Intense and extended gunfights are my favorite thing in Tarkov. Tension’s through the roof, and every little choice counts. You peek around cover, line up your shot, and… click. The magazine is empty.
Now you’re rushing to reload, heart racing and those precious seconds could mean the difference between life and death.
Managing your magazines is crucial in Tarkov. It’s not as simple as slapping in some bullets, a strategic reload should be making the most of your gear.
In this Tarkov magazine guide, we’ll break down how to optimize your setup, from picking the best ammo combo to using hidden tricks that could save your skin during a gunfight.
What Are Magazines in Tarkov?
Also Read: How to Mod Your Gun in Tarkov – EFT Weapon Modding Guide
The magazines in EFT or “mags” are what hold your ammo and feed it into your gun. They come in all kinds of sizes, from small 10-round ones to huge 60-round drums. Every weapon has its preferred mags.
Proper magazine use isn’t just about shooting; it’s about controlling your ammo economy, preparing for different scenarios, and even gaining an edge in fights through smart loadouts.
Why Ammo Choices Matter
1. Ammo Rarity
Some of the good stuff, like M61 or 995 rounds, are pretty rare and pricey. If you waste them thoughtlessly, you might be left hanging when you really need them.
To avoid that, many experienced players stack their mags with different ammo types. For instance, load high-penetration rounds on top to deal with armored foes, then fill the bottom with cheaper rounds to finish things off.
Example Setup:
• 10 rounds of M61 on top
• 10 rounds of M80 on the bottom
This method helps you conserve valuable ammo while still staying effective in combat. It’s a small adjustment that adds significant utility to your fights, especially when running larger mags like 60-rounders or drum mags.
2. Utility in Fights
Did you know that the kind of ammo in your magazine can change how your weapon kicks back? Ammo that’s designed for high penetration usually hits harder and can make the recoil tougher to handle.
By placing low-recoil ammo, such as 7N40 or US rounds, at the top of your mag, you can stabilize your gun during those critical first shots. This approach works especially well for automatic weapons, where the initial burst is key to landing hits.
Example Setup for 5.45×39 AK:
• Top 5 rounds: 7N40 (low recoil, high precision)
• Middle 25 rounds: BT or BS ammo
• Bottom rounds: Cheaper ammo like PP or Eagle Nick
This will help you land your initial shots accurately, giving you better control over your gun’s kick in those critical early moments of a firefight.
3. Warning Lights: Tracer Ammo
Tracer ammo in Tarkov isn’t just flashy, it’s functional. By placing tracer rounds at the bottom of your magazine, you can use them as a visual warning that your mag is almost empty.
When those bright tracer rounds start firing, you know it’s time to reload or reposition. This trick is particularly useful in longer fights, where running out of ammo mid-spray can leave you vulnerable.
Tracer Ammo Setup:
• Use tracers like BT, T-45, or 856A1 in the bottom 5 rounds of your mag.
• Works well with 40- or 50-round mags for extended engagements.
This subtle addition to your loadout can improve your situational awareness and prevent those panic-inducing moments when your gun clicks empty in the heat of battle.
Magazine Tips for Better Efficiency
Also Read: The Ultimate EFT Ammo Guide You’ll Ever Need
1. Match Your Magazines to Your Weapon
Every weapon in Tarkov has specific magazine options. Some mags offer faster reload speeds, while others prioritize capacity. Learn which magazines work best with your playstyle.
• M4/ADAR: Stanag 30-round mags reload quickly and are versatile.
• AKs: 60-round mags are a great choice for longer engagements, but 30-round mags are faster to reload.
• P90 or MP7: High-capacity mags (like the P90’s 50-round mag) let you stay in the fight longer.
2. Manage Reloads Efficiently
Tactical reloads dropping a partially used mag to insert a fresh one, are faster than a full reload but risk losing your mag. Ensure you’ve got spare mags to pick up after a fight or consider using a rig with more mag slots.
3. Practice Ammo Stacking in Hideout
Repacking magazines takes practice, especially when using multiple ammo types. Spend time in your Hideout practicing this process to speed up your efficiency during raids.
4. Carry Extra Mags Over Loose Ammo
It’s always faster to swap to a fresh mag than reload loose rounds in the middle of a fight. Always bring enough pre-loaded mags for your raid to avoid unnecessary downtime.
5. Consider Drum Mags for Suppression
If your playstyle involves heavy suppression or large-scale firefights, drum mags or 60-rounders are ideal. However, they come with slower reload speeds and higher weight. Balance this with your overall loadout to ensure you’re not sacrificing mobility.
Popular Magazines in Tarkov
Here’s a quick rundown of some commonly used magazines and their advantages:
1. AK 60-Round Magazines
• Pros: High capacity, perfect for extended engagements.
• Cons: Slower reload time, heavier than 30-round mags.
2. P90 50-Round Magazines
• Pros: Large capacity with fast rate of fire.
• Cons: Ammo can be expensive and harder to find.
3. Glock Extended Mags (50 Rounds)
• Pros: High capacity for SMG-like performance.
• Cons: They can feel pretty heavy and bulky compared to regular Glock mags.
Also Read: Should You Choose BEAR or USEC In Tarkov? EFT Faction Guide
Conclusion
Getting a handle on magazines in Escape from Tarkov can really make or break your chances of surviving a raid. How you stack ammo or use tracers as alerts can seriously change the game when it comes to combat effectiveness.
Apply these tips d the Tarkov Magazine Guide to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the competition. Happy looting, and hope your mags are always topped off when you need them!
If you want to make the most out of your mags in every raid, you should check out our EFT hack. It comes with an aimbot, ESP, and more useful tools that will work better than any stim in Tarkov.
