Escape From Tarkov Weapon Tier List - Best Picks For Every Build
Find the best weapons for every build in Tarkov with this updated tier list. Covering budget, meta, and endgame loadouts everything you need to win.
Aug 22, 20251K Shares78.2K Views
Escape From Tarkov Weapon Tier List: Find The Best Guns To Win Your Raids
Picking the right weapon in Escape from Tarkov can make the difference between walking out with a bag full of loot or losing everything to a better-equipped player. With over 100 weapons in the game and constant balance updates, knowing which guns truly dominate the meta has never been more important.
The weapon landscape in Tarkov changes frequently, with developers constantly adding new guns and adjusting existing ones. What worked last wipe might be completely outclassed today. After extensive testing and analysis of current weapon statistics, damage values, and real-world performance, this guide breaks down every weapon tier to help you make smart choices for your raids.
S-Tier Weapons (Best Of The Best)
HK 416A5
The HK 416A5 is a top-tier assault rifle with low recoil, high fire rate, and great customization options. It’s perfect for players who want to dominate close and mid-range fights without sacrificing control.
Thanks to its compatibility with high-penetration 5.56x45 NATO rounds, this gun can shred through armor. Add a suppressor and meta attachments, and it becomes one of the most versatile and reliable weapons in Tarkov.
RD-704
The RD-704 is a hard-hitting rifle that uses 7.62x39 ammo, giving it excellent stopping power. It’s great for taking down armored players in just a few shots.
Its recoil is higher than some rifles, but with the right attachments, you can bring it under control. The RD-704 also has good ergonomics, which helps in aiming and reaction time during close fights.
Mk47 Mutant
The Mutant feels like a mix between an AK and an M4 and that’s a good thing. It uses 7.62x39 rounds, making it deadly with high pen ammo like BP.
While it kicks harder than lighter rifles, players love it for its raw power. With mods to control the recoil, it becomes a monster that can compete at nearly any range.
MP7A2
The MP7A2 is an SMG with insane fire rate and armor-piercing rounds like AP SX. It melts opponents in close quarters and doesn’t need much to feel powerful.
It has low recoil and high mobility, making it a favorite for indoor fights and fast-paced raids. You won’t win long-range duels with it, but in tight spaces, it’s almost unbeatable.
Vector .45 ACP
The Vector .45 ACP is famous for its fast fire rate and low recoil. Even though .45 ammo isn’t the strongest, the sheer number of bullets you can land quickly makes up for it.
It’s especially useful when you run into lightly armored targets, and with the right ammo like .45 AP, it can surprise even geared PMCs. Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s ideal for fast pushes and aggressive plays.
SR-25
The SR-25 is a semi-auto marksman rifle that’s deadly accurate and packs a punch. It fires 7.62x51 rounds, which means it can drop enemies in just one or two shots.
It’s a go-to choice for players who like to stay at medium to long range and pick off enemies with precision. It’s not cheap, but it’s reliable and deadly when used right.
M1A
The M1A is similar to the SR-25 in terms of caliber and use. It’s a powerful semi-auto rifle that works great for mid-to-long range encounters.
It can be customized for low recoil and quick handling. With the right 7.62x51 ammo, you can easily punch through helmets and armor, giving you a strong edge in open-area fights.
A-Tier Weapons (Still Excellent)
AUG A3
The AUG A3 is a new favorite thanks to its low recoil and smooth firing. It uses 5.56x45 rounds and feels super stable even in full-auto.
It’s not quite as flexible as the HK 416A5, but it’s more budget-friendly and easier to use. For players who want a solid, reliable rifle, the AUG is a great pick.
AK-74N
The AK-74N is one of the most iconic rifles in Tarkov. It uses 5.45x39 ammo, which offers good penetration when you load it with BS or BT rounds.
It has moderate recoil, but with the right build, it becomes very manageable. Many players use it for both budget and mid-tier loadouts, and it can definitely hold its own.
M4A1
The M4A1 is a classic. It’s known for being highly customizable and very easy to control. It uses 5.56x45 rounds, which can be armor-piercing if you choose the right type.
It’s more expensive than the AUG or AK, but it gives you lots of control over how you build it. Whether you go loud or suppressed, the M4A1 is a trusted option.
MCX SPEAR
The MCX SPEAR shoots .300 Blackout, which makes it unique. With subsonic ammo, it’s incredibly quiet, perfect for stealth raids.
It’s not the best against top-tier armor, but it shines in urban or indoor fights. You get high fire rate, decent control, and strong short-range performance.
PP-19 Vityaz
The PP-19 is a budget SMG that performs surprisingly well in early raids. It uses 9x19 ammo, which is cheap and easy to find.
