Escape From Tarkov is an unforgivingly realistic online FPS that sees players compete with each other to secure the most gear and safely extract with their hard-won loot. PvP has a strong presence in the game, meaning players must learn to protect themselves and their inventory from predatory foes.
With over 80 different ammo types and an assortment of different mags and guns for players to get to grips with in Escape From Tarkov, knowing which ammo type to use in which situation can pose a real challenge for newer players. One of the key types of ammunition, 9x19 parabellum, is used for many of the game’s pistols, revolvers, and SMGs, making it crucial to the player's mastery of sidearms and close-quarter weaponry.
8 PSO GZH
The weakest of the bunch, PSO GZH provides little in the way of useful qualities. It’s got one of the worst penetration stats and low armor damage, meaning it’s going to struggle against even lightly armored opponents.
Pair that with an average amount of damage output and a low bullet velocity, and the PSO GZH quickly becomes useless. Perhaps the only benefit of the PSO GZH is that it’s easy to obtain, only requiring loyalty level 1 to purchase from the Prapor, Jaeger, and Peacekeeper traders.
7 Green Tracer
An ammo type used more for utility than for doing damage, Green Tracer rounds are fairly unique in that they leave a bright green trail behind as they travel through the air. This gives players a visual indicator of where their shots are heading, allowing them to readjust if need be and maintain accurate fire.
Aside from this, the actual bullet performs poorly in the field. It has ok penetration and ok damage, but neither stat makes it stand out amongst other options, although it does have -6% recoil modifier, which is nice. Available to purchase from Mechanic at loyalty level 1, these rounds should only be used in long-range situations. However, rifles and their corresponding ammunition are far better equipped for these circumstances, so it might be best to avoid Green Tracer rounds altogether.
6 Luger CCI
With decent damage stats but weak penetration, these bullets are pretty underwhelming. They have an extra 20% chance to cause both light and heavy bleeding, but even so, they won’t do a lot of damage to armored opponents unless fired in high quantities.
As a result, these rounds are best used for SMGs with a high rate of fire and large magazines to overwhelm opponents in a hail of bullets. Otherwise, there are far better options for players to utilize. Luger CCI can be purchased from Skier at loyalty level 4.
5 QuakeMaker
The QuakeMaker has a high damage stat of 85 but suffers from low penetration and armor damage. It has the benefit of 10% more accuracy, with the trade-off being an extra 10% more recoil. It also has the highest chance of causing heavy bleeding among all 9x19 rounds and a decent chance of causing light bleeding as well.
Overall, it’s a very average bullet. Players should use them if they have nothing else or if they’re trying to save more powerful rounds for other fights, but the QuakeMaker should generally be avoided if possible. They can be purchased from Peacekeeper at loyalty level 3.
4 RIP
With the highest damage of all 9x19 rounds, the RIP ammo type is not as deadly as it may sound. It has a dreadful penetration of only 2, meaning these bullets are essentially going to bounce off any armor they come into contact with. They also have 20% extra recoil, which means firing them may prove difficult to control.
Despite this, their high damage means they remain viable if used effectively - players should aim for their opponent's legs, as these are unarmoured and susceptible to the high flesh damage caused by RIP bullets. The extra 30% chance of causing light bleeding can also come in handy. These rounds can be crafted from a level 3 workbench or purchased from Skier and Jaeger at loyalty level 4.
3 PST GZH
The PST GZH is a solid choice of ammo for the early and mid-game. They have a decent penetration stat at 20, and ok damage, and should be thought of as a basic but solid bullet. While they will struggle against higher-tier opponents, they can be used to good effect against scavs and lightly armored players.
Their most appealing attribute is that they are widely available before most other good ammo types, only requiring a loyalty level of 2 with Prapor, Mechanic, or Peacekeeper to purchase.
2 AP 6.3
A powerful mid-tier choice, AP 6.3 is what players should use if they don’t have access to PBP GZH yet. This round has a strong penetration of 30 and high armor damage that allows the player to more effectively take on heavily armored foes.
While they do penetrate most armors, anyone clad in level 4 gear or above will remain well-protected when attacked with AP 6.3. Otherwise, this ammo type will serve players well in most situations, especially as they are made available before the more powerful PBP. AP 6.3 can be crafted from a level 2 workbench and purchased from Peacekeeper at loyalty level 3.
1 PBP GZH
With the highest penetration of the lot at 39 and strong armor damage of 53%, this round can take on most opponents the player might face, regardless of their armor level.
It also has 15% extra accuracy, and while that does come at the cost of 15% recoil, PBP GZH remains a powerful type of ammo and should be used wherever possible to maintain the best chance of defeating other players, staying alive, and extracting safely with as much loot as possible. It is available to be crafted from a level 3 workbench.
Escape From Tarkov is available on PC.