Best Ammo in Escape from Tarkov

Feb 2, 2024



When it comes to surviving in the unforgiving world of Tarkov, choosing the right ammunition can mean the difference between survival and a raid ended early. With the game's complex ballistics system, understanding the pros and cons of each ammo type is crucial for any player aiming get more kills and loot. A key resource in this endeavor is Tarkov Tool's Tarkov Ammo Chart, which provides detailed comparisons of the various ammunition types in the game.


Understanding Ammo Statistics

Before diving into which ammo types are considered the best, it's important to grasp what the statistics mean:


  • Damage refers to the amount of damage the bullet can cause to an unarmored part of the body.
  • Speed indicates how fast the bullet travels, which can affect its trajectory and time to hit the target.
  • Caliber determines the size of the ammunition, affecting which weapons it can be used with.
  • Armor Penetration shows the ammo's capability to pierce through armor, a critical factor given Tarkov's detailed armor system.

Popular Meta Ammo Choices

Given the complexity of Tarkov's gameplay, the best ammo often depends on your specific needs in a raid. However, some popular ammunition types stand out for their general effectiveness vs cost:


  1. 5.45x39mm BS
    For players wielding rifles that chamber 5.45x39mm rounds, the BS variant offers an excellent balance between armor penetration and damage. It's capable of piercing through most armor types, making it a reliable choice for engaging well-equipped enemies.
  2. 7.62x39mm BP
    This ammo type is a favorite among users of SKS or AKM series rifles. With high damage and good armor penetration, the 7.62x39mm BP rounds can take down enemies quickly, even those wearing high-level armor.
  3. 9x19mm AP 6.3
    For those who prefer SMGs, the 9x19mm AP 6.3 rounds offer impressive armor penetration capabilities for its size, allowing players to tackle armored opponents effectively with faster-firing weapons.
  4. 5.56x45mm M855A1
    A top choice for players using NATO rifles, M855A1 rounds provide exceptional armor penetration. This makes them ideal for engaging foes at medium to long distances, where their high accuracy and penetration can be fully utilized.
  5. 7.62x51mm M61
    For long-range engagements, the M61 rounds for 7.62x51mm rifles stand out. They offer excellent armor penetration and damage, capable of taking down heavily armored targets in a few well-placed shots.

Making the Right Choice

The right choice of ammo ultimately depends on your playstyle, the weapons you prefer, the cost of the ammo, and the specific scenarios you anticipate encountering in a raid. If you are using ammo with high damage but low penetration, then you should be aiming for body parts that are not protected by armor such as arms, legs, and face. If you are using ammutition that has lower damage but high penetration, then you can aim center-mass to shred through the opponent's armor. Using the ammo table on tarkovtools.com, players can make informed decisions by comparing the stats of different ammo types side by side, taking into consideration their damage, armor penetration, and other key factors.


Cost and Trader Levels

With the latest patch, most end-game ammo is extremely expensive on the flea-market or it is entirely locked behind trader loyalty levels or hideout workbench levels. It is important to keep the price and accessibility of the ammo in order to ensure that you can sustain your use and playstyle. Many players choose to keep spare bullets in their secure container to prevent it from being lost on death.


Conclusion

In the dynamic and heart-pounding battles of Tarkov, having the right ammunition in your magazine can give you a crucial edge. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each ammo type and using resources like Tarkov Tools to stay informed, you can enhance your strategy and increase your chances of survival in this challenging game.