It doesn’t do great against armor, but it’s accurate, low recoil, and perfect for killing scavs or lightly geared players. Great for quick loot runs or scav hunting.
UMP .45
The UMP .45 is a solid SMG that shoots slowly but hits hard. With .45 ACP AP ammo, it can take down even decently armored enemies.
It’s very easy to control, making it perfect for new players or those looking for a reliable side weapon. It won’t win long-range duels, but it dominates in close quarters.
Mosin Nagant
The Mosin is a bolt-action rifle with high damage and great accuracy. One hit to the chest or head can drop a player instantly.
It’s slow to fire, but the damage output is worth it if you’re a good shot. It’s also popular for sniper runs and budget loadouts.
SV-98
The SV-98 is like an upgraded Mosin. It fires 7.62x54R, hits hard, and has a built-in suppressor option.
It’s more expensive but much faster and smoother than the Mosin. If you like sniping, this one feels great to use and is very rewarding when you land your shots.
B-Tier Weapons (Good, But Not Top-Tier)
AKM
The AKM is a battle rifle that fires 7.62x39, which means it hits hard. However, it kicks a lot and needs good mods to control.
With ammo like BP or PS, it’s still dangerous, especially in mid-range fights. Just expect to put in work to manage its recoil.
SKS
The SKS is a semi-auto rifle that’s very common and easy to use. It shoots 7.62x39, giving it decent penetration and power.
It’s not very customizable, but it works well for budget builds or players who prefer semi-auto fire over full-auto spray.
Vepr Hunter
The Vepr Hunter fires 7.62x51 rounds and hits incredibly hard. But it only holds 10 rounds and kicks like a mule.
Still, it’s a favorite for budget snipers or players who want big damage in a simple package. One or two shots can end a fight quickly.
ADAR 2-15
The ADAR is a semi-auto version of the M4A1, firing 5.56 rounds. It’s accurate, low recoil, and great for tap firing at range.
You miss out on full-auto, but in return, you get a steady, affordable rifle. Good for players who value control over spraying.
VPO-136
This is a semi-auto AK that uses 7.62x39. It’s accurate but has a slow fire rate and not much room for upgrades.
It’s decent for single-shot gameplay or early wipe runs when better gear is rare. Not flashy, but functional.
M870 Shotgun
The M870 is a pump-action shotgun that works great in close quarters. It can one-shot with the right ammo and good aim.
It’s slow between shots, so you need to make them count. Great for factory or surprise attacks in buildings.
Saiga-12
The Saiga-12 is a semi-auto shotgun with a lot of punch. It has magazines, so you can reload quickly and fire fast. It’s deadly up close, especially with AP slugs. Not ideal for outdoors or long range, but very fun in tight spots.
C-Tier Weapons (Use With Caution)
TOZ-106
This tiny shotgun is mostly a meme. It fires slowly, kicks oddly, and holds very few rounds. Still, it can surprise players in close quarters if used with good ammo. Think of it as a last-resort weapon.
Kedr
The Kedr is a small SMG using 9x18mm rounds. It’s cheap, light, and has low recoil, but it doesn’t do much damage. Best used early in the wipe or for pistol-kill quests. Not something you’ll want to bring against geared PMCs.
Klin
The Klin is a variant of the Kedr, offering a bit more fire rate and better stats overall. It still uses weak ammo but feels smoother and more accurate. It can shine in the early game with good aim.
MP-133
The MP-133 is a pump shotgun with a decent punch. It’s good for budget raids and can drop enemies in one shot. You need to aim carefully and plan your reloads. It’s best in places like Factory or Dorms, where you can ambush people.
AK-74
This is a basic version of the AK series. It fires 5.45x39 and has decent performance, but it's outclassed by its upgraded versions. Still, it’s useful in budget runs or when other options aren’t available. With the right ammo, it can still do some damage.
PM Pistol
The PM (Makarov) pistol is very basic, using weak 9x18 rounds. It's not great, but it gets the job done in the early game. You’ll probably use it once or twice and move on quickly. It’s mainly for budget players or pistol challenges.
D-F Tier Weapons (Avoid Unless Desperate)
Double-Barrel Shotgun
This shotgun is very limited only two shots before reload. You better not miss. It’s fun for memes or surprise kills, but it’s not practical in real fights. Only bring it if you want a challenge.
TOZ-106 (20-gauge)
The 20-gauge version is even weaker than the regular TOZ. It has less damage and lower penetration. Unless you're doing it for fun or a quest, there’s almost no reason to bring it into a raid.
