Escape From Tarkov Best Weapons Tier List 2024

Weapons in Escape from Tarkov are everything. They’re your chance to extract safely with the loot you found. This is why there are so many guns in the game, and you can customize every part of them. With our EFT best weapons tier list 2024, we’re ranking all weapons (that’s right) in the game and finally putting a stop to the endless debate about which gun is actually better.

Sure, some quests require you to use specific weapon types, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring and use other guns. It’s important to make a definitive tier list such as this because everyone needs to know which weapons make raiding easier. There are a lot of decisions and other circumstances that eventually decide the outcome of your raid; you just have to make sure that the weapon that you brought with you is the best one to tip the scales in your favor.

In this tier list, we’ll go over EFT meta weapons and place them in tiers S to F based on their usefulness, the community pick rate, and other data that we’ll reveal later in our article. The goal here is to let you know why a certain weapon is good or bad based on objective criteria.

Before we dive into the list of good guns in EFT, we have a pretty sweet offer for you. What’s the one thing that every EFT player needs? It’s money! You need money to buy and kit your weapons, prepare for the raid, buy items to upgrade your hideout, and everything else. At SkyCoach, you can Buy Escape From Tarkov Roubles currency at the best market price. This is literally the fastest and easiest way to make a bank. Drip out your PMC with a limitless supply of rubles.

You might also want to read our other EFT articles:

• How to Make Money in Escape from Tarkov
• Escape from Tarkov Early Wipe Start Guide
• Escape from Tarkov Leveling Guide

 

How Our Escape From Tarkov Weapons Tier List Works

Everyone has their own views and opinions about what are the best guns in EFT. This EFT weapon tier list is based on the experience of using all of the listed guns in the current patch. Some weapons got nerfed, while others got buffed compared to the previous patch. This will also happen in future updates.

Some guns are too expensive to be in higher tiers. Even if they’re good, they’re are cheaper alternatives that use the same ammo and have the same recoil, ergonomics, etc. That being said, here’s what our tiers mean:

• S-Tier: Obviously, this tier contains the absolute best weapons in the game. They’re either over-buffed in the current patch or just too powerful and too good for their own good.
• A-Tier: This tier is for guns that really stand out. These weapons can shred enemies with any armor.
• B-Tier: This is for really good weapons that can kill anything with the right amount of attachments. They’re cheap, don’t have any recoil, have a good bullet selection, have amazing damage, and are easy to use – you name it!
• C-Tier: This is the tier for viable weapons that can be used in raids. It would be in your favor to go out and even buy them because they’re either good for your budget, they shoot good bullets, they’re consistent, etc. In other words, these are useful guns.
• D-Tier: This tier is for weak weapons that are outperformed by other weapons either in damage, recoil, price or in all of these parameters. But they’re still better than F-tier guns.
• F-Tier: Guns in this tier are just too bad compared to everything else. You’ll understand why as soon as you see them. This is the place where most gimmicky or weak weapons belong.

EFT Gun Tier List

Due to an insane amount of weapons in the game, we’ve increased the usual amount of tiers we’re using in our tier lists to one more. This is more so to make sure that weapons are more or less evenly spread out in the EFT gun tier list. Obviously, there are fewer S-tier weapons compared to C, D, or F-tier weapons. BLOG20

Now, having looked through this tier list, you must think the author is crazy. What is SKS doing among the best guns to use in EFT? Why is my favorite gun doing in the D-tier? Don’t worry; we’ll answer all of these questions next. In the following sections, we’ll go over each tier and talk about what made us choose the weapons for it.

What is the Best Weapon in Escape From Tarkov?

We have a few weapons in S-tier, some of which may seem like weird choices, however, if you want to know what is the best weapon in EFTm there’s one gun in this tier that is undeniably the fits the description, and that’s DT MDR 7.62x51.

