Are you missing shots even if your crosshair is perfectly lined up? Then, you need to understand what Tarkov recoil is.
It can really be tough to keep your aim right when the heat is on. You ready yourself for that shot, but the recoil of the gun tosses your aim off, and in that split second, your target is gone. That recoil gets brutal and often makes the difference between taking your prey down or dying yourself.
Imagine you’re in Customs, sneaking up on a PMC with a perfect shot lined up. But when you pull the trigger, the recoil pushes your bullets off target. It’s super frustrating, right?
This guide dives into the basics of managing Tarkov’s recoil, helping you make your aim more consistent and your shots more reliable. Get ready to sharpen your skills and boost your game for accurate shots and consistent kills.
What is Tarkov Recoil?
Recoil is an in-game effect that makes your gun kick up and shake side-to-side when you shoot. In simpler words, higher recoil means that your weapon has a mind of its own: pulling away from your target, it is difficult to keep on point.
Recoil control is about keeping that movement in check, helping you aim better by reducing the gun’s vertical and horizontal sways. Sure, you could deck out your weapon with pricey mods to lower recoil, but that’s not always budget-friendly. Plus, not everyone wants to use just low-recoil SMGs.
But, there are techniques that work for any gun, no matter how wild the recoil gets—making it easier to land shots without breaking your bank on mods. One of them is our EFT hack which includes an AimBot. If you want every bullet to hit its mark, this tool is a must-have.
Also Read: Best Guns in Tarkov: Top Weapons to Use in 2024
Recoil Stats
It’s good to know that Tarkov recoil stats vary by weapon. For instance, two guns could both show a “60 recoil” stat, yet handle very differently in combat. Each gun has its own recoil pattern, so while an AK and an RPK might show the same recoil number, the RPK has a more stable spread.
Recoil stats give a rough idea of how much the weapon’s kick can be reduced, but don’t tell the whole story.
Ammunition Influence
Beyond mods, your ammo choice affects Tarkov recoil. Some rounds have a “recoil reduction” stat, which can be handy for managing the initial kick of automatic fire. For example, loading the first 5 bullets in a magazine with ammo that reduces recoil will soften the initial burst. After those rounds, the game’s built-in recoil control helps manage the remaining shots, making aiming more manageable.
Usually, loading around 5 rounds of recoil-reducing ammo at the top of your mag does the trick. This method gives you a more stable start to your spray and can noticeably improve your aim, without needing pricey mods.
Recoil Patterns
Each weapon in Tarkov has its own recoil pattern, but the good news is that these patterns are fairly simple. When you fire, the gun kicks up, settles a bit, then stabilizes. Unlike some other games, Tarkov recoil isn’t as extreme; it’s just enough to practice control. Try an offline raid or hit the shooting range and spray a wall to see how your weapon kicks. This lets you get a feel for how much downward pressure you need to keep it stable.
Just like in games like Apex Legends, you can counter the recoil by moving your mouse in the opposite direction. When you shoot, pull your mouse down at first, then ease up as the gun stabilizes. Over time, you’ll naturally adjust to this rhythm. Don’t stress too much over the side-to-side sway; that’s often random and, in some cases, can help you hit a moving target.
Also Read: Best Budget Weapons in Tarkov Patch 0.15
Practice for a Smoother Aim
Your main focus should be managing vertical recoil so that your shots form more of a horizontal line. With a bit of practice, this approach will give you a smoother aim and help you control Tarkov recoil without needing fancy mods.
Build Muzzle Memory
One of the most crucial aspects of managing Tarkov recoil is developing what’s called “muzzle memory.” This is all about creating a reflex that kicks in during a firefight. When you’re in the heat of battle, you won’t have time to think about pulling your mouse down; it has to be second nature. A great way to build this reflex is to hop into an offline raid—like Factory—and practice repeatedly.
Every time you start shooting, make sure to pull your mouse down right away. Do this over and over until it becomes instinctive. Choose a weapon with noticeable recoil, like the RPK, which has a hefty 70 recoil. Avoid using low-recoil guns like the M4 or Vector during this practice because you won’t build that muscle memory effectively. By consistently working with a higher recoil weapon, you can learn to control it like it has significantly less recoil, maybe around 30.
The advantage of this technique is that it helps you reduce recoil without spending money on mods. Personally, I love using my default AK, which has about 60 recoil, but thanks to this practice, I can treat it as if it has much less.
Mind Your Positioning
Another important factor to consider is your shooting position. Whether you’re standing, crouching, or lying down can significantly affect your recoil control. For example, if you spot an enemy and your priority is landing your shots accurately, it’s best to stay still, crouch, and fire. This will give you the least amount of recoil possible. In fact, if you can lie down while shooting, you’ll find that the recoil is almost non-existent.
This approach is particularly effective in situations where precision is key, similar to tactics you might use in games like Counter-Strike or Valorant. By stabilizing your stance and focusing on controlled fire, you’ll drastically improve your accuracy.
Consistent Practice
Of course, all of this takes practice. The more you put into it, the better you’ll get at managing Tarkov recoil. Spend time in offline raids getting a feel for different weapons and their unique recoil patterns. Use the shooting range to experiment and refine your technique.
Eventually, your ability to control recoil will become so intuitive that you won’t even have to think about it during intense moments. Just remember: practice makes perfect. The more you work on your muzzle memory and positioning, the better you’ll be at landing shots, even when the pressure is on.
Also Read: What is The Best Marksman Rifle in Tarkov?
Conclusion
In the end, managing Tarkov recoil is all about finding what works for you. Whether it’s using recoil-reducing ammo, fine-tuning your mouse movements, or combining both, you’ll notice a big improvement in your accuracy.
Experiment with different techniques until you feel comfortable, and soon your shots will feel as steady as a laser. With practice, you’ll be taking control of every firefight.
