Understanding Tarkov's armor system is crucial for survival. Armor is rated by class, damage reduction, and coverage. Higher class armor offers better protection but is heavier and more expensive. Learn how to choose the right armor for your playstyle and budget to maximize your chances of surviving firefights.
Armor Classes and Protection
Escape from Tarkov features a tiered armor system, typically ranging from Class 1 to Class 6. Each class provides a different level of damage reduction against various ammo types. no armor is impenetrable, and the effectiveness is heavily dependent on the ammunition used by your opponent.
- Class 1-2: Basic protection, often found on low-tier vests. Effective against low-penetration rounds but will be quickly overwhelmed by most military-grade ammunition.
- Class 3-4: Mid-tier protection, offering a decent balance of protection and mobility. Good for early to mid-game engagements.
- Class 5: High-tier protection, capable of stopping many common threats. Often the sweet spot for many players due to its effectiveness and availability.
- Class 6: Top-tier protection, providing the highest damage reduction. These are usually very expensive and heavy, often reserved for high-risk, high-reward situations.
Armor Durability and Repair
Armor has a durability stat that decreases with each hit it absorbs. Once durability reaches zero, the armor offers no protection. Regular repairs at the Flea Market or through traders like Mechanic are essential to maintain your armor's effectiveness. The repair cost and effectiveness of repair depend on the trader and the armor's current condition.
Coverage and Vulnerable Zones
Armor pieces cover specific body zones. Chest rigs protect the torso, while plate carriers can extend coverage to the stomach. Helmets protect the head, and armors can sometimes include built-in stomach protection. Understanding which parts of your body are covered is vital, as unarmored areas are instant death sentences.
Choosing the Right Armor
Your choice of armor should be dictated by your current gear, the map you're playing, and your intended engagement range. For aggressive close-quarters combat, a lighter, more mobile Class 4 might be preferable. For long-range engagements where you expect to be shot at, a heavier Class 5 or 6 might be worth the trade-off in mobility.
| Armor Class | Typical Protection Level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Low | Lightweight, cheap | Minimal protection |
| 3-4 | Medium | Good balance, accessible | Vulnerable to high-pen ammo |
| 5 | High | Effective against many threats | Heavier, more expensive |
| 6 | Very High | Best protection | Very heavy, very expensive |
Always consider the ammunition you expect to face. High-penetration rounds will bypass even the best armor if they hit a weak point or if the armor's durability is low.