Nothing comes close to it. It’s got great Ergonomics, high flash damage, high penetration value, and insanely fast bullet velocity, and you barely have to mod it:

• Forward grip
• Scope
• Laser
• 25-round mags
• M80 or M62 bullets

It’s like the strongest gun in EFT. If you’re up close to somebody, you’re basically going to two-tap anyone. In fact, in any scenario when you get yourself into a fight, it always performs, and you’re never fighting out of range.

S-Tier

Weapons from this tier might seem controversial, but nevertheless, these are the best of the best, whether you like it or not. The game is not perfect, and it needs some balancing changes. But this is what we have today.

AUG A3

The AUG A3 is one of the EFT meta guns. This is the top assault rifle due to its versatility and ease of use. It has excellent ergonomics, allowing for quick handling and aiming. This rifle requires minimal modification—typically just a suppressor, a laser, and a holo sight. It performs exceptionally well across all ranges, from close-quarters combat to long-distance engagements, and can even be used effectively as a sniper rifle with the right scope. The AUG A3 is known for its flat shooting and low recoil, making it a reliable choice for any combat scenario. Once unlocked, it often becomes the go-to weapon, surpassing alternatives like the MDR in utility and performance.

308 MDR

The 308 MDR is literally the definition of EFT weapons meta. It is considered the best gun in the game due to its exceptional balance of firepower, accuracy, and ease of use. It has high ergonomics, meaning it handles well with little need for extensive modifications. The gun supports powerful ammunition like M80 and M62, which offer high flesh and penetration damage, making it deadly in almost any encounter. The 308 MDR shines in close-quarters combat, where its high rate of fire and effective recoil control allows for quick and precise shots. With 25-round magazines and a variety of scopes, it’s versatile enough to be effective at longer ranges as well. Its consistent performance in all scenarios cements its place at the top of the tier list.

SA58

The SA58 is a highly versatile battle rifle that has received significant buffs, enhancing its overall performance. It can be configured with short, mid, or long barrels, adapting to various combat situations. The gun can be run effectively with just a red dot sight in its stock form, thanks to its flat shooting characteristics. It supports powerful ammunition similar to the 308 MDR, providing high penetration and damage. The SA58 is effective in both semi-auto and full-auto modes. In semi-auto, it boasts better stability and control compared to other high-caliber rifles. In full-auto, it can deliver a high volume of fire with manageable recoil for the first few rounds, making it lethal in close-quarters battles. Its flexibility and raw power make it one of the best choices for any engagement.

SIG SPEAR

The SIG SPEAR is a top-tier rifle known for its powerful ammunition and overall effectiveness in combat. It is priced higher than many other options, often around 450-500k, which reflects its superior capabilities. The rifle uses high-penetration hybrid ammo, such as 47 pen and 72 damage AP rounds or 36 pen and 80 damage FMJ rounds, which are effective against both armored and unarmored targets. While it can feel a bit "floaty" and may require careful handling in rapid-fire situations, it excels in close-range combat due to its high fire rate and powerful rounds. The SIG SPEAR's combination of firepower and versatility, despite its higher cost and slightly tricky handling, places it at the bottom of the S-tier, still making it one of the best guns available.

A-Tier

The A-tier is for the highest EFT weapons ranked. They’re not neceserily the most expensive guns on the market, but are absolutely incredible. BLOG20

• Grenade Launchers (GLs): These weapons are powerful but situational. They're overpowered in tight spaces like hallways but ineffective against unbreakable surfaces. GLs are more of gimmick weapons due to their inconsistent effectiveness.
• ADAR and TX: Both are semi-auto rifles with excellent accuracy and low recoil. The ADAR is cheaper, and both are versatile at various ranges. Their main drawback is lower DPS at close range.
• MCX: The 300 Blackout MCX has high-penetration ammo but is less stable ("floaty"). It's powerful up close but requires precision.
• HK: This gun is versatile with good close-range performance. It's effective with both long and short barrels but performs best in close quarters due to its high fire rate.
• SKS: Recently buffed, this semi-auto rifle has extremely low recoil and is effective with high-penetration ammo. It's best with a scope, making it versatile for various ranges.

