Escape from Tarkov Assault Rifle Guide

The AR is the default for a reason

Assault rifles balance range, fire rate, and moddability better than any other class. The best weapons page ranks the standouts; almost every viable mid-game kit centers on one.

Mods decide the gun

A stock assault rifle and a fully modded one are different weapons. Stock, grip, optic, and muzzle all change recoil and ergonomics. The weapon mods guide covers the build; prioritize recoil and ergonomics before cosmetics.

Ammo is the real damage

Even a perfect rifle shoots blanks if the ammo does not penetrate. Match your rounds to the armor you expect. The ammo chart guide is the single most important reference for any rifle build; a high-pen round beats a high-damage round that bounces.

Cost scales with the build

A fully kitted rifle is a serious loss when you die. Insure it through a trader you trust, and consider a cheaper modded variant for risky raids. The budget kits page shows how far a modest rifle build goes.

Mods before ammo

A stock rifle and a fully modded one are different weapons, so invest in the stock, grip, optic, and muzzle before debating rounds. The weapon mods guide covers the build, and the recoil guide covers ergonomics. Then match your ammo chart guide rounds to the armor you expect.

Insure the build

A kitted rifle is a serious loss, so insure it through a trader you trust and consider a cheaper variant for risky raids. The budget kits page shows how far a modest build goes.

The rifle is the standard

An assault rifle balances range and control for most raids, so build one you can hold on target before chasing damage. The weapon mods guide page ranks the mods. A controlled rifle beats a maxed-unwieldy one.

Related guides

• EFT Best Weapons
• EFT Weapon Mods Guide
• EFT Ammo Chart Guide