What is the best AK variant in tarkov?

The Ultimate Guide to AK Variants in Escape From Tarkov: Finding Your Best Battle Rifle

Choosing the right weapon in Escape From Tarkov (EFT) can be the difference between survival and a quick trip back to your stash. The AK platform, with its numerous variants, is a staple for many players due to its versatility, availability, and modding potential. But with so many options, the question remains: What is the best AK variant in Tarkov? While there’s no single “best” due to varied playstyles and in-game circumstances, the AK-74M and AK-105, stand out as top contenders for their balanced performance and customization options. These rifles provide a compelling blend of accuracy, manageable recoil, and readily available parts, making them excellent choices for both newer and experienced players alike.

Understanding the AK Landscape in Tarkov

Before diving into the specific variants, it’s crucial to understand the general differences within the AK family. The primary variations come from the caliber and the design evolution of the platform. Key calibers include 7.62x39mm (found in the AK-47 and AKM) which offer higher damage and penetration but often suffer from greater recoil, and the 5.45x39mm (used by the AK-74 family), which is known for its flatter trajectory and easier-to-control recoil. Each caliber also has a wide array of ammunition options, influencing performance drastically. Let’s break down some of the most popular AK variants available in Tarkov:

The Workhorse: AKM

The AKM, introduced in 1959, is a lighter stamped steel version of the original AK-47 and is the most ubiquitous variant of the entire AK series. Chambered in the 7.62x39mm, it packs a significant punch. While its recoil can be challenging to manage, particularly in full-auto, its damage potential is undeniable, making it a favorite for players who prioritize stopping power. However, it’s worth noting that many of the AKM’s strengths are diminished when up against highly armored foes.

The Modern Standard: AK-74M

The AK-74M is a modernized version of the AK-74, firing the 5.45x39mm round. This variant is arguably the most versatile AK in Tarkov. With improved accuracy, controllable recoil, and a wide range of attachments available, the AK-74M provides a well-rounded experience. Its ease of use, combined with the availability of good ammunition options, makes it a solid choice for various combat scenarios. This rifle also is a great platform to learn modding with and get a deep understanding of what you want out of a gun.

The Compact Fighter: AK-105

The AK-105 is another solid 5.45x39mm option, designed with a shorter barrel length for improved maneuverability. This feature makes it particularly effective in close-quarters combat and urban environments found in maps like Customs and Factory. It retains the beneficial characteristics of the AK-74M, such as controllable recoil and good accuracy, but is better suited for more aggressive playstyles. Its shorter barrel also allows for easier handling and use in confined spaces.

The Hybrid Options: AK-101 and AK-103

The AK-101 is a 5.56x45mm NATO variant of the AK platform, designed for export markets. While it utilizes the popular 5.56x45mm caliber, it doesn’t necessarily offer a significant performance advantage over the 5.45x39mm variants in Tarkov. It’s good but outclassed by the better recoil control of the other guns mentioned before. The AK-103, which chambers the 7.62x39mm round, combines the stopping power of the AKM with some of the modern features of the 100-series AKs. While a good rifle, the recoil is often too much for many players to effectively utilize at longer ranges.

The Enhanced Contender: AK-12

The AK-12 is a significant update to the AK-74 platform. It includes modern features like full-length rails for enhanced customization and a folding, adjustable polymer stock. It boasts the option for two-round burst firing in addition to single shot and full auto. The AK-12 aims to be more controllable in full-auto fire which it achieves. However, the gun is quite expensive in comparison to the other AKs and doesn’t necessarily outperform the cheaper options to the point that it is worth the extra cost.

Modding for Success: Customizing Your AK

One of the primary advantages of the AK platform in Tarkov is its extensive modding capability. Players can significantly alter their AK’s performance with a wide range of attachments. This includes various muzzle devices (suppressors, compensators), foregrips (vertical, angled), stocks (adjustable, folding), and optics (red dots, scopes).