B-Tier

Time to talk about the best weapons in each class. Whether you are looking to use the best SMG, the best assault rifle, or something with a bit more “oomph,” these weapons are for you.

Submachine Guns (SMGs)

Submachine guns in the B tier are effective and versatile, known for their high fire rates and ease of handling. These weapons excel in close to medium-range engagements, offering a good balance between damage and control.

• Vector: The Vector is the best smg in EFT. It stands out for its incredible fire rate and versatility. With the right ammo, like PBP or 9mm AP, it can shred through armor quickly. Its high rate of fire makes it lethal at close range, and its accuracy remains respectable over longer distances. However, the Vector can feel a bit "floaty," making tracking targets more challenging, but its consistent performance while moving makes it a solid choice.
• MP5: The MP5 is a reliable, low-recoil SMG that's both cheap and easy to mod. Even in its stock form with just a suppressor and a red dot, it shoots flat, making it highly accurate. Although 9x19mm ammo isn't the best in the game, the MP5's performance makes up for it. It’s nearly an A-tier weapon, held back only by its ammo limitations.
• MPX: Similar to the MP5, the MPX is another flat-shooting SMG with minimal modding required. The long barrel variant is especially notable for its good stock parts and overall reliability. If you have good aim, the MPX can be a highly effective budget option.
• P90: The P90 offers high magazine capacity and decent penetration with SS190 rounds. Its 50-round magazines provide sustained fire, though they can be slow to reload. The P90's accuracy and handling make it a solid choice for close to mid-range combat, despite not being as flat-shooting as the MP5.
• MP7: Known for its compact design and solid performance in tight spaces, the MP7 excels in close-quarter battles. Its 40-round magazines and good suppressor options make it a viable stealth weapon. The MP7’s primary downside is its low flesh damage, which can be mitigated with better ammo choices like FMJ.

 

Rifles

Rifles in the B tier are balanced choices offering reliable performance across various combat scenarios. They may not excel in any particular area but are dependable and versatile.

• SCAR-H: The SCAR-H is a powerful battle rifle that uses 7.62 NATO rounds, offering high damage and penetration. Its major downside is the 20-round magazine capacity. Running a canted sight can improve handling, making it a strong contender for mid-range engagements.
• SVD: The SVD sniper rifle is effective at long ranges with its high-penetration 7.62x54mmR rounds. It has been buffed to shoot flatter, allowing for faster follow-up shots. It’s a great budget option for sniping, providing better stats and attachments than most other DMRs. Overall, this is the best sniper in EFT right now.
• MDR 5.56: This rifle is a versatile and easy-to-use option that doesn't require extensive modding. Its moderate fire rate and solid accuracy make it a good all-rounder, particularly effective with various 5.56 NATO ammo types.
• AK-74U: The AK-74U in 5.45x39mm is notable for its low visual recoil and compact design. It performs better than most other AK variants, especially with high-tier ammo like BP or BS. Its handling and stability make it a standout among AK platforms.
• G36: The G36 is a solid 5.56 rifle with a good fire rate and consistent performance. It can be run with various setups, including short or long barrel configurations. Despite its lower ergonomics, the G36 remains a reliable choice for many combat situations.
• PKP/PKM: These LMGs have seen significant buffs, reducing recoil and improving usability. They fire powerful 7.62x54mmR rounds, capable of quickly dispatching heavily armored targets. The main drawbacks are their poor ergonomics and susceptibility to attracting attention from cheaters due to their rarity and power.

DMRs and Special Weapons

Designated Marksman Rifles (DMRs) and special weapons in the B tier provide unique capabilities, often excelling in specific roles or offering high-damage output.