PB Pistol
The PB is a suppressed version of the Makarov. It’s slightly cooler, but still very weak. It can be useful for silent scav kills or pistol quests, but it’s underpowered for real PvP fights.
TT Pistol
The TT is a fun little pistol with fast bullets. It has decent armor penetration with the right rounds. But it’s still a pistol, so it’s limited in magazine size and stopping power. Best used for quests or fun.
Grach Pistol
The Grach is one of the better pistols, using 9x19 ammo. It has more power than the PM or TT, but still not enough to be a main weapon. It’s a decent sidearm if you run out of ammo on your main, but not something to rely on for full raids.
Escape From Tarkov: 15 Best Weapons
- HK 416A5: A highly customizable rifle with low recoil and excellent accuracy, making it ideal for top-tier builds.
- RD-704: A 7.62x39 rifle that balances strong damage with better handling than traditional AK models.
- Mk47 Mutant: Combines AK-level power with AR-style control, offering versatility and strong modding options.
- MP7A2: Compact and fast-firing SMG chambered in 4.6x30mm, effective for close-quarters combat and armor penetration.
- Vector .45 ACP: Extremely fast fire rate with access to .45 AP rounds, capable of downing targets quickly in tight areas.
- SR-25: A semi-automatic marksman rifle that delivers reliable long-range precision with high-powered rounds.
- M1A: Offers similar performance to the SR-25 but at a lower cost, making it a great alternative for budget DMR users.
- AUG A3: Smooth handling and accurate fire with 5.56 ammo, offering a well-rounded option for mid to high-tier play.
- M4A1: One of the most customizable rifles in the game, known for its accuracy, fire rate, and top-tier mod support.
- MCX SPEAR: Fires .300 Blackout rounds with strong damage and subsonic ammo options for suppressed builds.
- PP-19 Vityaz: A lightweight and affordable SMG using 9x19 ammo, easy to control and ideal for early wipe runs.
- UMP .45: A dependable SMG that performs well with budget or meta ammo, offering low recoil and good stopping power.
- Mosin Nagant: A bolt-action rifle capable of one-shot headshots, often used in budget sniper builds.
- SV-98: A refined bolt-action rifle with better ergonomics and mod options compared to the Mosin.
- Vepr Hunter: Semi-automatic rifle that fires 7.62x51mm, providing heavy damage at mid to long ranges with simple controls.
Understanding Weapon Performance In Tarkov
How Damage And Penetration Work
In Escape from Tarkov, a gun isn’t just good because it looks cool, it needs to hit hard, pierce armor, and fire fast. Three things matter most:
- How much damage a bullet does
- How well it breaks through armor
- How quickly your gun can shoot
For example, 7.62x51 M62 rounds hit like a truck and shred armor, but they’re expensive. On the flip side, 5.45x39 US is cheaper and still decent for budget builds; just don’t expect it to stop a well-armored PMC.
Here’s the rule of thumb:
- Penetration over 40 is usually strong enough to deal with most armor.
- If your enemy has high-tier armor, forget damage; you need penetration first, or your shots will just bounce off.
Recoil And Ergonomics Matter More Than Ever
Since patch 0.14, the game has made recoil control a lot more important. If your gun kicks too much, it’s tough to land shots, especially when you’re spraying at longer ranges. That’s why players now focus on:
- Vertical recoil under 80 (easier to manage)
- Horizontal recoil under 200 (keeps your aim steady)
And then there’s ergonomics, which affects how fast you can aim, move while aiming, and how tired your PMC gets.
- Guns with under 40 ergo feel slow and heavy.
- Over 60 ergo feels light and snappy, perfect for close-quarters fights.
Why Ammo Type Makes Or Breaks Your Gun
Not all bullets are equal. Some are fast and sharp, others are soft and slow. Here's how it breaks down:
- Small calibers like 9x19 or .45 ACP are fine against scavs or lightly armored PMCs but they struggle against big armor.
- Medium calibers like 5.56x45 or 5.45x39 offer a good balance between price, recoil, and armor piercing.
- Heavy calibers like 7.62x51 or .338 Lapua destroy everything but they’re expensive and ammo is hard to find.
Also, the price and availability of ammo on traders or the flea market can make even a great gun feel useless. If you can’t afford to feed it the right rounds, it’s not worth bringing into a raid.
Weapon Modification And Build Optimization
Essential Modifications For Each Tier
S-tier weapons require premium modifications to reach their full potential. Focus on recoil reduction and ergonomics improvementsto maximize their inherent advantages.
A-tier weapons benefit most from targeted improvements addressing their specific weaknesses. A weapon with good damage but poor ergonomics needs different modifications than one with controllability issues.
