The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

As a seasoned Tarkov survivor, I wholeheartedly endorse these weapon choices for those seeking to dominate close quarters combat. The UZI/PP-91 Anklebiter is a reliable workhorse that’s been my go-to since my first raid. Its affordability and lethality make it an excellent choice for any budding scavenger or PMC.


Navigating Escape from Tarkov can initially seem overwhelming, but the stakes are high and choosing the correct headgear can significantly impact your survival chances. To alleviate the complexity, here’s a list of suitable starting weapons for a smoother entry into this challenging game.

Before we start

First off, it’s crucial to understand the key factors and strategic mindset associated with these weapons. In the game Escape from Tarkov, you could easily spend a large portion of your wealth on a top-tier gun and protective gear, but still, find yourself eliminated by a single shot from an enemy behind you. While having quality equipment significantly boosts survival odds, the importance of that gear versus what you’re aiming at is not as significant.

Mastering the intricacies of ammunition is crucial in Escape from Tarkov. Numerous elements contribute to quality ammo, yet penetration ability and damage are particularly significant factors. Although the details can be overwhelming, fortunately, the community maintains and regularly updates a chart that simplifies this information for easier comprehension.

For an enhanced gaming experience, consider dropping by Reserve, Customs, and Interchange from time to time if you aim to seek out superior loot, as some players often overlook ammunition drops at a particular stage in the game.

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

The reserve area is strewn with ammo crates; they’re particularly abundant near military trucks, central tents, rooftops, and the freight platform at the train station.

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

The tents outside the mall’s parking lot and the garage beneath the shopping center contain various military goods that have been moved around. There’s even more stored underground.

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

In the construction area at the heart of the map, there’s typically an abundance of ammunition lying about. Often, you’ll find ammo spawning on the beds within the barracks or on the upper level of the central fortress.

The best early guns in Tarkov

Here are a few weapons for you to start with:

An SKS and a dream

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

In the world of Escape from Tarkov, the SKS stands out as an early formidable weapon. You can acquire it from Prapor at approximately 30,000 rubles, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a 20-shot extension from Peacekeeper. Subsequently, you can pick up 7.62×39 mm SP ammo from Skier, transforming the SKS into a formidable tool against Scavs and less experienced PMCs. The allure of the SKS lies in its manual loading feature, allowing you to store extra bullets in your pockets without swapping magazines. Remember to carry a budget-friendly pistol and an additional magazine for close-quarters combat situations as well.

UZI/PP-91 Anklebiter

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

The UZI or the PP-91 are your go-to close-quarters combat options. Both these guns are dirt cheap, their ammunition might not be able to chew through most armor but they’re more than enough to get a kill. Especially on maps such as Factory, Customs, Streets, Ground Zero, and Reserve where you’re usually up close and personal. For ammo, the PM PST GZH bullets will do it for the PP-91 which can be bought from Prapor and the 9x19mm Green Tracer’s from Mechanic are a fantastic choice for the UZI. Make sure to aim for the legs or head and you’ll chew through PMCs in no time.

MP-133 Buckshooting

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

After completing the “An Introduction” task with Mechanic and gaining access to Jaeger, you’ll have a variety of hunting tools at your disposal, including shotguns and ammunition like shotgun shells. The MP-133 is quite a formidable weapon, especially in close to mid-range combat; it’s likely that many Tarkov residents have encountered its long reach during their careers. For close encounters, opt for the 12/70 7mm buckshot. In longer distances (up to 100 meters), the 12/70 5.25mm buckshot will prove more effective.

Selfbuild AKS-74U with bells and whistles

The best early guns in Escape from Tarkov

The economical AKS-74U, an early weapon that poses a threat in the mid-range during gameplay, can be either purchased as a whole for 25,000 rubles from Prapor or self-assembled for 23,000 rubles by acquiring all necessary components from both Mechanic and Prapor. To build it yourself, you will need to purchase the following items:

  • AKS-47U from Mechanic
  • AKS-47U 5.45×39 muzzle break (GP2 0-20) from Prapor
  • AK bakelite pistol grip (6P4 Sb.9) from Prapor
  • AKS-47U dust cover (6P26 Sb.7) from Prapor
  • AKS-74U metal skeleton stock (6P26 Sb.5) from Prapor
  • AKS-47U gas tube (SP26 Sb.1-2) from Mechanic
  • AKS-74U Alfa Arms Goliaf handguard from Mechanic

After opening the workshop, you can store your custom settings and effortlessly purchase the required components again through the modification interface. The advantage of crafting this item over buying a standard one is that you have the flexibility to incorporate accessories such as flashlights, sights, and handgrips based on your budget. In terms of ammunition, while Prapor’s 5.45x39mm US GS rounds might be pricier, they offer superior performance against less robust armor and remain potent at extended ranges.

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2024-09-16 17:27