Escape from Tarkov Best Weapons Tier List

Tarkov's weapon meta is brutal, unforgiving, and constantly evolving. One wrong choice in your loadout can mean the difference between extracting with fat loot or watching your gear walk away with someone else. After hundreds of raids and countless weapon tests, we've compiled Escape from Tarkov best weapons list that will answer all of your questions.

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TL;DR

Let’s jump straight to our testing results and learn what weapons are the best in our EFT guns tier list:

• DT MDR 7.62x51 dominates as the best all-around weapon - minimal modding required, devastating damage
• MK47 Mutant remains the king of versatility with manageable recoil and 7.62x39 BP rounds
• SIG MCX-SPEAR is the ultimate endgame rifle, but requires Lightkeeper unlock
• MP7A2 rules close-quarters combat with armor-piercing capabilities
• AUG A3 has become a top-tier choice due to excellent ergonomics and ease of use
• Ammunition matters more than the weapon itself - always prioritize good bullets over fancy guns

Our Tier List Methodology

Our Tarkov weapons tier list isn't based on theoretical stats or community hype. We put every weapon through real raid conditions, testing everything from Factory CQB to Woods long-range engagements. Each gun was evaluated across multiple factors, including damage output, recoil control, modification potential, and cost-effectiveness.

We tested both budget builds and full meta configurations, because let's be honest - not everyone has 2 million rubles sitting around for a single rifle. Every weapon went through at least 50+ raid hours to understand its real-world performance, not just what looks good on paper.

Here is our key ranking factors:

• Damage Output: How quickly can this weapon drop enemies? We prioritize guns that can two-tap thorax or one-shot heads consistently.
• Recoil Management: Even the highest damage means nothing if you can't land follow-up shots. Controllable recoil wins firefights.
• Ammo Access: The best gun is useless without good bullets. We heavily weight weapons that have accessible, high-penetration ammunition.
• Modification Flexibility: Can you build this weapon for different roles? Versatility adds major points to our rankings.
• Cost Efficiency: Bang for your buck matters, especially in early wipe scenarios.

Escape from Tarkov Weapons Tier List

The current meta has shifted significantly, with some unexpected weapons climbing to the top while former favorites have fallen from grace. Currently, weapons are divided into following tiers:

S-Tier Weapons

Only the best guns to use in EFT make it to the S-tier. Those are exceptional weapons, unique in their stats.

• MK47 Mutant - Using 7.62x39mm with BP rounds hits hard enough to drop most targets fast. Recoil stays controllable if you mod it right - not as bad as you'd expect from that caliber. Good for both careful shots and mag dumps when things get messy. Finding BP ammo isn't too rough compared to some of the premium stuff out there.
• SIG MCX-SPEAR - Uses exclusive 6.8x51mm SIG Hybrid ammunition that can kill with two chest shots or one headshot. Comes pre-built with excellent attachments including scope and suppressor. The catch? You need to complete Lightkeeper tasks to unlock it, making this a true endgame weapon.
• DT MDR 7.62x51 - Many consider this the best overall weapon in Tarkov, and for good reason. Incredible ergonomics, devastating .308 damage, and fast bullet velocity with minimal modification requirements. Just add a forward grip, basic scope, laser, and 25-round magazines. M80 or M62 bullets will two-tap at close range consistently.
• AUG A3 - This Austrian bullpup has climbed to S-tier thanks to its exceptional ergonomics, ease of use, and minimal modification needs. Uses readily available 5.56 NATO rounds and performs admirably across all engagement ranges.
• MP7A2 - Ridiculous rate of fire combined with armor-piercing AP SX rounds. Works best when you're pushing angles hard. The recoil stays manageable even during full-auto sprays. Not great for long sightlines though.

A-Tier Weapons

Those guns will be the perfect choice for players who have not found the top EFT weapons meta options yet. They are less rare and expensive, but still offer a high level of efficiency.

• AS VAL - This integrated suppressed rifle doesn't need much attachment investment but demands access to level 4 traders for SP-6 ammunition (48 penetration, 60 damage). Absolutely destroys in close-range situations but struggles at distance.
• SCAR-H - Not quite as effortless as the MDR, but it offers more modification flexibility for players who like to tinker with their builds.
• Vector .45 ACP - Mind-boggling 1,100 RPM fire rate that can melt enemies in milliseconds. Requires .45 ACP AP ammunition to be truly effective, but when properly fed, this weapon is devastating in close quarters.
• SR-25 - This semi-automatic .308 sits right between assault rifles and dedicated marksman weapons. Perfect if you're someone who likes taking precise, controlled shots instead of just spraying bullets everywhere.

B-Tier Weapons

Good overall, but not offering any exceptional efficiency or value. B-Tier guns are your reliable tools that will help you grinding for better weapons.