Budget weapons should prioritize cost-effective modifications that provide maximum impact per ruble spent. Sometimes basic improvements yield better results than expensive showcase builds.
Budget Vs. High-End Attachments
Budget builds can achieve reasonable performance, with total modification costs around 83,000 roubles, creating builds with 47 ergonomics, 101 vertical recoil, and 211 horizontal recoil. These numbers represent playable performance levels for experienced users.
High-end modifications can transform weapon handling dramatically but require significant investment. Evaluate whether the performance improvement justifies the cost based on your playstyle and financial situation.
Consider modification availability when planning builds. Parts locked behind high trader levels or rare market finds may not provide reliable access for consistent loadout construction.
Recoil Control Strategies
Understanding recoil patterns allows you to compensate manually rather than relying entirely on modifications. This skill becomes especially valuable with budget builds where perfect stats aren't achievable.
Vertical recoil is generally easier to control than horizontal recoil. Prioritize reducing horizontal recoil when forced to choose between modification options.
Some weapons have unique recoil characteristics that make them easier or harder to control despite similar statistics. Personal testing helps identify weapons that work well with your individual control style.
Ammunition Analysis And Penetration Guide
Armor Penetration Values
Understanding penetration mechanics helps you select appropriate ammunition for expected threats. Penetration values above 40 reliably defeat Class 4 armor, while 50+ penetration handles Class 5 protection.
Armor penetration, fragmentation, recoil, and velocity work together to determine ammunition effectiveness. High-penetration rounds often have reduced damage or increased recoil as balancing factors.
Consider the armor meta when selecting ammunition. If most players run Class 4 protection, ammunition with 45+ penetration provides reliable performance without paying premium prices for maximum penetration.
Cost Vs. Performance Analysis
Premium ammunition can cost 10-20 times more than basic rounds while providing only marginal improvements in many situations. Evaluate whether the performance gain justifies the cost based on your target priorities.
Mid-tier ammunition often provides the best value proposition by offering decent penetration and damage at reasonable costs. These rounds work well for general-purpose loadouts.
Reserve premium ammunition for high-value targets or crucial engagements. Using expensive rounds against scav players or unarmored opponents wastes money that could fund future raids.
Ammunition Recommendations By Weapon
5.56x45 weapons perform best with M855A1 or M995 for armored targets, while M856A1 provides good budget performance. Match ammunition choice to expected encounter types.
7.62x39 users should prioritize BP rounds for serious engagements, with PS serving as economical backup. The caliber's high damage makes even budget rounds effective against appropriate targets.
SMG calibers require careful ammunition selection since penetration becomes crucial for effectiveness. Budget SMG rounds work only against unarmored or lightly protected targets.
People Also Ask
What's The Best Weapon For New Tarkov Players?
The AK-74 series provides the best starting point for new players. These weapons use affordable ammunition, have manageable recoil patterns, and remain effective throughout your progression.
How Do I Know If A Gun Is Worth Modding?
If a gun starts with good base stats (recoil/ergonomics) and uses strong ammo, it’s worth modding.
Is It Better To Buy From Traders Or Flea Market?
Traders are usually cheaper early wipe. Flea Market becomes better later for rare builds and attachments.
When Should I Use Budget Weapons Vs. Meta Weapons?
Use budget weapons when learning maps, practicing mechanics, or running high-risk raids where gear loss is likely. Save meta weapons for important raids, PvP-focused gameplay, or situations where maximum performance provides significant advantages.
How Do I Know Which Ammunition To Use With Each Weapon?
Check penetration values against expected armor levels in your raids. Against Class 4 armor, use rounds with 40+ penetration. For Class 5-6 armor, prioritize 50+ penetration rounds. Consider cost-effectiveness for your playstyle and financial situation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right weapon in Escape from Tarkov isn’t just about damage numbers. It’s about how well the weapon fits your style, your budget, and the raid situation. Use this Escape from Tarkov weapon tier listas your roadmap, but never stop experimenting.
Mod your guns carefully, pick your ammo wisely, and adapt to the ever-changing game meta. With practice and the right gear, every raid becomes a step closer to dominance.
Jump to
Escape From Tarkov Weapon Tier List: Find The Best Guns To Win Your Raids
S-Tier Weapons (Best Of The Best)
A-Tier Weapons (Still Excellent)
B-Tier Weapons (Good, But Not Top-Tier)
C-Tier Weapons (Use With Caution)
D-F Tier Weapons (Avoid Unless Desperate)
Escape From Tarkov: 15 Best Weapons
Understanding Weapon Performance In Tarkov
Weapon Modification And Build Optimization
Ammunition Analysis And Penetration Guide
People Also Ask
Final Thoughts
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