Escape from Tarkov Body Armor Guide

Armor class sets the ceiling

Body armor has a class from 1 to 6 that determines what bullets it stops. The armor plates guide covers the insertable plates; the key idea is that a class 4 plate stops most early-game ammo but folds against late-game rounds. Match your plate to the ammo you expect to face, not to the highest number you can carry. A class 6 plate on a cheap kit is a gift to whoever kills you.

Protection costs weight and speed

Heavier armor slows you and eats stamina. The best weapons page assumes you can still move to use them; armor that pins you in place gets you flanked. Balance protection against mobility for the map you are running.

Helmets pair with armor

A good vest with a bare head is a half build. The helmet guide covers face shields and ricochet; pair a helmet that covers your weak angle with the vest that covers your torso.

Do not over-insure expensive armor

High-class armor is costly to replace. Insure it, but accept that losing it is part of the game. The players who never wear it out of fear never survive the fights that need it.

Do the plate math

Match your plate class to the ammo you expect, because a class 6 plate on a cheap kit is a gift to whoever kills you. The armor plates guide covers inserts, and the ammo chart guide shows what actually penetrates. Protection that pins you in place gets you flanked, so balance it against mobility.

Do not skip the head

A good vest with a bare head is half a build, so pair it with a helmet that covers your weak angle. The best weapons page assumes you can still move and fight.

Related guides

• EFT Armor Plates Guide
• EFT Helmet Guide
• EFT Best Weapons