Escape from Tarkov is now in its fourth year, giving players a lot of time to test out the many weapons in the game. The best guns to use in Tarkov will depend on a number of factors. One of the most prevalent is playstyle. PMCs that prefer PVP will often want to be up close and personal with an SMG in hot zones.
Conservative players will often lean toward a versatile option like the M4A1 5.56. There are also a lot of people in the community that enjoy fighting in the vast open landscapes with a variable sniper. The following list includes the top weapons in the game without focusing on a particular map or playstyle. All Tarkov players can have success using the following weapons, which are ranked from worst to best.
Updated on August 20, 2021 by Payton Lott: Unlike most first-person shooters, Tarkov does not have different damage values for each weapon. Instead, the caliber of the gun, as well as the fire rate determine the time to kill. Because of how realistic gunplay in Tarkov is, it only takes a few bullets to kill an enemy PMC. This means that customization plays a huge role in the game. Attachments and modifications can make a mediocre weapon one of the best guns in Tarkov. This updated list includes 5 such weapons. With the right build, each of them can compete with the expensive meta guns in-game.
15 M1A
The M1A is a 762x51 caliber semi-automatic rifle. It has a max fire rate of 700 RPM, and a maximum range of 700 meters. Players that have a quick trigger finger will be able to get the most out of this weapon. With a meta build, the M1A can have 50+ ergonomics and controllable recoil.
Getting horizontal recoil above 90 will be one of the most important stats to focus on. There are far too many variations of attachments, but as long as gamers reduce the horizontal bounce and increase ergonomics, the M1A will be a powerful weapon. Vertical recoil should be reduced somewhat, but anywhere from 40-50 should do the trick.
14 RSASS
Like the M1A, the RSASS is a comparable single fire model with 762x51 caliber rounds. Both weapons have the same fire rate, but the RSASS has a longer range by 200 meters. Anyone that enjoys hitting precision shots with single fire rifles will want to give these guns a try.
Ergonomics will not be as much of a concern with the RSASS, as 30+ will feel good enough. This will give people more slots for horizontal and vertical recoil control. Meta builds will have 90+ horizontal control, 40+ vertical control, and 30+ ergonomics.
13 AS VAL
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It is not as dominant as it once was, but the AS VAL will still shred through enemies in Tarkov. It has a high fire rate of 900 rpm, which makes it forgiving at close range. Despite being a close-range secondary, the AS VAL has a decent effective range. However, bullet velocity will make it difficult to connect with targets more than 50 meters away.
Any top-tier build for the gun will focus on controlling recoil, as the AS VAL has a noticeable kick. The base ergonomics on the weapon are good, but adding +10 can be useful. Players will still prefer the MP7 or Vector, but the AS VAL is a reliable choice.
12 MCX
The MCX was added to Tarkov at the beginning of 2021. Since it has emerged as one of the viable competitive assault rifles. With an 800 rpm fire rate and base .762 ammunition, the MCX packs a punch. As a result, it has a ton of kick.
Thankfully, there are plenty of attachments that reduce horizontal recoil substantially. With the proper build, people can get anywhere from 100-150 horizontal control. Based on the rpm and caliber alone, the MCX is a great automatic rifle that can be dominant with the right attachments.
11 AKMN
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People in the community have long considered the AKMN as an A-tier choice. It has a moderate fire rate of 600 RPM, but with .762 ammunition, that isn't much of an issue. Besides, users should be tap firing at more than 50 meters anyway. Likewise, a 400-meter damage range is irrelevant, as hitting shots at those ranges will be nearly impossible.
What really sets apart the AKMN is attachments. With just a few decent modifications, the AKMN can be spec'd to have 60+ ergo and vertical control. At the same time, certain combinations can boost horizontal control to nearly 200. The controllable .762 assault rifle is an excellent weapon for any player.
10 KS-23
New players can get their hands on the KS-23 relatively early in their gameplay experience. It is one of the few beginner weapons that has a one-shot potential. The weapon is incredibly easy to use, especially for players that have logged less than 100 hours on the game.
