Reserve is an awesome map, but it can be hectic, especially late in a wipe. Similar to the Interchange map, Reserve has one main POI at the center of the map with spawn points around it. The map is on the smaller side and is more PVP-intensive than most of the other locations in Tarkov.
The design of the areas on the map allows players to have success with alternative gameplay styles. Because the extraction points do not draw players to the opposite end of the map, being conservative is a valid way to play Reserve. Aggressive players will be able to get their fill of PVP as well, particularly in the early game. This list will provide players with a few advanced Reserve Tarkov tips for people of all skill levels.
Updated on November 26, 2021, by Payton Lott: This updated list will explain a few more important details about the Reserve Map in Tarkov. The Reserve map has a few keycard locations and loot spots that gamers will want to check out while they are trying to survive the raid.
Players can follow the strategies at the bottom of this list to get the proper keycards, secure the loot, and extract those valuable items. While getting the keycards is not essential, it will help players maximize their efficiency during raids on Tarkov's Reserve map.
16 Spawn Strategy
Almost every single spawn point on reserve is near the edge of the map. Most of the time, gamers will want to move toward the center of the map immediately and find a safe location to scan the area.
The only spawn points that are relatively safe are near the Cliff Descent. Usually, only one PMC will spawn there, and there is a decent amount of loot in that area. Camping near spawn at any other location will often result in a flank or a grenade barrage from another PMC.
15 Early VS Late Wipe
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The amount of time that has passed since the last wipe will have a considerable impact on strategy. Even though it is a notorious PVP map, most PMCs will play a lot slower at the start of the wipe. During this time, players should be more concerned with looting and extracting than PVP. This is because the majority of the lobby will be trying to do the same. Successful extractions are important early in the wipe to get off to a quick start.
At the end of the wipe, gamers will want to keep their heads on a swivel as they approach the chess piece buildings. It is not uncommon to cross paths with an opposing player while en route to the center of the map.
14 Extracting On The Cliff
Spawn PVP is inevitable on the smaller Reserve map. Gamers that get into fights in the first few minutes and win will want to secure their loot as soon as possible. Anyone who has a starting point in the west or northwest has the Cliff extraction just a few hundred meters away.
There may be one PMC close to the descent, but the extraction is one of the safer points in the game. After extracting, survivors can make their way back down the hill to fight more PMCs or Scavs.
13 Where To PVP
The Reserve map is small, and the layout of the buildings makes it feel even smaller. It is hard to pin down a specific location because of how many hot zones there are on the map. The main areas of focus will be the Chess piece buildings at the center of the map and the Train Station on the bottom right of the map.
Reserve is great for PVP because not every player will travel to one zone. Instead, gamers will get the opportunity to fight multiple enemies in several different spots on the map.
12 Know The Underground Expansion
A few months ago, Reserve received an expansion. There is now a series of underground tunnels that connect the Pawn and Bishop buildings on Reserve. The underground tunnel system is confusing, and all players should take some time to learn the intricacies of these areas.
The tunnels provide opportunities to retreat, flank, and kill Raiders. There is also a fair amount of loot underground, so survivors should keep an eye out for valuable items.
11 Best Builds
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Reserve is one of the few maps in Tarkov that supports essentially every playstyle. PMCs can get aggressive and run an SMG as a primary, or sit back and let the action come to them. Guns like the MP7 are great for taking on enemies in the buildings or in the underground tunnels. Likewise, any of the meta assault rifles or semi-auto rifles will be sufficient out in the open.
Reserve is a smaller map, but there are some long sightlines. One of the best vantage points to snipe from is the area by extraction called the dome.
10 Snipe From The Dome
From the cliffs, nearly the entire map is visible. This area is a sniper's paradise on Reserve. On a clear day, it is even possible to see the Train Station on the opposite end of the map.
Because there are a couple of spawns near the zone as well as an extraction point, the Dome can be a small PVP zone as well. It is a sound strategic move to clear the area before finding a good cover location and sniping. Other people know about the spot too, so scanning below for enemy snipers is important as well.
9 Check Angles
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Due to the constant threat of PVP and raiders, knowing and checking sightlines is key on the Reserve Tarkov map. Every player will have to move from their spawn point to the extraction on the cliff, and there are a number of places where PMCs can hide along the way.
Aside from the dome area, which is a popular sightline, gamers will want to learn all of the chess buildings and peek spots between them. Remember that every single spawn point converges on the path to extraction. This can sometimes give those on the north side of the map a huge advantage, but by knowing the map and staying aware, gamers will be able to reach the dome.
8 Where To Loot
All of the Chess buildings have worthwhile loot hiding within. The King/Queen building has a lot of military technology loot, while Knight buildings have random loot items that vary from raid to raid. The Train Station is another great location to search for valuable items.
Any of these marked locations will be contested for the majority of a raid. Essentially, any marked building will have enough loot to be worth the risk and effort involved.
7 Duo Strategy
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When playing with a squadmate, communication will be important. Many of the buildings on Reserve have a counterpart, and learning each building's name can be confusing. With a little practice, players of all skill levels will be able to identify where an enemy is located and relay the information to a teammate.
The close-quarter gunfights in buildings provide plenty of opportunities to push, pinch, and flank too. With the underground tunnels connecting many of the buildings, squads can make their way below any PMCs that are hunkered down.