Weapons Compendium#
The Weapon System at a Glance#
Escape from Tarkov’s arsenal is enormous, spanning three gun ecosystems — Russian, NATO, and Chinese — with highly complex ammo calibers. Weapon choice directly shapes your combat style and build path; this page organizes each category’s role and performance. The 1.1.0.0 “Kord Breach” update added the first Chinese service rifle, the QBZ-191, further enriching the pool.
Assault Rifles#
Assault rifles are the absolute mainstay, covering the widest range of mid-to-close combat scenarios.
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-74 | 5.45×39mm | Russian all-rounder | Cheap, huge modding potential |
| AKM | 7.62×39mm | Russian high damage | High damage, slightly stronger recoil |
| M4A1 | 5.56×45mm | NATO all-rounder | Highest mod ceiling, the mainstream pick |
| HK 416 | 5.56×45mm | NATO premium | High accuracy, expensive |
| AUG | 5.56×45mm | NATO compact | Compact design, good ergonomics |
| QBZ-191 | 5.8×42mm | Chinese line | Low recoil, high accuracy — the star of the new patch |
Assault Rifle Recommendations#
| Scenario | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | AK-74 | Cheap and reliable |
| Mid-game main | M4A1 | Highest mod ceiling |
| Premium raids | HK 416 | Complete performance |
| Stability seekers | QBZ-191 | Low recoil, high accuracy |
SMGs#
SMGs shine in close combat and indoor fights, with cheap ammo — a budget player’s best friend.
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP5 | 9×19mm | Budget CQC | Cheap, great handling |
| UMP | .45 ACP | High-damage CQC | Hard hitting, small mags |
| Vector | 9×19mm | CQC burst | Extremely fast fire rate |
| P90 | 5.7×28mm | Penetration CQC | Big mag, strong penetration |
| MP7 | 4.6×30mm | Premium CQC | High pen, high rate of fire |
SMG Recommendations#
| Scenario | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Factory CQC | Vector | Fire rate overwhelms |
| Budget play | MP5 | Cheap ammo |
| Against armor | P90 | Excellent penetration |
| Indoor clearing | UMP | High damage clears fast |
Shotguns#
Shotguns hit with massive close-range power — against unarmored targets, one shot usually ends it.
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP-133 | 12 gauge | Budget CQC | Cheap, simple to mod |
| MP-153 | 12 gauge | Semi-auto | Follow-up shots |
| 590 | 12 gauge | Durable CQC | Reliable and sturdy |
| Saiga-12 | 12 gauge | Big mags | Magazine-fed, sustained firepower |
| Barrel-type | 12 gauge | Special | Built for high-performance ammo |
Shotgun Essentials#
- One shot ends unarmored targets at close range
- Slugs extend effectiveness to mid-range
- Headshot zones work but demand precision
- Great value for Factory and indoor clearing
DMRs#
Designated marksman rifles (DMRs) blend semi-auto fire with mid-to-long-range precision — tactical all-rounders.
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SVD | 7.62×54R | Russian DMR | Big power, long reach |
| MK-14 | 7.62×51mm | Premium DMR | High accuracy, high damage |
| M110 | 7.62×51mm | NATO DMR | Balanced and reliable |
| SVDS | 7.62×54R | Compact DMR | Better ergonomics |
Sniper Rifles#
Sniper rifles chase maximum long-range lethality — slow, but shocking power.
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosin | 7.62×54R | Budget sniper | Cheap, one-shot devastation |
| SV-98 | 7.62×54R | Russian mainstay | High accuracy |
| M700 | 7.62×51mm | NATO sniper | Great handling |
| MDR sniper | 7.62×51mm | Premium | High-precision long range |
| .338 family | .338 Lapua | Extreme-range sniper | One-shot kill |
LMGs#
LMGs deliver sustained suppressive fire — ideal for holding positions and covering fire.
