Diving into the thrilling world of Escape from Tarkov, dominated by its intense gunfights and realistic gameplay, one aspect crucial to your success is managing your stockpile of items. With a wide array of gear, weapons, and ammunition at your disposal, understanding which items are must-haves, or 'best in stock', can significantly enhance your gaming experience.
Essential Ammunition - The Heart of Your Loadout
Before you dive into the meat and potatoes of weaponry and armor, you need to understand that your ammunition inventory is just as important as your guns. Having the wrong ammo in your loadout can turn a gunfight in your enemy's favor, so let's discuss some of the best ammo types in Tarkov.
For the sake of all-rounders, go for 7.62x39mm M80 and 9x19mm 7N31 ammunition. The 7.62x39mm M80 is an excellent balance between penetration and damage, while the latter offers a nice compromise between damage and cost-effectiveness with 9x19mm. If you're aiming for higher-end options, 7N31 or AP 6.5 is an exceptional choice due to their exceptional penetration and damage capabilities.
Assault Rifles - Versatility Masters
Assault rifles are your workhorse weapons in Tarkov, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial. The AK-74 and AKS-74U are popular choices for their reliability and high ROF (Rate of Fire). These weapons, paired with the right ammunition, like 5.45x39mm 7N31, can shred through armor like nobody's business.
If you're looking for more precision, consider the M4A1 or the . These carbines offer controllable recoil and higher damage output compared to most AK-models but lacks the raw power of the AKs in full auto mode. For the M4A1, the 5.56x45mm M856 A1 is an excellent all-around load, while the 9x39mm SP6 is perfect for the AUX.
Shotguns - Reliable and Forgiving
Shotguns in Tarkov are as versatile as they are devastating. The Saiga-12K and S5 are favorite choices for their high capacity and damage output. Shotguns are excellent close to mid-range options, and the slugs can be used to shoot reliably at longer ranges as well. Stock up on buckshot and slugs for a satisfyingly beefy loadout.
For a more specialized role, consider the MP7, an SMG that's deadly at taking down armored scavs and players. Coupled with the right ammunition like 4.6x30mm AP 20 NS, the MP7 offers an incredible damage-to-recoil ratio, turning you into a PvP monster.
Armor - Your Lifeline in Tarkov
Surviving gunfights in Tarkov often comes down to the protection and condition of your armor. Understanding the armor rating system and how it interacts with ammunition is vital to your gameplay. The 6Sh116 LBT 6094A and 6Sh115 6B5 are top choices for their high protection and low weight.
For a more budget-friendly option, the 6Sh112 ZSH-1 and FP-1 offer reasonable protection at a lower cost. However, bear in mind that these lower tier armors cannot stop AP rounds, so it's crucial to know your enemy's loadout to ensure your survival.
Backpacks - Carrying Your Survival
Your backpack is the lifeline of all your gear in Tarkov. Picking a backpack requires balancing weight, volume, and armor protection. The SSO logarithms and RT-78 Skat are highly praised for their high armor rating and good weight capacity. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the VL-T.Security and Ribz SLAP.
Your choice of backpack will also limit your ability to carry bulkier items, such as scopes or large meds. Therefore, selecting the right combination of a backpack and armor is key for effective looting and surviving intense gunfights.
Finally, remember that Tarkov is a game of adaptation and patience. Your gear choice should evolve with your skill and understanding of the game, determining the level of comfort and confidence you'll find in every raid. Good luck, snipers, and stay sharp!
