Introduction
Escape From Tarkov is a brutal, unforgiving, and deeply immersive first-person shooter that has captivated players worldwide with its realistic gunplay, complex economy, and high stakes gameplay. In this dangerous world, knowledge is power, and mastering the various maps is essential for survival and profit. One of the most challenging and rewarding locations in Tarkov is the Reserve map. Nestled deep within the Norvinsk region, Reserve is a former military base riddled with secrets, valuable loot, and deadly enemies. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Reserve map, equipping you with the knowledge needed to navigate its treacherous terrain, extract with valuable gear, and ultimately, survive. Prepare yourself, raider, because Reserve is waiting.
Reserve Map Overview
Reserve stands apart from other Escape From Tarkov maps with its unique combination of above-ground structures and a sprawling network of underground bunkers. The map is centered around a heavily fortified military complex, dominated by large, multi-story buildings, many of which are named after chess pieces like King, Queen, Rook, Bishop, White Knight, and Black Knight. These buildings offer both vantage points and close-quarters combat opportunities. The Helicopter Landing Zone provides open area fighting.
Beneath the surface lies a vast network of interconnected bunkers known as D-2, offering both high-value loot and extremely dangerous encounters. The map’s layout is intricate, featuring narrow corridors, hidden passages, and multiple levels. The armored train that periodically arrives at the train station also presents unique extraction opportunity, and an abundance of danger. It will be your task to be aware of it. Verticality plays a significant role in combat on Reserve, with snipers often positioned on rooftops and players using the various levels of buildings to gain an advantage.
Key Locations and Loot Guide: Dominate Reserve
Here’s a breakdown of key locations, including their layouts, loot spawns, and potential threats.
King Building
King is one of the tallest structures on Reserve, offering commanding views of the surrounding area. The building’s layout includes multiple floors, interconnected hallways, and several points of entry. High-value loot spawns in King include weapon crates, technical equipment, and rare items such as GPUs and Tetriz. Be prepared for intense firefights within King, as it’s a popular target for both players and AI.
Queen Building
Queen is another prominent building on Reserve, known for its multiple levels and complex interior. The layout features a central staircase, numerous rooms, and several sniper perches. Loot spawns in Queen include weapon mods, medical supplies, and electronic components. Exercise caution when navigating Queen, as it’s often heavily contested and prone to ambushes.
Rook Building
Rook is a smaller, but still dangerous building in the Reserve map, connected to the helicopter landing zone. The building contains a few rooms, weapon crates, and common loot items. Be careful when approaching the rooftop of this building, as snipers and raiders will often frequent the spot.
Bishop Building
Bishop is located on the Western side of the map. It features a few rooms with loose loot and weapon crates.
White Knight and Black Knight Buildings
These buildings are similar to one another, and contain valuable loot. Both are located on the northern side of the map. They are often frequented by raiders and players alike.
Underground Bunkers (D-2): A Descent into Darkness
The underground bunkers of D-2 are a labyrinthine network of tunnels and rooms, offering some of the highest-value loot on Reserve. However, accessing D-2 requires specific keycards or activating switches located in various parts of the map. The layout of the bunker system is complex, with numerous dead ends and interconnected passages. Loot spawns in D-2 include weapon crates, rare electronic components, and valuable medical supplies. Be extremely cautious when navigating D-2, as it’s a hotbed for ambushes, close-quarters combat, and Raider spawns. The tight corridors and limited visibility make it essential to move slowly and clear each room methodically.
Train Station: Extraction and Ambush Point
The train station is a crucial location on Reserve, as it provides a unique extraction opportunity via the armored train. The train arrives at a set schedule during the raid, and players who successfully board it can extract with all of their gear. However, the train station is also a dangerous location, as it’s often patrolled by snipers, Raiders, and other players looking to ambush those attempting to extract. Approach the train station with caution, and be prepared for a firefight.
Extracts on Reserve: Getting Out Alive
Reserve offers a variety of extracts, each with its own requirements and risks.
- Manhole: A permanent extract located in the underground area, requiring players to have no backpack.
- Sewer Manhole: A permanent extract located in the south eastern corner of the map.
- Scav Lands: Located on the northern side of the map.
- CP Fence: A permanent extract located next to the mounted machine gun.
- Armored Train: A conditional extract that only opens when the train arrives at the station.
- D-2: A conditional extract located deep within the underground bunkers.
- Hermetic Door: A conditional extract that requires activation by a switch.
- Cliff Descent: A conditional extract that requires a paracord.
- Hole in the Fence: A conditional extract that is located on the southern edge of the map.
Understanding the location and requirements of each extract is crucial for planning your escape from Reserve.
Enemies and AI: Raiders and More
Reserve is home to a variety of AI enemies, including Scavs and Raiders. Raiders are heavily armed and armored AI that pose a significant threat to players. They typically spawn in areas with high-value loot, such as the underground bunkers and the train station. Raiders are highly aggressive and use coordinated tactics, making them difficult to engage in direct combat. Use grenades, flanking maneuvers, and cover to your advantage when fighting Raiders. Player scavs are a constant threat in Escape From Tarkov, and will often team up to kill PMCs.
Tips and Strategies for Survival: Thrive in the Chaos
To maximize your chances of survival and success on Reserve, consider these tips and strategies:
- Master the Map: Spend time learning the layout of Reserve, including key locations, loot spawns, and extract points.
- Move Strategically: Avoid open areas, use cover effectively, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Choose Your Loadout Wisely: Select weapons and gear that are appropriate for the map’s close-quarters and long-range engagements.
- Use Grenades: Grenades are an essential tool for clearing rooms, flushing out enemies, and controlling chokepoints.
- Prioritize High-Value Loot: Focus on looting areas with the highest concentration of valuable items.
- Manage Your Inventory: Optimize your inventory space and prioritize items based on their value and usefulness.
- Bring the Right Keys: Many areas of Reserve require specific keys to access high-value loot. Be sure to bring the appropriate keys for your intended route.
- Stay Hydrated and Fed: Maintaining your energy and hydration levels is crucial for optimal performance in Escape From Tarkov.
Conclusion: Conquer Reserve, Reap the Rewards
Reserve is a challenging but ultimately rewarding map in Escape From Tarkov. By mastering the map’s layout, understanding the enemy AI, and implementing effective strategies, you can increase your chances of survival, extract with valuable gear, and thrive in the chaos. Use this guide as your starting point, continue to learn and adapt, and soon you’ll be dominating the Reserve map. Now get out there, raider, and claim your share of the spoils!
