

Whether you are playing solo or in a group, nothing matters more in EFT than what weapon you're holding and what bullet you're shooting. In order to achieve success, the best arsenal is crucial.
Here is our list of Tarkov weapons, highlighting the 8 best guns in the game. This list isn't ordered and it is taking into account price, available ammunition, and aims to provide some diversity, avoiding weapons that are too similar (M4A1 and HK, for example).
Image Via Battlestate Games.A close range monster that can still be deadly in medium ranges when used in single-fire mode. The AS-VAL does not need much in the form of attachments, but it does require access to level 4 Prapor or Ref.
That same level of traders allows purchasing of SP-6, an excellent bullet with 48 penetration and 60 damage, one-tapping any player with less than a class 5 helmet.
Image Via Battlestate Games.The classics become ubiquitous for a reason. Accessible since the start of the game for Usecs, this weapon is top of the line during any part of the wipe. Running M855 ammo with zero attachments makes it a deadly close range weapon for anyone with class 3 or lower protection.
As you progress through the wipe, you’ll unlock a ton of attachments, allowing you to turn the M4A1 into a weapon that works in any situation. Long-range builds focused on ergonomics with a suppressor work wonders for those who prefer to keep their distance. On the other hand, the chads who thrive in close-quarter-combat can rock a shorter barrel, unsuppressed M4 focused on low-recoil to shred class 4 gear using M856A1 ammo, sold by Peacekeeper level 4.
Image Via Battlestate Games.Those more interested in close to medium range combat can also look for an alternative similar to the aforementioned M4A1. The SIG MCX .300 has an impressive 800RPM rate of fire, the same as the M4, but it has slightly lower recoil values, and one key advantage.
While the 5.56x45mm calibre caps out at the M856A1 ammo when sold by vendors, the MCX has access to .300 Blackout CBJ, sold by level 3 Ref and Level 4 Peacekeeper. This ammunition boasts 43 pen and 58 damage, making it a deadly bullet for anyone with gear below class 5, and better than M856A1.
Image Via Battlestate Games.If you’re willing to progress to the latest stages of an Escape From Tarkov wipe, you can’t get a better gun than the SIG MCX-SPEAR. Equipped with an excellent scope and a suppressor by default, this beast of a rifle only needs a foregrip to be the complete package.
Rocking a specific calibre, 6.8x51mm, the Spear only accepts two bullets, which are both viable. Those who went to the trouble of completing the Lightkeeper’s Trouble in the Big City task will have access to 6.8x51mm SIG Hybrid, sold by Peacekeeper level 4, which boasts 72 damage and 47 pen. Two shots to the chest or one to the head will kill almost any opposition.
Image Via Battlestate Games.One of the best ammunition that money can buy in Escape Tarkov is that of the 7.62x51mm calibre. And few weapons can use it better than the Desert Tech MDR. This gun is viable at any distance, but excels at medium to long range engagements.
With poor recoil values, especially Vertical, the MDR requires skill to master, but such high caliber ammo only needs to hit the target two or three times to be effective. M80 is available from traders with 80 damage and 43 penetration, a deadly option, but higher tier ammos are locked behind crafts or need to be found.
Image Via Battlestate Games.For those who also want to rock M80 ammo, or even M62, but don’t want to invest more money or don’t have access to higher level traders, there is the Kel-Tec RFB. Sold by Skier level 3, the RBF is the budget alternative to the 7.62 MDR, and one of the best budget options in Tarkov as a whole.
Limited to Single fire mode, but still rocking a 700RPM for those who can press the left mouse button fast enough, the RFB shines in medium to long distance engagements, but won’t leave you entirely disarmed in close range encounters. Slap a scope and suppressor on it, and you have a deadly weapon on your hands.
Image Via Battlestate Games.Returning to the scary land of the closed-quarter-combat, few weapons are scarier than the almighty Vector, specifically the .45 variant. The TDI KRISS Vector Gen.2 .45 ACP submachine gun rocks a mind-blogging 1100RPM rate of fire and comes with only 44 Vertical recoil by default.
A tactical laser/flashlight combo, a decent foregrip are all one truly needs, but those with more roubles to spend can also purchase a suppressor or compensator, and a close-range sight. Players who have unlocked Peacekeeper or Ref level 4 can purchase the powerful .45 ACP AP bullet. Those who haven’t gotten there yet can still rock the Vector, opting instead for the leg-meta with .45 ACP Hydra-Shok, which deals 100 dmg per shot. With 1100 bullets per minute, you don’t even need to do the math.
Image Via Battlestate Games.We couldn’t close a list of the best tarkov guns without including one of the most iconic rifles in the entire game, the CMMG Mk47 Mutant 7.62x39. This heavy caliber brings with it a lot of recoil, but a fully upgraded Mutant can handle it just fine. You will need high level traders to unlock it, though, and a very deep wallet to make a truly world class build.
With that being said, a fully-kitted Mk47 outperforms almost any weapon in the game, especially when it comes to versatility. Viable in medium to long ranges when used in the single fire mode, it truly shines in closer range encounters. 7.62 bullets deal brutal damage, and can get through almost any piece of gear if you reach the highest levels of traders. Prapor 4 sells PP Gzh, and Ref 4 sells the feared BP Gzh.