• AK-74N - Uses common 5.45x39 ammunition, and can be built into a respectable weapon with proper modifications. BT and BS rounds make it viable throughout the wipe.
• M4A1 - This weapon demands serious cash for attachments and top-shelf 5.56 ammo if you want to hang with S and A-tier guns. Get it fully loaded, and you've got yourself a beast.
• PP-19 Vityaz - Budget SMG option that performs well with proper ammunition. Uses 9x19mm rounds that are relatively affordable, making it a solid choice for economy runs or early wipe scenarios.

C-Tier Weapons

These weapons serve specific purposes or work well in early wipe conditions, but get outclassed as better options become available:

• SKS - The ultimate budget DMR with PS ammo
• AKM - Cheap 7.62x39 platform for early raids
• MP5 - Decent SMG but outperformed by higher-tier options
• Shotguns - Situational for very close quarters with proper shells

D-Tier Weapons

Limited-use weapons that might work in very specific scenarios or early in a wipe cycle:

• Mosin Infantry - One-shot potential but bolt-action limitations
• Basic pistols - Emergency backup weapons only
• Unmodified shotguns - Inconsistent damage and limited range

F-Tier Weapons

Simply put, don't use these weapons in any serious raid:

• TOZ-106 - Terrible damage and reliability
• PM pistol - Completely outclassed by every other option
• Sawed-off shotguns - More likely to get you killed than help

EFT Top Meta Weapons

Even the best of the best are not created equal. Each of the EFT Top Meta weapons is a unique model that will serve you as a problem-solver in any situation. Yet, they have their own distinguishing advantages that you better know before making a final choice.

MK47 Mutant

This rifle has earned its place in every serious player's arsenal. What makes the Mutant special isn't just its raw damage - it's the incredible versatility. You can build it for long-range precision work or close-quarters destruction, and it excels at both roles.

BP rounds pack 47 pen with 58 damage. The recoil kicks predictably once you get the hang of it. Takes practice, but you can dump half a mag accurately at decent range. Most players struggle with the initial jump - first few shots pull hard up and right. After that, it settles into a manageable climb.

Essential Mutant Attachments:

• Top-tier muzzle brake or suppressor

• RK-2 foregrip for maximum recoil control

• Quality stock for ergonomics

• Tactical device for target acquisition

Budget builders can get away with a simple brake and SE-5 foregrip while still maintaining good performance.

SIG MCX-SPEAR

The Spear represents the pinnacle of EFT best guns technology. Its 6.8x51mm SIG Hybrid ammunition is exclusive to this platform, dealing massive damage with excellent penetration characteristics. The weapon comes pre-configured with high-quality attachments, requiring only a foregrip to reach optimal performance.

What sets the Spear apart is its combination of stopping power and handling. The integrated suppressor keeps you stealthy while the advanced optics system provides splendid target acquisition. Two shots to the chest will drop most enemies, while headshots are instantly lethal regardless of helmet class.

The major limitation is accessibility - you'll need to complete challenging Lightkeeper questlines to unlock this weapon, making it a true endgame option.

DT MDR 7.62x51

Need just one weapon for every situation? MDR would be a solid choice. This bullpup rifle packs .308 Winchester power into a surprisingly compact design, with ergonomics that rival those found on dedicated assault rifles.

The MDR shines because it requires minimal investment to reach maximum potential. A basic setup with forward grip, scope, laser, and 25-round magazines transforms it into a raid-dominating machine. M80 bullets provide exceptional cost-effectiveness, while M62 and M61 rounds offer maximum penetration for heavily armored opponents.

Why the MDR Works:

• Fast bullet velocity for long-range accuracy
• Excellent base ergonomics and recoil stats
• Minimal modification requirements
• Uses readily available .308 ammunition
• Effective from 5 to 500 meters

Ammo Selection Guide

Ammunition drives the Tarkov meta weapons more than the firearms themselves. A mid-tier weapon loaded with premium rounds will outperform a top-tier rifle firing budget ammunition every single time.

Top ammunition by caliber:

7.62x51 NATO (.308):

• M61 - 68 pen, 70 damage (best penetration)
• M62 - 54 pen, 79 damage (tracer, good balance)
• M80 - 41 pen, 80 damage (budget option)

7.62x39mm:

• BP - 47 pen, 58 damage (meta choice)
• MAI AP - 47 pen, 47 damage (budget alternative)
• PS - 32 pen, 57 damage (early wipe)

5.56x45 NATO:

• M995 - 53 pen, 40 damage (armor piercing)
• M856A1 - 37 pen, 51 damage (budget tracer)
• M855A1 - 43 pen, 45 damage (balanced option)

9x19mm:

• AP 6.3 - 30 pen, 52 damage (SMG meta)
• Pst gzh - 25 pen, 54 damage (budget choice)

Remember: Pen matters way more than raw damage against armor. You could have a 40-damage shot that punches through Class 5 protection - that'll drop someone faster than some 80-damage round that just bounces off Class 3.