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Unveiling the Most Powerful Round in Escape From Tarkov: A Deep Dive

Figuring out the “most powerful” round in Escape From Tarkov isn’t as simple as picking the one with the highest damage number. It’s a complex equation involving damage, penetration, armor effectiveness, and the specific scenarios you’ll find yourself in. While no single round reigns supreme in every situation, the .338 Lapua Magnum AP round often comes out on top when considering raw stopping power, penetration against high-tier armor, and ability to one-shot opponents. This article will dissect why the .338 Lapua Magnum AP holds such a prestigious position and also explore other contenders for the “most powerful” title.

The Reign of the .338 Lapua Magnum AP

The .338 Lapua Magnum AP round is renowned for its brutal effectiveness. This round boasts exceptional penetration power, allowing it to easily shred through even the thickest of armors currently available in Tarkov. Combine this penetration with incredibly high damage, and you have a round that can reliably one-shot PMCs to the thorax, even those clad in heavy protection. The .338 Lapua Magnum is primarily used in bolt-action rifles which limit its rate of fire, however, this is often offset by the lethal damage output and accuracy at range. When it comes to a round that can consistently punch through high-tier armor and drop targets with a single hit, the .338 Lapua Magnum AP is often considered the pinnacle of lethality. The only real downside of this round is the fact it is not a round that is used in automatic weapons so a player must make use of a sniper, making engagements up close more difficult for a user of this round.

Considerations Beyond Raw Power

While the .338 Lapua Magnum AP sets a high benchmark, it’s vital to understand that “power” isn’t just about raw damage and penetration numbers. Here’s why:

Cost and Availability: The .338 Lapua Magnum rounds are typically among the most expensive and least common in Tarkov. They are not easy to obtain and can drain a player’s resources quickly.
Weapon Limitations: As mentioned before, the .338 Lapua Magnum is restricted to bolt-action sniper rifles, which are not ideal for close-quarters combat.
Context Matters: The ideal round depends heavily on the situation and target. While .338 Lapua Magnum AP is great against heavily armored opponents, other rounds might be more efficient against unarmored or lightly armored foes.
Ammo Type Diversity: The game offers a diverse range of ammo with different characteristics. While raw damage is vital, armor damage, fragment chances, and ricochet properties can play a huge role.

Other Notable Contenders for Power

Although the .338 Lapua Magnum AP is a top contender for “most powerful,” several other rounds deserve consideration:

High-Penetration Assault Rifle Rounds

5.56x45mm M995: This is often regarded as the king of 5.56 ammunition. It is specifically known for its exceptional anti-armor capabilities, making it ideal for piercing through high-tier armor. M995 excels in engaging heavily armored opponents at close to medium range. However, it does not come with the same damage output of .338 Lapua.
5.45x39mm BS: Similar to the M995 in concept, the 5.45 BS round is the pinnacle of 5.45 ammunition. Known for its consistent penetration and decent damage, it’s a well-rounded choice for AK-74 platforms.
7.62x51mm rounds: This round is not specifically named but in the article, it is mentioned that this is an ideal round to use against Killa, a notorious boss in the game.

Shotgun Ammunition

12x70mm AP-20: The AP-20 slug is the go-to choice when you need to penetrate armor with a shotgun, though it’s not ideal for range.
12x70mm .50 BMG Slug: A more damaging slug option, this round is one of the most powerful shotgun rounds available, but it does have limitations with range.
12x70mm Flechette: This round may not do as much damage, but it has a very high armor shredding capability making it very dangerous at close range.
12x70mm 8.5mm Magnum: Although lacking penetration, this round offers very high damage in a shotgun platform.

Special Purpose Rounds

12 Gauge RIP Rounds: While they don’t have high penetration, RIP rounds excel in delivering massive damage to unarmored targets, a great round to use when fighting players who use lighter or no armor.

Conclusion

In summary, while the .338 Lapua Magnum AP is a leading contender for the most powerful round in Tarkov, its usage is tied to bolt action rifles and therefore it is a more situational round. Other rounds such as the 5.56x45mm M995, 5.45x39mm BS, and specific shotgun slugs also possess incredible power in their own right, depending on the situation. There is no definitive single most powerful round as every round has its own strengths and weaknesses. A well-rounded player will make use of a variety of ammunition types to adapt to their enemies armor and distance from the engagement. Understanding these nuances is crucial for success in Escape From Tarkov. Choosing the “most powerful” round isn’t a matter of looking at the highest number, but rather, it’s about selecting the right tool for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions and answers to further clarify the topic:

Q1: What makes the .338 Lapua Magnum AP so powerful?

A: Its combination of extremely high penetration and high damage allows it to pierce through most armor and one-shot PMCs with a single chest hit.

Q2: Why isn’t the .338 Lapua Magnum AP used by everyone?

A: Its high cost, limited availability, and the fact it is used in bolt action weapons make it a less frequent choice for a lot of players.

Q3: Is there a “best” round for all situations in Tarkov?

A: No, the ideal round depends heavily on the target’s armor, the engagement distance, and your personal playstyle.

Q4: What is a good alternative to the .338 Lapua Magnum AP?

A: The 5.56x45mm M995, 5.45x39mm BS, and certain 7.62x51mm rounds offer high penetration and damage at more reasonable costs, making them better for more general usage.

Q5: Which shotgun shell has the best penetration?

A: The 12x70mm AP-20 slug is the best choice for penetrating armor with a shotgun.

Q6: What is the best round for killing Killa?

A: The best rounds for killing Killa are 5.45 BS, 5.56 M995, or 7.62×51, high penetration rounds are needed to overcome his heavy armor.

Q7: Are RIP rounds effective against armored opponents?

A: No, RIP rounds excel against unarmored targets due to their high damage output.

Q8: Is the 7N40 round the best for AK-74 variants?

A: Yes, the 7N40 round is often considered the most balanced 5.45×39 round. However, other rounds like BS offer more penetration.

Q9: What is the strongest sniper rifle in Tarkov?

A: While subjective, the Mosin is often considered one of the best sniper rifles for beginners because it is highly accessible and affordable at the start of a wipe.

Q10: Are there any rounds that can reliably one-shot to the head?

A: Most rounds can one-shot to the head, however, even the .338 Lapua magnum can take multiple shots to the chest if your opponents armor is of a high enough class.

Q11: What does “AP” stand for in ammunition names?

A: “AP” stands for Armor Piercing, indicating that the round is designed to penetrate armor effectively.

Q12: What’s the difference between 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington?

A: Although they are similar, 5.56 NATO rounds are loaded to a higher pressure than .223 Remington rounds.

Q13: How realistic are the ballistics in Tarkov?

A: Tarkov’s ballistics are highly realistic, with bullet flight affected by speed, gravity, air friction, and penetration/ricochet.

Q14: What is the most powerful shotgun in Tarkov?

A: The Saiga-12 is considered the most versatile shotgun in the game, because of its high degree of customization.

Q15: Are Magnum rounds good for shotguns?

A: Yes, Magnum rounds like the 12x70mm 8.5mm are one of the more viable buckshot rounds for close quarters engagements.

What is the most powerful round in tarkov?