So, you want to know all about ammo inEscape from Tarkov?

Well… You’re in for a long ride.

Ammo in Tarkov is complicated, multifaceted, and poorly tutorialized.

A view of a plaza in Escape from Tarkov.

It requires in-game experience to accumulate knowledge so that utilize it to its full potential.

Plus, some extra info from the internet can go a long way to understanding the ammo system.

The best early to mid tier choices if you want to win in the Escape From Tarkov Arena.

Escape From Tarkov classes in a line

It has little to do with mechanical skill and is mainly about game knowledge.

Game knowledge in Tarkov is arguably more important than mechanical skill.

Some of the time.

Tarkov Loadout Screen

Firstly, you’re able to find any key in of ammo while in a raid.

However,they each sell different types of ammunition.

Generally speaking,there’s a theme in what punch in of ammo they carry.

Tarkov AK Description

As you progress in reputation with a trader, higher-tier ammo will be unlocked for you to purchase.

Lastly, once unlocked at level 15,the flea marketis a useful way to buy ammunition.

The market has a player-driven economy, so prices tend to be higher there.

Tarkov BP Ammo Description

Not all ammo types are available to purchase from the flea market.

Battlestate Games have taken the option away to sell very high-tier ammo there.

For example, anM4A1 5.56x45 assault rifle can only use 5.56x45 ammo.

Escape From Tarkov Gun And Ammo In Stash

This applies to every gun, from SMGs and ARs to shotguns and pistols.

The screenshots above are an example of a weapon and ammo that can be used together.

Each is of 5.45x39 calibre.

Escape From Tarkov Gun And Ammo Inspect Panels

There are many ammo calibres present in Tarkov.

Each is usable by a wide variety of weapons in the game.

Within each calibre category, there are numerous types of ammunition.Remember, not all ammo is made equal.

Tarkov MK-16 Inspect-1

For example, within the 5.45x39mm calibre, there are 13 different types of ammunition.

The higher-tier ammunition will be much better at penetrating armour, andarmour penetration is king.

However, that’s not the only attribute to be aware of.

Loading A Shotgun In Escape From Tarkov

Armour Penetration

The bullet’s ability to penetrate higher classes of body armour.

Fragmentation Chance

A bullet’s chance to break and split into different pieces causes more damage.

Effective Distance

The maximum distance a bullet can inflict full damage and penetration.

Playing On Woods With A Pistol

Maximum Headshot Distance

The maximum distance at which a bullet can inflict a headshot.

Velocity

The speed of the bullet after it’s shot.

They play a lesser role in moment-to-moment gameplay.

Tarkov Gunfight

What Ammo Should You Use?

The question that new players often ask themselves is what ammo they should use.

It’s overwhelming at first because of the variety you’ll find and be able to purchase.

Triple-A Games

What ammo is good?

And does it matter?The short answer is yes, it does matter.But let’s add some context.

Ammo plays a big part in whether you win a gunfight.

Escape from Tarkov

Can you still kill an opponent with bad ammo?

Any ammo will do the job.

You’ll just have to findother advantages, such as positioning, surprise, and confusion.

A lot of ammo that doesn’t penetrate well does a lot of health damage.

Obviously, this is the same for other players.

Advice For New Players

As a new player, don’t care about what ammo you use.

If it’s usable with the weapon you have equipped, go for it.

Over time, you’ll naturally get a feel of what ammo performs better compared to others.

Also, there are more important things to focus on when new.

So,make it easier on yourself, and use the ammo you have available to you.

Use what you find in a raid and what you could buy.

Being shot in the eyes by any weapon and ammo will take down your opponent.

As soon as you start playing Tarkov, you’ll have to decide between two factions.

What are the differences between them?