EFT Reserve Map Guide

Learn the best routes and looting spots through this EFT Reserve map guide!

The time I stepped into the EFT Reserve Map, there was a maze of military buildings, underground bunkers, and high-stakes firefights. It was overwhelming at first, but once I started memorizing extract points and loot locations, Reserve became one of my favorite maps. 

The variety of engagements, from long-range sniping near the Dome to intense close-quarters battles underground, makes it one of Tarkov’s most dynamic battlegrounds.

Surviving here requires knowing where to loot, how to navigate the chaotic terrain, and when to extract. So, if you’re new to Reserve or looking to refine your strategy, this guide will help you master one of Tarkov’s toughest maps.

EFT Reserve Map Guide: Overview

One of the biggest challenges on the EFT Reserve Map is its multiple spawn points. Unlike some maps where you can guess where enemies will come from, Reserve offers a variety of spawn locations, making it highly congested from the start.

• Players can spawn behind the train station, near the Dome, inside various bunkers, or on rooftops.
• Despite its small ground area, Reserve has multiple levels, including underground bunker systems and multi-story buildings.
• Early in the raid, fights often happen above ground, but after 5-10 minutes, most battles shift underground.
• Due to its verticality and bunker system, knowledge of map flow is crucial for survival.

Major Loot Locations

Loot quality on Reserve has declined over time, but it still remains a PvP-heavy map with valuable items. Some key loot areas include:

Dome and Cliff Descent Extract

• Dome used to have frequent Intel spawns, but these are now rare.
• Players can still find filing cabinets and weapon crates inside.
• The Cliff Descent extract requires a Red Rebel ice pick, paracord, and no body armor (backpacks and rigs are fine). 

Pawn Buildings (Black and White)

• These mirrored buildings have multiple loot spawns, including weapon parts, fully built AKs, and rare magazines like M995.
• The RB-OB room used to be a gold chain & Intel spawn, though this has become inconsistent.
• Glukhar sometimes spawns on the second floor, making this area highly contested.

Black and White Knight Buildings

• Black Knight requires RB-MP keys for certain rooms with graphics card spawns, toolboxes, and fully modded AKs.
• White Knight contains filing cabinets, jackets, and weapon parts.
• Knight Storage (RB-ST room) used to be a prime tank battery location, but now mostly has grenade cases and weapon crates.

Queen Building and Medical Loot (White Bishop)

• Queen holds the Hermetic Door lever, which triggers the Hermetic extract.
• Previously known for graphics cards, the Queen building now primarily offers Intel spawns, meds, and miscellaneous loot.
• White Bishop is filled with medical spawns, making it a good place to stock up on meds.

Key Extracts and Their Risks

Extracting on the EFT Reserve Map is often more dangerous than the actual looting. Some of the most important extracts include:

Sewer Manhole (No Backpack Extract)

• Players must drop their backpacks before extracting.
• It’s a quick and quiet extract, perfect for solo players with minimal loot.
• Beware of extract campers waiting for unsuspecting PMCs.

Armored Train

• Arrives at the 18-minute mark, staying for around 7 minutes.
• The train horns three times—arrival, 1-minute warning, and departure.
• The inside has weapon crates, but it’s often contested by enemy players.

D2 Bunker Extract (High Risk, Low Reward)

• One of the most camped extracts in Tarkov.
• The long underground path leading to D2 is filled with angles for ambushes.
• Impact grenades are a common tactic used against those entering the extract room.
• Hackers or exploiters may see through walls, making it even riskier.

Cliff Descent (Special Extract)

• Requires a Red Rebel ice pick, paracord, and no body armor.
• One of the safest extracts if you have the required items.
• Located behind the Dome, accessible via a rocky cliff area.

Glukhar: Reserve’s Deadly Boss

Glukhar is one of the toughest bosses in the EFT Reserve Map, primarily because of his highly-trained guards. Unlike other bosses who roam openly, Glukhar stays in military compounds, making him difficult to engage without preparation. 

Where Glukhar Spawns

Glukhar can spawn in multiple locations, which makes predicting his movements tricky:

• Train Station – A common spawn, where his guards spread out for defense.
• Knight Buildings (Black & White Knight) – These buildings provide cover but make his guards unpredictable.
• Barracks (White Pawn & Black Pawn) – His team often takes high-ground positions here.
• Underground Bunkers – The worst-case scenario, as tight corridors make pushing nearly impossible.

How to Fight Glukhar

The best way to deal with him is to Isolate his guards first. Rushing in without a plan is suicide, as his squad will quickly overwhelm you with coordinated fire and suppressing tactics.

Sniping him from a distance is an option, but you’ll need to predict his spawn rotation. If you’re forced into close-quarters combat, use:

• Grenades and flashbangs – To break his squad’s formation.
• Armor-piercing rounds – His guards wear heavy armor, so regular ammo won’t cut it.
• Suppressed weapons – Engaging without alerting others can keep you from getting third-partied.

Survival Tips for Reserve

Know Your Spawn Locations

• Many early fights happen within the first minute—expect gunfire right away.
• Avoid high-traffic spawns if you’re not confident in early PvP.
• Scav runs are an excellent way to learn the map without risking valuable gear.

Loot Smart, Not Greedy

Looting is one of the main reasons players come to Reserve, but greed gets people killed. I’ve seen countless players overstay in a loot-heavy area, only to get ambushed.

• Prioritize filing cabinets, Intel spawns, and weapon crates – they offer consistent high-value loot.
• Always listen for footsteps – if you hear movement nearby, it’s time to reposition.
• Know when to leave –sometimes escaping with decent loot is better than pushing for more.

Avoid D2 Deathtraps

D2 is one of the most dangerous extracts in the game. I’ve personally been caught off-guard by campers waiting in corners or using impact grenades to wipe squads. If you have to take D2:

• Always assume it’s camped – move slowly and check angles before entering.
• Use grenades – well-placed nade can clear out an ambush spot.
• Go with a squad if possible – solo players are easier targets.

Conclusion 

The EFT Reserve Map is a chaotic, loot-heavy battleground filled with intense firefights, high-value gear, and difficult extracts. 

So, if you’re chasing quests, looting for profit, or hunting Glukhar, knowing the terrain and making smart decisions will keep you alive longer. The more you play, the better you’ll understand its dangers, and the more rewards you’ll reap.