• VSS/VAL: Both the VSS and VAL offer exceptional damage per second at close range with SP6 or BP rounds. Their high DPS can quickly eliminate enemies, though they suffer from high recoil and low bullet velocity, making them less effective at long range.
• SAG 545: The semi-automatic SAG 545 provides low recoil and high accuracy, making it comparable to the TX-15. It's a great choice for those with good aim, offering effective use of high-tier 5.45x39mm ammo like BP or BS.
• Ash 12: The Ash 12 uses powerful 12.7x55mm rounds, offering immense stopping power. It’s best used with PS12B rounds for high penetration. The weapon’s significant recoil and slower bullet velocity require skill to use effectively, but it can be devastating in close quarters.

 

C-Tier

This tier is the start of the current EFT meta weapons. They’re not there yet, but these weapons are definitely solid choices all around.

Pistols

If we were to pick the best pistols in the game, it would be these three. Pistols are still way worse than any assault rifle, but if you need a spare weapon, these are your best choices.

• FN 5-7: the best pistol in EFT, 20-round mag, low recoil, good iron sights, shoots solid bullets but loses to primary weapons in open engagements.
• Glock 18: Full auto, can equip a stock and 50-round drum, great at point-blank range but inconsistent and floaty.
• RSH-12: Shoots powerful ammo (PS12B), good for high-tier armor penetration, fun but inconsistent, and usually outclassed by primary guns.

Sniper Rifles

These two SRs got nerfed into oblivion. They both seem to have some bugs related to hit registration, so currently, they’re worth only C-tier.

• AXMC: Suffering from poor hit registration, low ergonomics, and high recoil, making it less viable despite its potential power.
• MK-18: Similar issues to the AXMC, with bad hit registration and high recoil, underperforming in the current game state.

Shotguns

Some shotguns are not that bad. If you have a quest to use a shotgun, you better use these three.

• Super 90: Improved due to changes in hip-fire mechanics, but still struggles with weird shooting tempo and lack of a laser.
• SAIGA-12: 20-round mag, low recoil with appropriate mods, good for close-range but struggles at range.
• MP-153/155: Budget-friendly, has good iron sights, is capable of 8+1 rounds, and is reliable but nothing exceptional.

SMGs

If you need something cheap and with no recoil, you have two options:

• SR-2M Veresk: Good ammo options, but suffers from slow bullet velocity and floaty handling, making it less consistent.
• MP9: High rate of fire but limited by small mags and lack of versatility in prolonged fights.

Semi and Auto Rifles

Now, unfortunately some assault rifles got nerfed and are now pretty bad. Usually, the nerfes have to do with the recoil pattern. A reminder – the recoil system got reworked in the last patch, and many meta weapons became unplayable. BLOG20

• Vepr Hunter/VPO-101: Uses powerful 7.62x51 ammo, shoots flat, quiet, and cheap, but limited by 10-round mag and semi-auto fire.
• M1A: Nerfed heavily, now has high recoil, making it less competitive despite still using good ammo.
• RFB: Buffed but still awkward to use, shoots flat but lacks ergonomics and modding options.
• RD-704: Hard nerfed, with high recoil and limited ammo availability, expensive to mod but underperforms.
• AK-103/AKM: Once meta, now suffers from high recoil and floaty handling, decent budget option but outclassed by other 7.62 rifles.
• AVT/SVT-40: Good for helmet one-taps; high-tier ammo is available, but full-auto mode is less useful.
  Vepr KM/VPO-136: Semi-auto AK variant, consistent for long-range but limited by lack of full-auto.
• STM-9: Shoots flat with 9mm ammo, versatile, but suffers from low DPS in close quarters.
• AK-74/AK-105: Solid 5.45 rifles, good ergonomics, but low flesh damage and inconsistent recoil.
• M4A1: Hard-nerfed, expensive to mod, and bouncy, but still has good ammo and fire rate.
• VSK-94/9A-91: Worse versions of VSS/VAL, limited by low modding options and high recoil.

