Best Beginner Guns in Escape from Tarkov: A Friendly Guide to Getting Started

Best Beginner Guns in Escape from Tarkov

If you’re new to Escape from Tarkov, you already know how brutal the learning curve can be. The steep difficulty, realistic gun mechanics, and harsh death consequences can make your first few raids feel overwhelming. That’s why knowing the best beginner guns in Escape from Tarkov is so important. These starter weapons give you a better shot at survival, help you learn the fundamentals of combat, and won’t break the bank.

In this guide, we’ll explore beginner-friendly EFT guns that are affordable, effective, and accessible. Whether you're doing Scav runs or heading straight into PMC raids, the right gun can help you turn the tide in your favor.

Why Choosing the Right Starter Gun Matters

Your weapon is more than just firepower. It affects your accuracy, your reload speed, and your overall chances of walking out of a raid alive. As a beginner, you’re not only dealing with enemy players but also AI Scavs. The best Tarkov starter weapons are those that balance reliability, low recoil, and ease of use. Choosing wisely can make the difference between getting loot or losing everything.

What to Look for in a Beginner Gun

New players often chase high-end weapons without realizing how difficult they are to handle. The best beginner guns in Escape from Tarkov are usually semi-auto or low-recoil automatics.

Key things to look for:

• Widely available ammo

• Cheap mods and simple maintenance

• Light weight and good ergonomics

• Quick aim speed and easy control

• Affordable price point for budget loadouts

Best Beginner Guns in Escape from Tarkov – Top Picks

1. SKS (Simonov Semi-Automatic Carbine)

The SKS is a popular choice for new players because it’s simple and powerful. It fires the 7.62x39mm round, which packs a punch against both AI and players. You can often find this gun in early raids or purchase it cheap from traders. It doesn't need magazines—just load rounds directly, reducing cost and complexity. While it’s semi-automatic and not the fastest in rate of fire, its damage output makes it a solid choice. Many players consider the SKS one of the best budget guns in Tarkov for beginners.

2. Mosin-Nagant Bolt-Action Rifle

The Mosin is a bolt-action rifle with a slow fire rate but very high damage. It can one-tap unarmored players and severely injure those with lower-tier armor. Ammo is easy to find, and the gun itself is affordable. It's often used for early sniper quests. For players who prefer long-range engagements, the Mosin is among the best beginner-friendly EFT guns due to its simplicity and power.

3. MP-153 / MP-133 Shotguns

These shotguns shine in close-quarter fights. They're perfect for Factory or dorms on Customs. The MP-153 is semi-auto, while the MP-133 is pump-action. Both support different mods and ammo types, including high-damage slugs and buckshot. These shotguns are deadly against Scavs and lightly armored players. If you’re playing indoors, they’re some of the best early-game weapons in Escape from Tarkov thanks to their stopping power and ease of use.

4. PPSh-41

This Soviet-era SMG is full-auto and fires a high rate of 7.62x25mm rounds. It's easy to control and has a large drum mag, which helps in chaotic fights. It’s not ideal against high-tier armor, but early-game enemies rarely have strong protection. The PPSh is affordable and reliable, making it a go-to choice for close-range combat in Tarkov beginner loadouts.

5. Vepr KM / VPO-136

This civilian AK variant is semi-automatic and fires 7.62x39mm. It's essentially a baby AKM without full-auto. Ammo is powerful, and the gun has strong modding potential, allowing for scopes, stocks, and suppressors later on.

6. ADAR 2-15

The ADAR looks like an M4 but fires only in semi-auto. It uses 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, which are lighter than 7.62 but still effective with good ammo. The ADAR is great for mid-range fights and introduces beginners to the AR platform. It’s one of the best Escape from Tarkov starter weapons for players who enjoy precision shooting and future modding potential.

7. PPSH and MP9: Spray and Pray Options

If you prefer speed and volume over pinpoint accuracy, the MP9 and PPSH are your best bets. They shoot fast, have controllable recoil, and are easy to find. Ammo is cheap, and full-auto fire gives an advantage in close-quarters. Perfect for Factory or tight hallway combat, these SMGs are often part of budget Tarkov loadouts for aggressive players.

8. Budget AK Variants (AKS-74U, AK-74N)

These AK variants are well-rounded choices for beginners. They're easy to mod, accurate, and shoot fast enough for most encounters. Ammo for the 5.45x39mm platform is common and comes in good armor-piercing types. The AKS-74U is compact for tight spaces, while the AK-74N works well for mid- to long-range use.

Ammo Matters More Than the Gun

You can have a great weapon, but poor ammo will ruin your chances. Even the best beginner guns in Escape from Tarkov are useless with low-penetration rounds. Learn the ammo chart early and prioritize penetration over flesh damage to deal with armored opponents.

Repair Costs and Durability

Some guns lose durability quickly, impacting accuracy and reliability. The best budget guns in Tarkov are often cheap to repair or replace. Avoid overpaying for repairs when a fresh weapon costs the same.

Trader Access and Market Pricing

As you level up traders like Prapor, Jaeger, and Mechanic, more options open up. Some of the best beginner-friendly EFT guns are locked behind trader reputation or level. The flea market is useful for early purchases, but prices can fluctuate with wipe cycles.

How to Practice With Beginner Guns

Use offline raids to practice recoil control, reload speeds, and aiming. Test different ammo types without risking your gear. This is one of the smartest ways to master the best early-game weapons in Escape from Tarkov.

Final Thoughts: Your First Gun Is Just the Start

Finding the best beginner guns in Escape from Tarkov isn’t about picking the most expensive weapon—it’s about choosing what works for your playstyle, budget, and experience. Whether you’re sniping with a Mosin, rushing with an MP9, or landing precise shots with an ADAR, your first gun sets the tone for your EFT journey.

As you improve in skill and confidence, you’ll naturally upgrade. But starting with a solid, beginner-friendly weapon will give you the momentum you need to survive more raids.