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPK | 5.45×39mm | Russian suppression | Big drum, sustained fire |
| M249 | 5.56×45mm | NATO suppression | Ferocious firepower |
| PKM | 7.62×54R | Heavy suppression | Enormous power |
Pistols and Sidearms#
| Weapon | Caliber | Role | Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM | 9×18mm | Budget sidearm | Cheap and reliable |
| Glock family | 9×19mm | Mainstream sidearm | Great handling, many attachments |
| USP | .45 ACP | High-damage sidearm | Hard hitting |
| Revolver family | .357 | Special sidearm | Big power |
Sidearm Advice#
- Emergency fire when your main runs dry
- Quick-draw answers at close range
- Your main weapon on low-budget runs
General Weapon Selection Principles#
Pick by Playstyle#
| Playstyle | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing points | SMG / shotgun | Close-range suppression |
| Mid-range mainline | Assault rifle | Balanced and complete |
| Long-range sniping | Sniper rifle | Long-distance harvesting |
| Holding positions | LMG | Sustained suppression |
| Stealth kills | Suppressed DMR | Silent takedowns |
Pick by Progression Stage#
| Stage | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Early game | AK-74, MP5 | Cheap and reliable |
| Established | M4A1, SVD | Balanced performance |
| Late game | HK 416, MK-14 | Top-tier performance |
Weapon Modding Basics#
Modding Priority#
| Order | Slot | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Optic | Better aiming experience |
| 2 | Muzzle | Lower recoil |
| 3 | Grip | Better control |
| 4 | Stock | Better stability |
| 5 | Magazine | Sustained firepower |
Modding Principles#
- Core stats first, flashiness later
- Balance ergonomics against recoil
- On a tight budget, prioritize muzzle and optic
- Reference proven build templates per gun
FAQ#
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Strongest assault rifle? | Overall the HK 416; best value is the M4A1 |
| Is the QBZ-191 worth learning? | Yes — low recoil, high accuracy; see the QBZ-191 page for details |
| First gun for a beginner? | AK-74 or MP5 — cheap and easy to handle |
| Are snipers beginner-friendly? | No — master rifles first, then move to sniping |
| Does weapon durability drop? | Yes — performance degrades with use; maintain or replace |
Weapon Stat Reference#
Mainstream Weapon Comparison#
| Weapon | Caliber | Damage | Fire rate | Recoil | Overall role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK-74 | 5.45 | Medium | Medium-high | Low | Budget all-rounder |
| AKM | 7.62×39 | High | Medium | High | High damage, hard to control |
| M4A1 | 5.56 | Medium | High | Medium | Mod ceiling |
| HK 416 | 5.56 | Medium | High | Low | Premium all-rounder |
| QBZ-191 | 5.8 | Medium-high | Medium | Low | Precise and controllable |
| MP5 | 9mm | Low | Medium | Low | Budget CQC |
| Vector | 9mm | Low | Extreme | Medium | CQC burst |
Weapon Mastery and Skills#
Weapon Skills#
| Skill | Effect | How to raise |
|---|---|---|
| Assault rifle skill | Handling efficiency | Use the matching weapons |
| Sniper skill | Breath steadiness | Use sniper rifles |
| Precision shooting skill | Accuracy boost | Land precise kills |
| Melee skill | Melee efficiency | Fight in melee |
Skill Growth Advice#
- Raise skills with a fixed main weapon
- Higher skill levels make handling smoother
- Choose season skill locks carefully
Weapon Economy#
Weapon Cost Comparison#
| Weapon | Bare price | Fully modded cost | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK-74 | Low | Low-medium | High |
| M4A1 | Medium | High | Medium |
| HK 416 | High | Very high | Medium |
| QBZ-191 | Medium | High | High |
| MP5 | Low | Low | High |
Weapon Money Advice#
- Budget weapons suit daily runs
- Save premium guns for high-value raids
- Attachments can be stripped and reused
- Watch the market and buy guns cheap
Weapon Collecting#
Collection Value#
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Limited skins | From passes / events |
| Special attachments | Rare mod parts |
| Commemorative weapons | Event rewards |
FAQ, Continued#
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do weapons wear out? | Yes — durability affects performance |
| How do you maintain weapons? | Repair durability; avoid overuse |
| Are collector weapons useful? | Mostly cosmetic |
| How many guns should a beginner learn? | Focus on 1-2 and build mastery |
Editor’s Note#
There is no absolute answer in Tarkov’s weapon choices — only fit. In the early game, don’t worship premium guns: a well-modded AK-74 handles the vast majority of situations. Once you understand gunfeel, graduate gradually to premium platforms like the M4 and HK 416. With the QBZ-191’s arrival, mid-range gained another strong pick, especially for steady, methodical players. Remember: good guns are built, not bought.