Special Weapons

If you’re looking to make some plays, use KS-23, a gimmick shotgun that is powerful but highly situational and inconsistent. By the way, the best lmg in EFT is RPD, because it actually has the lowest recoil out of all light machine guns in the game

D-Tier

Weapons here are still considered bad but slightly more viable than F-Tier weapons. These might be chosen for very early game scenarios or specific quests.

We’ve included lots of pistols, some trash SMGs, and a couple of semi-automatic weapons. If absolutely necessary, these might be used at the start of a wipe or for specific tasks, but the preference would still be to upgrade as soon as possible. Some of the notable weapons we’ve put in there are:

9x19 Pistols (Except Glock 18)

Most of these pistols are decent when modded but not viable as primary weapons. They are useful for quests like Stirrup but ineffective against geared players. Examples include:

• Glock 17
• P226R: This has good iron sights, making it easier to hit headshots.

.45 Pistols

These can shoot .45 AP ammo, which can one-tap tier four helmets, but they generally have low magazine size.

• Gyurza: Shoots good ammo but is not typically bought or preferred.
• RSH: This revolver is a gimmick weapon but shoots high-tier ammo, so it’s placed in C-tier for that reason.

Bolt Action Rifles

They are generally considered bad for PvP due to their slow rate of fire and requirement to hit headshots. Examples include:

• DVL-10
• R700: Has the best iron sights among bolt actions, making it more viable.
• Mosin
• SV-98
• T-5000

Weak SMGs

Some SMGs fall into this tier due to high recoil and limited magazine size.

• MP18: Shoots Mosin ammo and can be used for shotgun quests due to its classification.
• UMP: It used to be better, but recent recoil nerfs make it ineffective for late-game use.
• MP5K: Worse than a stock MP5, has poor running animations, and limited attachments.
• PP-19: Cheap with 30-round mags, but many ammo options are not great.
• PPSH: Fast-firing with bad ammo and no tactical device options.

Assault Rifles and Carbines

Some of these weapons have been nerfed or have poor performance.

• RPK: Once a top-tier gun, now heavily nerfed with high recoil.
• SA-58: Poor bullet velocity and low DPS make it unreliable in close-range fights.
• VP-209: Jumpy recoil and floaty feel make it hard to hit shots consistently despite good ammo options.
• MP18: Shoots Mosin ammo and can be used for shotgun quests due to its classification.

F-Tier

We’ve already established that this tier is for the worst weapons in the game. But what weapon do we deem so bad, and why?

• Pump Shotguns: Very limited ammo capacity, slow to reload, no additional damage compared to other shotguns. These are never chosen over semi-automatic shotguns.
• APB and Other 9x18 Pistols: Small magazines, worsened iron sights, poor reload speeds, and low overall effectiveness. Examples include the APS and PM pistols.
• Revolver Pistols: Low ammo count, slow reloads, and no real advantage over other pistols.
• TT Pistols: Low magazine size and poor ammo, making them highly impractical.
• Revolver Shotgun: Though it can't jam, it has a slow fire rate and bad reload animations.

Even within F Tier, some weapons are prioritized over others based on minor advantages. For example, an APB or sawed-off shotgun is preferred over revolvers and PM pistols. The sawed-off goes into a pistol slot, which is nice because it doesn’t take one of two slots for primary weapons. The PM family and almost any 9x18 caliber pistol is garbage anyway. At least with the sawed-off, you get lots of damage.

Conclusion

This might not be the tier list that you expected, but Escape from Tarkov is not an ideal game. Yes, SKS should not be S-tier, there are far better guns (on paper) that should be there. With so many weapons in this game, balancing everything is a difficult job. Tarkov veterans have already gotten used to seeing clear mistakes that have been made in terms of weapons and damage balance. As new and major updates roll out, we’re expected to see massive changes in each tier.

This has been our Tarkov weapons tier list. It gives you some idea as to what guns are good and what aren’t. Plus, you know how weapons are ranked. Good weapons aren’t just all about damage or recoil. It’s the combination of all of the parameters that make them better than others. Hope this has been useful to you. Good luck out there!

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