Now that the latest wipe is here, everybody is scouring for the best budget weapons in Tarkov.
The playing field has been leveled and everyone is starting from scratch. During the early stages of the wipe where everybody is left with minimal resources and gear, every rouble counts.
That’s why you should make sure that you invest your hard-earned money in a gun that’s effective and reliable but doesn’t break the bank.
In this article, I’ll show you the most efficient budget weapons in Tarkov with the best price-to-performance ratio that will get you through the early game and even be useful during the mid-stages of the wipe.
Best Budget Weapons in Tarkov
MP-153
Starting with shotguns, the MP-153 is a solid option available from the traders for just around 29,000 Roubles. You don’t need to spend extra on fancy attachments—just a basic sprut with a laser sight can get the job done. However, if you’ve unlocked Jaeger’s second level, you can upgrade to a seven-round magazine, which enhances the MP-153’s firepower.
For even more customization, by the time you reach Jaeger’s third level, you can equip an eight-round magazine, and a choke muzzle device, and still stay within a budget of 30,000 roubles. But what ammo should you use?
- Flechette rounds are now affordable and ideal for taking down well-armored opponents.
- Magnum buckshot packs a punch, especially against enemy legs. Just two or three shots will incapacitate your opponent, and unlike flechettes, they are effective at longer ranges.
- If you’re really strapped for cash, Express buckshot is your go-to. It has an extra pellet, but don’t expect to down anyone unless you hit them in the face.
The Uzi
If shotguns aren’t your style, the Uzi unlocked at Peacekeeper Level 2 is another excellent choice. At just $263, it’s a budget-friendly weapon that is small but terrible to play against. For its price and size, it’s a complete powerhouse.
You can save even more by using a clever trick. Go to the Mechanic and get a Glock with an RMR sight in exchange for 2 bottles of WD-40. This will cost you 20,000 Roubles, but here’s where this money-saving trick comes in. Remove the sight and sell the Glock back. You’ll recover your 20k, but keep the RMR sight, which will enhance your Uzi’s accuracy. It’s basically a free sight.
With the Uzi’s rapid-fire rate, controlling recoil might seem challenging, but it’s surprisingly manageable even without any mods. For budget ammo, Luger rounds are pretty cheap, dealing 70 damage per shot. If you’ve reached Peacekeeper Level 3, you can also unlock AP 6.3 rounds, to become a more lethal Uzi user.
Vector .45 ACP
Looking for something a bit more powerful? The Vector .45 ACP is a great option, coming in at just 50,000 Roubles. Its magazines are affordable, and Hydra-Shok rounds are dirt cheap on the flea market. There’s also no need for expensive mods—just attach a laser and optic, and you’re good to go.
This SMG is highly effective in close-quarter combat, shredding enemies with hollow-point bullets. However, if you prefer higher penetration, A855 rounds are now available on the flea market, with 31 penetration to dominate the current meta.
The SCAR- Tarkov Budget King
For those who prefer rifles, the SCAR is an ideal choice. Sometimes, its price drops as low as 33,000 Roubles, making it a steal compared to other options like the MDR, which is almost twice the price. The SCAR offers great value, and you don’t even have to apply heavy modifications to it. It’s one of the best budget weapons in Tarkov, especially when equipped with an RK-4 foregrip to reduce recoil.
Alternatively, you could go for the G36, but you’d need to install a suppressor to get similar performance, which nearly doubles the weapon’s cost. The AUG comes with the same recoil problem. The SCAR stands out as a top-tier budget option without sacrificing firepower.
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9A-91
Continuing our list of the best budget weapons in Tarkov, the 9A-91 is another fantastic option, priced at around 22,000 Roubles. It uses SP-5 rounds, which have solid damage and acceptable penetration for such a low-cost weapon. Attach a laser and an optic, and you’ve got yourself a highly effective, budget-friendly SMG.
AK-103
For those who want something a bit heavier, the AK-103 is worth a look. Despite its recent buff in damage for the 7.62 caliber rounds, the AK-103 remains incredibly affordable, especially on the flea market. T rounds are cheap and help reduce recoil, but PS rounds are a better option for damage output.
Later on, when you have the budget, you can build an effective modded AK-103 for around 70,000 Roubles.
SVD and SVT-40: Long-Range Power
Now let’s go to the big guns. In this caliber both the SVD and SVT-40 are great budget weapons in Tarkov. The SVT-40, which used to be bombarded with nerfs or too hard to get, can now be found on the flea market for around 40,000 Roubles.
It may not support optics or lasers, but its high-caliber rounds more than compensate for that, with just a couple of well-placed shots being enough to finish a fight.
On the other hand, the SVD gives you more versatility, as you can attach things like optics and suppressors. It’s a bit more expensive at around 50,000 Roubles, but with its power and flexibility, it’s a top pick for those wanting to snipe without overspending.
Play Smart, Spend Less
Whether you’re looking for small, unassuming guns that pack a punch, a reliable all-rounder, or a high-caliber weapon, these budget weapons in Tarkov are great choices for the early game. With some modifications, these can even carry you through the next stage of the wipe.
What budget weapons are you running with? Share your favorites in the comments below, and don’t forget to read our blog at StealthCore for more budget loadouts and tips to help you survive and thrive in Tarkov.
