention in mid-2026 alpha cycles per updates tracker.
POI risk summary
| POI | Solo | Squad | Loot tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HQ | Safe | Safe | None | Stash, traders |
| Lighthouse | Caution | Good | Medium | Vision, sniper risk |
| Military base | Caution | Good | Medium–High | PvP + AI |
| Prison | Avoid early | Strong | High | Rat risk |
| Industrial | Good | Good | Low–Medium | Crafting mats |
| Supply drop | Avoid early | Good | Event | PvP magnet |
Navigation habits
- Call compass + POI name on squad comms (K).
- Ping extract before entering high-tier POI.
- Time box — Set 8-minute loot limit inside prison/military.
- Wipe knowledge after updates — POI loot tables change silently.
Video tour
Overview flythrough showing lighthouse, HQ stash, extract HUD, and raid flow:
Related guides
- Map hub — all Roblox places (Deathzone, Zombie, Spearhead)
- Extraction points — timed extracts near POIs
- How to extract — 30-second channel rule
- Raid checklist — POI-specific prep
POI knowledge is free power. Learn names, pair them with extracts, and the desert stops feeling random.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
What is the best POI for beginners?
Industrial edges and outer ring spawns near simple extracts. Avoid prison until you complete [first raid](/guides/first-raid/) and read [PvP survival](/guides/pvp-survival/).
Where is god-tier loot in DesertStorm?
Community footage highlights the prison compound and contested boss areas. High reward, high wipe risk.
Does the lighthouse have good loot?
Some peripheral spawns, but main value is vision for rotates and spotting [supply drops](/guides/supply-drops/).
How do POIs connect to tasks?
Traders assign fetch and visit objectives at military, industrial, and prison locations — track on **J** and [traders guide](/guides/traders-tasks/).
Do POIs change after wipes?
Yes during alpha. Re-scout after [updates](/updates/) and [alpha wipes](/guides/alpha-wipes/).