Create account
Create account

Map Guide: Karelia

Two avenues of attack are divided by a swamp. The eastern side is ideal for trench warfare. The western side is well suited for a hard push. The swamp provides a risky but perhaps unexpected attack route.

Please note that this guide does not account for any map changes or adjustments made after Update 1.21 (May 2023). While it is generally applicable, some tips, tricks, and guidelines may no longer be accurate.

Commanders!

Watch the Map Guide video and read all about the Karelia map to discover useful tips and tricks for every vehicle class, insider strategies, and more.

Karelia is one of the oldest summer maps for Tier III–X vehicles. The map, a standard 1,000x1,000 meters, is divided by a central lane into two major avenues of attack: the high grounds in the northwest and the mountains in the southeast. The landscape is characterized by swamps, rocks, and cliffs that offer little protection against artillery fire.

The open map provides opportunities for every playstyle. So, choose a fighter, pick a lane, and don’t roll off course, or you might get stuck in the mud.

Map Overview

Interactive image. Hover your cursor over the objects on the minimap to view additional information.

Spotting position into the enemy base, especially during the later stages of the battle.

Spotting position into the enemy base, especially during the later stages of the battle.

Key position for heavy and medium tanks to engage the enemy team in a battle for the hill position.

Key position for heavy and medium tanks to engage the enemy team in a battle for the hill position.

Sneaky support position for light and medium tanks to cover the northwestern lane if your team holds the hill.

Light Tanks
Medium Tanks
Heavy Tanks
Tank Destroyers
Self-Propelled Guns

Check out the map above to see the most favorable positions for every vehicle class, as well as helpful points of interest for gaining the upper hand.

  • Drain the swamp: Sneaky light tanks will find plenty of hiding places in the marshy area in the center. Tracking and reacting to enemy movement is vital on Karelia, and the swamp offers excellent spotting positions.
  • The icing on top: The mountain plateau in the southeast (also known as the donut) is key for map control. Use fast vehicles to gain control early in the game and heavy brawlers to hold the position.
  • Keep watch in the north: The elevated area northwest of the swamp offers breakthrough possibilities. Medium vehicles and sturdy tank destroyers should take a position to either stop advancements or start an assault.
  • Damage from above: Karelia is an open map with little cover against artillery fire. SPGs should take advantage and support heavy tanks around the mountain area and medium tanks in the northwest.
  • Strength in numbers: Whether your team decides to advance through the high grounds or fight for the mountain area, it is best to stick together, coordinate the assault, and only leave a few team members to secure the opposite flank.

Class Strategies

  • Light Tanks
  • Medium Tanks
  • Heavy Tanks
  • Tank Destroyers
  • SPGs
  • Providing intel for the team and spotting enemy movement should be the primary objectives for light tanks on Karelia. The swamp areas left and right of the central road (murder road) offer spotting positions into the southeast and northwest.
  • Bold light tanks with speed and firepower can also support medium tank advancements in the northwest or keep watch at B4 and D2 while the team pushes the southeast lane.

  • Always check the lineup and consider your tactics based on the enemy composition. If you can outplay the opposing mediums, immediately take over the donut position in the southeast.

  • Alternatively, stay together with your heavy tank and support their advancements through the mountain area.

  • If your team cannot take the hill, drive to the northwest to secure the corner or start a flanking maneuver.

  • Slower heavy tanks should drive to the southeast and trade shots with enemies at the foot of the hill or through the outside area. Beware of enemy SPGs, as the outer lane is more exposed to shells from above than the inner path.

  • As a mobile heavy, assist your medium tanks in taking the southeast hill, or support their advances in the northwest if the enemy lineup is unfavorable.

  • Speedy tank destroyers can immediately advance to the F0 or K7 positions and use rocks with bushes to dish out punishment against players contesting the hill.

  • Slower tank destroyers should stay near their base to assist their team in the fight on the hill. Alternatively, going to the southeastern corners and supporting the heavy tank advances is an option if you have a lot of armor.

  • Positioning yourself at A8 or G1 allows TDs to support advancing medium tanks in the northwestern high grounds.

  • Self-propelled guns should initially locate themselves behind their base. Elevated positions and an open map layout allow for shots into the heavy tank area in the southeast.

  • Keep an eye on the minimap and the course of the battle, and relocate if the enemy team breaks through.

Remember these tips and tricks, and you’ll leave your enemies sunburned while you take home the victory.

Find your path to victory and roll out!

Select a region
Selecting another region may affect the website content.
Player Support Partners EULA Report Content/Request Data Privacy Policy Game Rules Parental Portal Careers

© 2009–2024 Wargaming.net All rights reserved.

 
Close