So this game can be fun

So this is kind of a rant, an open room for suggestions and a general talk. But I’ve finally had fun in a Tarkov game. I’m still VERY new even though the game has a small few hours played. I’ve played battle royales (I’m painfully aware Tarkov is not that) and I’m generally good at shooters but having no map and no sense of direction has me MIA quite a few times. Played for about 3 hours with a friend whose a long term player and we only stuck to customs but we extracted 2 or 3 times and actually has a ton of fun. I’m looking to get into it more (with or without) friends because I stream (small time but to elite friends) and it seems fun but I feel like a lost puppy. Is this normal? Which map is a good start? Woods seems like it but it’s so open and I never extract. The missions seem so up in the air but I’m determined to get one done. Any advice or suggestions welcome but thanks for reading!