Escape from Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov

Ammunition Guide

Escape from Tarkov ammo guide: penetration power, damage, armor class, and best ammo types for survival and combat.

5.2. Ammunition Guide

Ammunition is the lifeblood of combat in Escape from Tarkov. Understanding the nuances of different ammo types, their penetration capabilities, and damage values is paramount to effectively engaging and defeating your opponents.

In Tarkov, ammunition is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each bullet type has specific stats that determine its effectiveness against different armor classes and body parts. Simply put, the right ammo can make even a basic weapon deadly, while the wrong ammo can render your firearm useless against armored targets.

Key Ammunition Stats:

  • Damage: The base damage the bullet inflicts on a target.
  • Penetration Power (Pen): This is the most critical stat for engaging armored opponents. Higher penetration power allows the bullet to bypass or damage armor more effectively.
  • Armor Damage: The amount of damage dealt specifically to the target's armor.
  • Accuracy: Affects the bullet's inherent accuracy.
  • Recoil: Affects the weapon's recoil when fired.
  • Fragmentation Chance: A chance for the bullet to fragment upon impact, dealing additional damage and potentially causing bleeding.

Understanding Armor Penetration:

Armors in Tarkov are rated by Armor Class, from Class 1 (lowest protection) to Class 6 (highest protection). To effectively defeat an armored opponent, your ammunition's Penetration Power must be higher than the target's Armor Class. For example, to reliably penetrate Class 4 armor, you'll need ammunition with a Pen value of at least 4, and ideally higher for a better chance of success.

Types of Ammunition:

Ammunition is generally categorized by its effectiveness:

  • High Penetration, Low Damage: These rounds are designed to defeat high-tier armor but may take more shots to kill unarmored targets due to lower base damage. Examples: 7N39 "Igolnik" (5.45x39mm), M995 (5.56x45mm).
  • Balanced: These rounds offer a good mix of penetration and damage, making them effective against a wide range of armor classes. Examples: 7N31 (9x19mm), BP (7.62x39mm).
  • High Damage, Low Penetration: These rounds excel against unarmored targets or very low-tier armor. They are less effective against mid-to-high tier armor. Examples: Buckshot (Shotgun), 7N1 (7.62x54R).

Where to Find Ammunition:

  • Traders: Traders like Prapor, Peacekeeper, and Jaeger sell various ammunition types, often with loyalty level restrictions.
  • Looting: Ammunition can be found in weapon boxes, on fallen enemies (PMCs and Scavs), and in specific loot spawns on maps.
  • Crafting: The Workbench in your Hideout allows you to craft certain types of ammunition.
  • Flea Market: Players sell a wide variety of ammunition here, often at fluctuating prices.

Key Ammunition Strategies:

  • Match Ammo to Target: Always try to use ammunition that is effective against the armor you expect to face. If you're facing heavily armored PMCs, prioritize high-penetration rounds.
  • Headshots: Even with lower-penetration ammo, a headshot can be lethal if it bypasses the helmet or if the helmet is destroyed.
  • Leg Meta: Against heavily armored opponents, targeting legs with lower-penetration, high-damage ammo can be a viable strategy to cripple their mobility and finish them off.
  • Stock Up: Ammunition is consumed rapidly. Always ensure you have a sufficient supply for your raids.

Mastering ammunition is a continuous learning process. Consult community resources like the Tarkov Wiki for detailed ammo charts to make informed decisions about your loadouts.