Escape From Tarkov, the Russian-made extraction shooter by Battlestate Games originally released in a closed-alpha state in 2016. EFT has one of the most complex gun-building systems in the entire gaming world. 

While we will not dive into the overwhelming complexity of that system, we will give simple insight into the top 10 weapons. (2 of the best from each category) 

This guide will give you a solid understanding of the best weapons to gear up with for your raids.

1. Assault Rifles

CMMG Mk47 Mutant 7.62x39

For its caliber, the Mutant is arguably the best rifle in the game and has been for quite some time. It uses 7.62x39mm, a large caliber round with high stopping power. It has low default recoil and can be completely customized with any attachments you wish, catering to various playstyles. Anywhere from a high-power scope for long-range engagements to flashlights and lasers for close-quarters annihilation. 

Weapon Highlights:

• Utilize BP ammo type to shred the highest armor classes in the game
• Completely customizable platform, build the gun of your dreams
• Single or Full Auto fire for excellent suppression or marksman capability

Colt M4A1 5.56x45

If you are looking for the absolute best rifle, this American classic is your gun. The Colt M4A1 is a lower caliber than the Mutant listed above but still decimates the competition. Meta (Most effective tactics available - common gaming term) builds of this gun have near-zero recoil, allowing for extremely accurate and effective bursts of fire.

Weapon Highlights:

• 5.56x45mm caliber ammo is more affordable and readily available at lower levels
• No other weapons offer as many modification choices as the M4A1
• Single or Full Auto fire for excellent suppression or marksman capability

2. DMR’s (Designated Marksman Rifle)

Knight's Armament Company SR-25 7.62x51

DMR’s in a nutshell are modern, high-precision semi-automatic rifles. With the recent accuracy increase to semi-automatic weapons, the SR-25 is a well-rounded choice for the marksman of Tarkov. With an AR-style platform, the SR-25 is a powerful gun that remains highly customizable.

Weapon Highlights:

• Sporting a massive 7.62x51mm round, this gun can take down heavily armored targets with ease.
• Extremely accurate at range, great for players who like to move and position with deliberation.
• Completely customizable platform, with strong initial stats

Remington R11 RSASS 7.62x51

With the same 7.62x51mm Caliber ammunition, the RSASS has significantly reduced base recoil levels compared to the SR-25. This weapon delivers sub-MOA accuracy out to 800 meters and beyond while providing the tactical advantage of a semi-automatic platform.

Weapon Highlights:

• Single fire, but a high fire rate of 700 RPM allows players to suppress with accuracy at range.
• Extremely accurate at range, great for players who like to move and position with deliberation.
• Completely customizable platform, add a suppressor for stealthier gameplay.

3. Pistols

FN Five-seveN MK2 5.7x28

One of my personal favorites, the FN Five-seveN, simply known as five-seven, is the perfect sidearm to take into any raid. This gun is so good, that I will often run raids with the five-seven only. It is an extremely reliable, fast-firing pistol with quick reloads and a unique ammo type that can deliver immense damage, quickly.

Weapon Highlights:

• The 20-round standard magazine is perfect for most engagements, and reduces the amount of reloads required during combat.
• Add a silencer and laser or flashlight for a perfect stealth firearm.
• The proprietary 5.7x28mm caliber ammunition has the ultimate stopping power compared to any other semi-automatic pistol.

Serdyukov SR-1MP Gyurza 9x21 - AKA “Shrimp” Pistol

Lovingly referred to as the ‘shrimp’ pistol, this unassuming 9x21mm pistol packs a punch for its price. With a high-count standard magazine, this gun is the most affordable and reliable sidearm for any situation.

Weapon Highlights:

• Low jamming risk and high 18-round default magazine size.
• Add a silencer and laser or flashlight for a perfect stealth firearm.
• 9x21mm caliber ammunition is cheap and available early in the game.

4. Shotguns

Benelli M4 Super 90 dual-mode 12ga

The Benelli is an excellent choice for close-quarters engagements. It has a unique feature- Both semi-automatic and pump action operations are available. While having fewer modification options, this shotgun stands above the rest as a reliable, effective weapon.

Weapon Highlights:

• Up to 13 shells capacity and a relatively low market price.
• Simple setup - grab a sight and some shells in your pocket or rig and go. You’re ready to compete with top-tier chads loadouts.
• 12/70 shells are cheap and widely available.

Saiga 12ga ver.10 12/76 semi-automatic

Veterans of Tarkov will recognize this shotgun. One of the oldest shotguns in the game, its spot on this list is justified. The Saiga is the best semi-automatic shotgun, capable of taking larger magazines and reloading faster than standard shotguns; you can't go wrong with some buckshot ammo and a well-placed shot or two.

Weapon Highlights:

• 5, 10, and 20-shell magazines available, enabling quick reloads with plenty of power.
• Can be silenced and loaded up with modifications, enabling many playstyles.
• Buckshot is a cheap and reliable ammunition type for this weapon. A few pellets meeting their target can severely injure enemy combatants.
• Slug shot rounds available for greater range, accuracy, and stopping power.

5. SMGs (Sub-Machine Guns)

HK MP7A2 4.6x30

My personal favorite SMG, the MP7, is a simple and effective SMG. It boasts a fire rate of 950 RPM with a powerful 4.6x30mm cartridge. The A2 model allows for additional modification options, including a foregrip for further recoil reduction.

Weapon Highlights:

• 30 and 40-round magazines available, plenty of rounds for most engagements.
• Can be silenced, as well as standard modifications (grip, laser, sight).
• 4.6x30mm is one of the most powerful SMG rounds available.
• The MP7’s smaller size enables greater maneuverability and easier storage while on the battlefield. 

TDI KRISS Vector Gen.2 .45 ACP

With one of the lowest base vertical recoils in the game, the Vector in .45 caliber is an incredibly valuable SMG to take into any raid. The low bore axis and Super-V recoil mitigation system allow for the most controllable full-auto operation, or fast semi-automatic follow-up shots.

Weapon Highlights:

• Utilizes standard Glock magazines, coming in a 13 or 30-round size.
• Can be silenced, as well as standard modifications (grip, laser, sight).
• The 1100 RPM fire rate combined with .45 caliber ammunition enables lightning-quick and deadly stopping power.
• This gun just works. Extremely well in the hands of experienced players- while still easy to handle for novices. Its only downside is the limited magazine size. Bring spares!