It may feel cheap, but it is in the game, so why not use it. The KS-23 works well on smaller maps and as a close-quarters support weapon in buildings and hallways.
9 FN 5-7
The FN 5-7 is the best pistol in Tarkov. One of the main advantages of using the pistol are its iron sights. Several of the Tarkov pistols can be difficult to aim, but the FN is laser-accurate. The pistol has large 20 round magazine and packs a punch up close.
Players that are sniping will love having this mini destroyer in their back pocket. With just one headshot, the FN can take players out of the game early in a raid. Because of the FN's one-shot potential, many consider it one of the best weapons in Tarkov.
8 PP-19-01
This list had to include the PP-19 because of how simple it is to set up. With only a Cobra Reflex, this weapon will perform very well in game. Gamers that get killed using the weapon will most likely only lose a sight because no one loots the PP-19 for some reason.
While the gun may not be the most powerful, it is as pinpoint accurate as any SMG after the first few bullets. Players that are new to the game or tired of wasting Roubles on expensive builds should test the gun out.
7 M700
Unlike the DVL-10, the M700 can be modified. The bolt action sniper is a blast to use on maps with long sightlines like Woods and Shoreline. Gamers can pair the M700 with the KS-23 and decimate PMCs in raids.
The gun is accurate, has enough bullet velocity, and feels much better than the other options in-game. PMCs that are using the other snipers should give this weapon a try.
6 MP7A1
The MP7 is unquestionably an S-tier gun. At short to medium range, no other SMG will have a chance. At extended distances, however, it will be hard to hit targets without tapping the trigger. The SMG has a fast fire rate, acceptable accuracy, and a decent size magazine.
Finding the AP SX ammo for the MP7 can be a pain though. Unfortunately, players will not be able to purchase the ammo in large stacks. Because of the accessibility issues with the weapon, it is probably better to run the Vector 9X19.
5 Vector 9X19
With the right attachments, the Vector is the most dominant SMG in Tarkov. It has good accuracy, controllable recoil, and enough ammo to deal with multiple enemies. The Vector and MP7 are neck and neck, but the Vector is easier to acquire and gamers will have no problem stocking up on ammo.
The primary advantage the Vector has over the other SMGs is range and consistency. The Vector can fire at extended ranges the other SMGs cant. While it is understandable to prefer the other options, the Vector will be the top SMG for most users.
4 M4A1
In the community, the M4 is probably the most popular pick for an assault rifle. With mods, the weapon is very good. It has controllable recoil, decent damage, and a fast enough fire rate for close-quarters combat.
The M4 is a common weapon in the game because it is a reliable weapon. Gamers of any skill level can pick it up and feel comfortable challenging enemies at most ranges.
3 VEPR Hunter
In PVP, the VEPR will dominate on essentially every map. The gun has incredible damage and accuracy, even without a sight. A lot of people are using the gun right now because of how unfair it can be at times.
On the maps that encourage early game movement, the VEPR is a menace. Skilled players can even run through raids without a secondary weapon. Based on stats and performance alone, the VEPR is the top carbine at the moment.
2 MK-18
In the Carbine/DMR class, the VEPR Hunter and MK-18 are the top options. It is hard to differentiate between the two guns. Both are powerful, accurate, and fun to use. However, the slight edge has to go to the MK-18 because of the beautiful sound it makes every time a round exits the chamber.
Gamers will be hard-pressed to find a gun that is more satisfying to get a kill with. The MK-18 can down players in just one shot, and it is one of the most enjoyable weapons to use in Tarkov.
1 HK 416A5
The M4 and MDR are two other really good options in the assault rifle class. Because of the damage the HK does, it had to be included in this list. One well-placed shot to the head is sometimes enough to take out players in the early game.
The HK does more damage per shot than the MDR and it fires faster than the M4. It may take a more skilled player to use the HK properly, but it is better than the other assault rifles. The HK is one of the best weapons in Tarkov.