You Probably Forgot This Was Added to Tarkov

(Intro)

One of the smaller features that was added with patch 0.15, that most people probably skimmed over and forgot about, was the ability for weapons with bipods attached to them, to be deployed and actually used. For the first time in Tarkov’s history, there is not a reason to attach a bipod to a weapon that has one available to it. There aren’t that many in the game, but even still this is something that just gives those weapons with bipods a reason to use them. Additionally, there is a new bracing mechanic that has also been added into Tarkov that I totally forgot about until, I started writing for this video. With two new ways to reduce recoil I wanted to give them a test and see how practical they are, how much of a recoil reduction they provide, and whether or not these could be properly used in a real raid experience of Tarkov. This shouldn’t take too long, so let’s talk about weapon bipods and bracing being introduced into Tarkov.

(How to Use)

Bipods have been attached to weapons in the game for years now, but the problem was that they were strictly for show. They had no function in the game. But with patch 0.15, the five weapons in the game that do have bipods those being the DVL, SV-98, RPD, PKM/PKP and the new M60 can now take advantage of the fact they have bipods. In order to use the bipod, you need to be behind a piece of cover or terrain that is at an appropriate level for the weapon, whether that is standing or crouching. Perplexingly, I have not been able to use a weapons bipod while in the prone position on flat ground. Which is weird because in the trailer for the patch, we see a PMC do exactly. Maybe I’m stupid and am doing it wrong, so let me know in the comments if you’ve figured out prone bipod usage. But other than that, simply approach a piece of the world and press “V”, which is the new button to engage the bipod mechanic. If you look really closely at your stamina bars, you’ll see this little bipod icon whenever you press “V”. If it flashes red, that means you are trying to mount of a surface that doesn’t work. Otherwise, whenever you are using the bipod, that icon will be visible on screen in gray. You’ll also see your character kind of snap into place and the weapon rest on whatever it is you’re using for support. You’ll also notice that your range of movement is drastically reduced because of the bipod’s narrow range. But what you do get in return is a drastic reduction in recoil and overall usability. It’s a little difficult to tell because of the new recoil we’ve had this year, but when using an LMG in a full auto spray, you can feel the difference. The background footage should be showing how to attach and the differences between standing, crouching, and using the bipod in terms of recoil. For the two bolt action snipers, the bipod is kind of a moot point in terms of recoil, because you need to manually cycle the round after each shot. But there still is one benefit for using their bipods. The drastically reduced arm stamina burn when you are mounted is noticeably felt. You can hold that rifle for days it feels like, which is one of the biggest hurdles to tackle when using a bolt action in Tarkov. Knowing how to manage your arm stamina so you don’t have shaky aim when you finally spot your target and go for the perfect shot.

(The drawbacks)

If there is one area of the bipods I really wish was improved, was the visual feedback of using them. It’s very tough to tell when you are actually using the bipod, because what I thought was going to happen was a cool little animation of extending the bipod open and then mounting it to the terrain. But there isn’t any indication that you are actively using the bipod other than the icon that appears. It’s a huge let down honestly. My guess is they wanted to implement the benefits of using the bipod, but because there are only five in the game, it didn’t make sense to rig, animate, and code in the animation for it all. Especially for bipods of different shapes and sizes. A shame, to be fair. But at the very least we got the mechanic implemented, so that’s better than nothing. But bipods are not the only new way to steady recoil.

(Bracing)

BSG also added a new bracing mechanic into Tarkov that most weapons can use, but pistols are an exception. This allows you to mount the weapon against the surface of a wall or corner to gain the benefits of a bipod even for weapons that don’t have them. To engage bracing, it’s the same as using a bipod, only instead you would approach a corner of a wall, and then press “V” and your character will again, snap into position. The turn radius is again rather small when using the brace, but it allows you to not only have better recoil control, but to expose much less of your body so you aren’t peaking too wide and taking a lethal shot. Which is the best part of this mechanic. I know from personal experience how often I turn a corner knowing someone is there, but take it way too wide and die because of it. So, hopefully I can get the muscle memory of bracing into my gameplay so that won’t happen as often. I worded it that way specifically because that’s probably my biggest issue with both of these new mechanics: actually, incorporating them into proper gameplay.

(The difficulty of using these mechanics)

Being able to properly use both the bipod and bracing mechanics in live Tarkov is a challenge. From the small exchanges I’ve had where it’s made sense to try and use them, there isn’t enough time to line yourself up correctly against either cover or the corner of a wall, pressing the brace button and then hoping your character slides into place. In high stress situations, you’re bound to make a mistake because as you try to set up the right angle, the other guy(s), are going to just make a b-line towards you and mow you down. And there aren’t a ton of locations to properly brace up. Dorms, resort, maybe D-2; so much of this game is fought outside where people have a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of you. It’s about being able to smoothly transition from a normal covered position into a braced one. And the mechanic is nice to have in the game, but definitely feels like a first pass where it could be smoothened out. Even making the catch window larger because you need to manually press a button that says you want to engage with the mechanic in the first place. Tarkov doesn’t automatically do it for you when you round a corner. Call of Duty doesn’t either; that game also requires a button input. Also making the icon bigger and a little more apparent would be nice as well. If you aren’t paying attention, or even know about this mechanic, you might not look at the bottom left to see the icon at all. I’m glad it’s in the game, but these two mechanics need to extra attention so that they can be fully utilized, because right now they feel half-baked and one of those why would I ever use it kind of mechanics. Which is a shame because this is a game changer for indoor fights, where pixel peeking can make the different between a kill and quick return to your stash.

(Outro)

Bipods are finally usable in Tarkov. Kind of. They feel like they need some extra love and attention just like bracing, but the fact they have their functionality in the game at the very least means they might return to these in the future and give them some extra animations or attention. I usually try not to completely discredit something in Tarkov because the game is so open and vast that every item has a use somewhere, even if it’s really niche. But these two mechanics feel like just that; too niche for their own good. With five bipods and a fickle and cumbersome bracing mechanic, it’s hard to recommend using them unless you are playing with teammates who can cover for you. Still, it’s worth giving a shot at least once and coming to your own conclusions. I’m glad these are in the game, but BSG needs to make a second pass for them to become staples in the game. Thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to watch this video. Let me know down in the comment section below if you forgot this was added into the game and your general thoughts on bipods, bracing and be sure to subscribe for more videos about mechanics in the game I hope improve in the future. I hope to see to you in future ones.