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Which AK is Best in Tarkov? A Veteran’s Guide to Kalashnikovs in Escape From Tarkov

The question of “which AK is best in Tarkov?” is a loaded one, steeped in nuance and dependent entirely on your playstyle, budget, and the current meta. However, if I were forced to pick a single “best” AK, it would be the AK-105. Its balance of controllability, modularity, availability, and ammunition effectiveness makes it a top contender in almost any engagement. While other AK variants might excel in specific niches, the AK-105 offers the most well-rounded performance for the majority of players and situations.

Diving Deeper: Understanding the AK Platform in Tarkov

Choosing an AK in Escape From Tarkov isn’t as simple as picking the one with the highest stats. You need to consider a multitude of factors. Let’s break down why the AK-105 earns its top spot and explore other viable options.

Recoil Control: Tarkov’s gunplay is heavily influenced by recoil. The AK-105, being chambered in 5.45x39mm, generally exhibits less recoil than its 7.62x39mm counterparts like the AKM or AK-103. With proper modding, it can become surprisingly laser-accurate, especially in full-auto.
Modularity: All modern AK variants in Tarkov are highly customizable, but the AK-105 boasts a solid selection of attachments, including rails for optics, foregrips, and stocks. This allows you to tailor it to your specific needs, whether you prefer close-quarters combat (CQB) or medium-range engagements.
Ammunition: The 5.45x39mm ammunition available for the AK-105 provides a good balance between penetration and damage. While it might not have the raw stopping power of 7.62x39mm, rounds like BS and Igolnik can reliably defeat even high-tier armor.
Availability & Cost: The AK-105 is relatively easy to acquire from traders and is often found in mid-tier loot locations. Its components are also generally more affordable than those for more specialized AK variants.

Other Contenders: Exploring the AK Family

While the AK-105 is my top pick, several other AK variants deserve consideration:

AK-74M: A solid, reliable rifle and is chambered in 5.45x39mm. It shares many of the same advantages as the AK-105 but may require more extensive modding to reach comparable performance.
AK-103: Chambered in 7.62x39mm, it delivers heavier hits but is significantly harder to control. It excels in situations where raw damage is paramount, but requires very good recoil control.
AKM: A classic, reliable AK. The same recoil control issues arise from using the 7.62x39mm ammunition.
RPK-16: While technically an AK variant, this light machine gun (LMG) offers increased magazine capacity and sustained fire capabilities. However, its heavier weight and slower handling make it less versatile in close-quarters combat.
AK-12: Modern and accurate, chambered in 5.45x39mm. Has slightly better recoil than other AK-74 type rifles.
AKS-74U: A compact variant chambered in 5.45x39mm. Good for close quarters engagements, but not practical for long distances due to poor recoil.

Mastering the AK: Tips for Success

Regardless of which AK you choose, mastering its use in Tarkov requires practice and understanding. Here are some tips:

Master Recoil Control: Practice controlling recoil in the Hideout’s shooting range. Experiment with different attachments to find a configuration that suits your style.
Choose the Right Ammunition: Ammunition is arguably more important than the weapon itself. Research the penetration values of different rounds and choose the best option for your target.
Mod Your AK Strategically: Focus on improving recoil control, ergonomics, and accuracy. Consider using a foregrip, muzzle device, and stock to optimize performance.
Practice Burst Firing: Full-auto fire is often less effective than controlled bursts, especially at medium to long ranges.
Learn the Maps: Knowing the maps inside and out will allow you to anticipate enemy positions and choose engagements that favor your AK’s strengths.

AKs and Educational Games: A Surprising Connection

The intricate mechanics and strategic decision-making involved in choosing and using AKs in Escape From Tarkov highlight the potential for gaming to be a powerful learning tool. Organizations like the Games Learning Society recognize this potential and are dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about AKs in Escape From Tarkov:

1. What is the best ammunition for the AK-105?

BS or Igolnik are generally considered the best for penetrating armor, while BP offers a good balance of penetration and damage.

2. How do I reduce recoil on an AK?

Use a combination of attachments like a foregrip, muzzle device, and stock to minimize recoil.

3. Is the AKM better than the AK-74M?

It depends. The AKM has higher damage per shot, while the AK-74M has less recoil.

4. Where can I find AKs in Tarkov?

AKs can be found in weapon crates, as loot from Scavs and Raiders, and purchased from traders like Prapor and Skier.

5. What is the best optic for an AK?

This is subjective. Red dot sights like the EOTech HHS-1 or Aimpoint Micro T-2 are popular for CQB, while scopes like the Vudu or Valday are better for longer ranges.

6. How much does it cost to build a good AK?

The cost varies depending on the attachments, but expect to spend between 50,000 to 150,000 Roubles for a well-modded AK.

7. Is it worth using the AKSU?

The AKS-74U (AKSU) is good for very close quarters, but its high recoil makes it less effective at longer ranges.

8. What are the best foregrips for AKs?

The RK-2, Zenitco RK-0, and Magpul RVG are popular choices for reducing recoil and improving ergonomics.

9. Should I use a suppressor on my AK?

Suppressors can reduce your sound signature, but they also increase recoil and reduce bullet velocity. It’s a trade-off.

10. What is the difference between the AK-103 and the AK-104?

The AK-103 uses 7.62x39mm ammunition while the AK-104 is a shorter version that also uses 7.62x39mm.

11. How do I unlock more AK attachments?

Unlock attachments by leveling up traders and completing their quests.

12. Is it better to buy or build an AK?

Building an AK allows you to customize it to your exact specifications, but buying a pre-built AK can be cheaper in some cases.

13. Which AK is best for beginners?

The AK-74M is a good starting point due to its affordability and manageable recoil.

14. Can I use NATO magazines on AKs?

No, AKs typically use proprietary magazines specific to their caliber. The new AK-12 can use some AR-15 STANAG magazines with an adapter.

15. What’s more important, penetration or damage?

It depends on your target. If you’re facing heavily armored opponents, penetration is crucial. If your target has little to no armor, damage becomes more important.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the “best” AK in Tarkov is a deeply personal decision, shaped by your individual preferences and playstyle. While the AK-105 offers a fantastic balance of performance and versatility, experiment with different AK variants and attachments to find the combination that works best for you. And remember, practice makes perfect. Now get out there, PMC, and put those Kalashnikovs to good use!

Which AK is best in Tarkov?