12 Best Guns In Escape From Tarkov, Ranked

Escape From Tarkov has one of the most complex and realistic gunplay systems in any shooter, making your choice of weapon absolutely crucial. Whether you’re running solo, playing with friends, or just trying to complete tasks, having the right gun can make or break your raid. With so many weapons to choose from—each with unique recoil, fire rate, caliber, and mod options—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this article, we’re ranking the 12 best guns in Escape From Tarkov based on versatility, power, and overall performance to help you pick the best loadout for your next raid.

#12: SKS

The SKS is a semi-automatic rifle that often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the best budget options you can run in Escape From Tarkov. It’s simple, reliable, and capable of dealing serious damage, especially in the early to mid-game. Chambered in 7.62x39mm, the SKS can punch through lower-tier armor with ease, and if you land your shots, it’ll drop enemies quickly. While it lacks the customization and fire rate of more advanced rifles, its affordability and effectiveness make it a great gun for players looking to conserve rubles without sacrificing too much stopping power.

#11: MP7A2

The MP7A2 is one of the most versatile SMGs in Escape From Tarkov, and it’s especially deadly in close-quarters combat. It fires at an extremely high rate and uses armor-piercing 4.6x30mm rounds, which can chew through Class 4 and even Class 5 armor with the right ammo. What makes the MP7A2 stand out is its minimal recoil, fast handling, and compact frame—making it perfect for tight indoor engagements or aggressive flanks. It may not have the raw power of full-size rifles, but in the right hands, this SMG can outgun nearly anything in close to mid-range fights.

#10: UMP-45

The UMP-45 is one of the most reliable and beginner-friendly SMGs in Escape From Tarkov. Chambered in .45 ACP, it may not have the best armor penetration, but its controllability, solid damage output, and budget-friendly price make it a favorite for close-quarters combat. With low recoil and easy access to ammo and attachments, it’s great for new players looking to hold their own in dorms or factory raids. While it won’t outperform top-tier guns against heavily armored foes, it’s a dependable choice for consistent kills in lower to mid-tier fights.

#9: AS Val

The AS Val is a fan-favorite for close to mid-range combat in Escape From Tarkov thanks to its built-in suppressor, high fire rate, and the powerful 9x39mm ammo it uses. What makes the AS Val deadly is its ability to shred through armor, especially with SP-6 or SPP rounds. It’s ideal for stealthy players who want to move fast and hit hard without giving away their position. The only downsides are its limited effective range and high recoil, but if you keep your engagements tight, the AS Val can melt enemies before they even react.

#8: SR-25

The SR-25 is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle that offers incredible precision and flexibility in Escape From Tarkov. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it hits hard and maintains excellent accuracy over long distances. What sets the SR-25 apart is its versatility—you can kit it out for close quarters or long-range sniping depending on your attachments. It’s a favorite among players who want to take out enemies before they even know what hit them. While it’s not the cheapest gun to run, its stopping power and reliability more than make up for the cost if you can land your shots.

#7: SVD-S

The SVD-S is a powerful semi-automatic sniper rifle that strikes a perfect balance between speed and damage in Escape From Tarkov. Chambered in 7.62x54mmR, this rifle can one-shot unarmored targets and cut through mid-tier armor with ease. Its fast follow-up shots make it more forgiving than bolt-actions, and it’s great for players who like to hold angles or control long sightlines. While it’s a bit bulky and lacks some customization compared to other rifles, the SVD-S delivers consistent performance for players who enjoy mid-to-long-range engagements without sacrificing too much mobility.

#6: Vector .45 ACP

The Vector .45 ACP is one of the deadliest SMGs in Escape From Tarkov thanks to its insanely fast fire rate and hard-hitting .45 ACP rounds. What makes this weapon stand out is how quickly it can delete enemies in close-quarters fights—the recoil is manageable, and the time-to-kill is incredibly low when you’re up close. It’s perfect for aggressive players who like to push rooms or dominate tight corridors. While ammo management can be tricky due to how fast it burns through magazines, the damage output more than makes up for it. If you want something that melts enemies before they can react, the .45 Vector is a top-tier choice.

#5: M1A

The M1A is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle that offers incredible power and precision in Escape From Tarkov. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, it delivers high damage and solid penetration, making it ideal for taking down enemies in just a few well-placed shots—even through decent armor. What really makes the M1A shine is its versatility. You can run it with minimal attachments for a lightweight setup or fully kit it out with scopes, suppressors, and grips for long-range dominance. It’s perfect for players who want a mix of speed, power, and accuracy without relying on bolt-action rifles.

#4: HK 416A5

The HK 416A5 is one of the most well-rounded and reliable rifles in Escape From Tarkov. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, it’s known for its smooth recoil, fast fire rate, and insane customization options. Whether you want to build it for close-quarters combat or long-range engagements, the HK 416 can handle it. It’s a go-to choice for many experienced players because it feels incredibly stable and consistent in full-auto. With the right attachments, it barely kicks, making it easy to land follow-up shots. It’s not the cheapest rifle, but if you’re looking for a dependable weapon that performs well in almost every situation, the HK 416A5 is a top-tier pick.

#3: MK47 Mutant

The MK47 Mutant is a powerhouse in Escape From Tarkov, blending the best traits of an AK and an AR. Chambered in the hard-hitting 7.62x39mm, this rifle delivers brutal stopping power with surprisingly low recoil when modded correctly. What makes the Mutant special is its insane modding potential—you can trick it out with high-end attachments to make it feel just as smooth as a top-tier M4, but with way more punch per shot. It’s especially deadly in mid-range fights and can shred through armor with the right ammo. If you want something that hits like a truck but still feels modern and customizable, the MK47 Mutant is a top choice.

#2: DT MDR

The DT MDR chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO is an absolute beast when it comes to versatility and raw power in Escape From Tarkov. This bullpup battle rifle packs a serious punch with every shot, capable of cutting through high-tier armor with ease using top-tier ammo like M61 or M62. What makes the MDR stand out is its compact size and manageable recoil for a full-powered rifle, making it deadly in both close quarters and longer engagements. It’s also super easy to mod—just throw on a suppressor, good scope, and recoil-reducing attachments, and you’ve got yourself one of the best all-around guns in the game. If you’re looking for something with range, punch, and consistency, the 7.62 MDR is a no-brainer.

#1: M4A1

The M4A1 is hands-down one of the most popular and reliable guns in Escape From Tarkov, and for good reason. It’s incredibly customizable, with a massive variety of attachments that let you tweak everything from recoil to ergonomics. Whether you’re building it for close-quarters combat or long-range engagements, the M4 can do it all. It runs on 5.56x45mm ammo, and while that might not hit as hard as some other calibers, top-tier rounds like M995 or M855A1 still tear through armor when aimed right. Its fast fire rate, low recoil when modded, and overall flexibility make the M4A1 a top-tier choice for both new and veteran players who want a gun that can handle just about any situation in Tarkov.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to Tarkov or a seasoned veteran, choosing the right weapon can make all the difference in surviving your raids. From budget-friendly options like the SKS to high-end beasts like the M4A1 and MK47 Mutant, each gun on this list brings something valuable to the table. Ultimately, the best gun is the one that fits your playstyle and gets the job done. So gear up, load your mags, and take your favorite into the fray—you never know what kind of loot (or firefight) is waiting around the next corner.