Key areas to focus on when modding your AK include:

  • Recoil Control: Prioritizing parts that reduce vertical and horizontal recoil is crucial for accurate shooting, especially in full auto.
  • Ergonomics: Improving ergonomics allows for faster aiming, reloading, and overall gun handling.
  • Sight Picture: Selecting the right optic can drastically improve your accuracy and target acquisition at various distances.

Choosing Your Best AK

Ultimately, the “best” AK depends on your personal preferences, play style, and economic situation in Tarkov. For most players, the AK-74M and AK-105 provide an excellent balance of performance, modifiability, and cost-effectiveness. The AKM remains a viable option for those seeking high damage output, although its recoil is a challenge. The AK-12 is an attractive option when money is no issue, but the price tag is hard to justify when compared to the other 5.45x39mm rifles that offer nearly identical performance at half the cost. Experimenting with these variants and modding them to fit your needs is the best way to find what works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most used AK variant in Escape From Tarkov?

The AKM is the most ubiquitous AK variant in terms of real-world production and usage; however, in Tarkov, the AK-74M is arguably the most used due to its balance of controllability, moddability, and access to effective ammunition.

2. Is the AK-103 better than the AK-47 in Tarkov?

The AK-103 features more modern features compared to the older AK-47, such as a side-folding stock and a mounting system for optics. However, both rifles fire the 7.62x39mm round and have similar issues with recoil and full auto accuracy when compared to the AK-74M and AK-105.

3. What is the difference between the AK-74M and the AK-101 in Tarkov?

The AK-74M fires the 5.45x39mm round, while the AK-101 fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round. The AK-74M is generally more favored due to the availability and performance of its ammunition options in Tarkov.

4. What is the difference between the AK-47 and AK-74 in Tarkov?

The AK-47 uses the 7.62x39mm round, while the AK-74 uses the 5.45x39mm round. The AK-74 is more accurate and has less recoil. While the AK-47 has higher damage potential, the controllability of the AK-74 makes it the more popular option.

5. Is the AK-74 better than the AKM in Tarkov?

In many ways yes. The AK-74 has better accuracy, effective range, and reliability due to the smaller 5.45x39mm cartridge. The AKM hits harder, but it is much more difficult to control.

6. What gun does Killa use in Tarkov?

Killa is known for using a variety of fully automatic weapons, often including the RPK light machine gun, and the AK-105 in addition to heavily modified AK variants.

7. Is the AK-12 better than the AK-74M in Tarkov?

The AK-12 is designed to be a modernized version of the AK-74M. It has features like full-length rails and an adjustable stock, along with a 2-round burst feature. However, it’s often more expensive and doesn’t always provide a large enough performance increase to justify the cost.

8. Is the AK-12 in Tarkov?

Yes, the AK-12 is an available assault rifle in Escape from Tarkov.

9. Which AK variant is considered the “strongest” in terms of build quality?

In real life, the Zastava ZPAP M70 is considered the “strongest” in terms of build quality due to its thicker steel receiver and trunnion. However, this rifle is not in Escape from Tarkov.

10. Is the AK-203 better than the AK-47 in Tarkov?

The AK-203 is a modern variant of the AK-47 family, but it is not available in Escape from Tarkov. However, generally, modern AK variants have benefits such as accessory rails.

11. What is the Chinese copy of the AK-47?

The Type 56 rifle is the Chinese copy of the AK-47

12. Is the AK-74M a rare weapon in real life?

No, the AK-74M is not considered rare in real life. It’s been in service with the Russian military for a long time. It is however rare to find for civilians outside of Russia.

13. What is the newest AK variant?

The AK-19 is one of the newest AK variants, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, put into series production in 2022. However, it is not available in Escape from Tarkov.

14. Which caliber is the strongest in Tarkov?

The .338 Lapua Magnum is considered the strongest caliber in Tarkov. While AK variants don’t come in this caliber, this information is relevant to understand how much power a given caliber has.

15. Do guns jam in Tarkov?

Yes, guns can jam in Tarkov due to overheating or low weapon condition. Hard jams are associated with very low weapon condition and take longer to resolve.

By understanding the different AK variants and their unique characteristics, you can choose the best rifle that will fit your playstyle and become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefields of Tarkov. Good luck, and stay tactical.

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