Escape from Tarkov offers a level of realism that makes each of your weapon mods meaningful. Among the most significant upgrades is the suppressor. While often considered a stealth tool, suppressors offer a range of benefits and trade-offs beyond just sound reduction.
So, what do suppressors do in Tarkov? In this guide, we’ll explore suppressors’ functionality, advantages, and nuances, categorized for clarity.
From stealth mechanics to recoil control and ammunition compatibility, we’ll cover everything you need to know about suppressors in Tarkov.
Also Read: Best Map For Beginners In EFT
What Do Suppressors Do in Tarkov: The Basics
Suppressors are designed primarily to reduce weapon noise, making it more difficult for enemies to locate your position. In Tarkov, suppressors decrease the audible range of gunfire to approximately 100 meters.
Audible Ranges
• Suppressed weapons are generally audible up to 100 meters.
• Exceptions like the ASH-12 can be heard from 160 meters.
• Unsuppressed weapons, depending on the caliber, can be heard from 500-600 meters or beyond. For example, the M700 sniper rifle’s shots travel up to 900 meters audibly.
Subsonic Ammunition
• Some suppressors work best with subsonic rounds (e.g., 9×39 SP6), eliminating the “bullet crack” caused by supersonic rounds breaking the sound barrier.
• While subsonic rounds reduce noise, they sacrifice damage and penetration.
Bullet Crack Mechanics
• Supersonic rounds create a distinct crack near their target.
• Suppressed weapons firing subsonic rounds avoid this, offering stealth benefits.
• Mid-flight supersonic bullets transitioning to subsonic speeds may still produce a crack until they slow down.
Suppressors and Stealth
Using suppressors goes beyond just reducing sound—it fundamentally changes how enemies react and track you.
Stealth in Solo Play
Suppressors are invaluable for solo players. By masking your location, you can outmaneuver squads or take strategic positions without being immediately detected.
Stealth in Squad Play
Even in group play, suppressed weapons allow for quieter, coordinated attacks, reducing the likelihood of alerting other players or AI (Scavs, Raiders, or Bosses).
Confusion Among Enemies
• Suppressed gunfire makes it harder for enemies to determine your exact location, especially in dense maps like Interchange or Customs.
• In larger maps like Woods, suppressors can make long-range engagements almost undetectable, especially with subsonic ammunition.
Also Read: How to Mod Your Gun in Tarkov – EFT Weapon Modding Guide
Suppressors and Weapon Performance
One of the lesser-known but critical advantages of suppressors in Tarkov is their impact on weapon performance, particularly recoil.
Recoil Reduction
Suppressors often act as combined muzzle devices, offering recoil reduction akin to muzzle brakes. This is especially notable in meta builds for guns like the M4A1 and HK416.
Examples of Suppressors for Recoil Control (5.56 NATO)
1. SilencerCo
• Recoil Reduction: -23%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -24
• Requirements:
Suppressor: Peacekeeper 4
Muzzle Brake: Peacekeeper 3
• Cost: ~70k RUB (can fluctuate based on USD exchange rates).
• Why It’s Great: Best-in-slot for recoil control, though pricey.
2. AAC Blackout 51T:
• Recoil Reduction: -22%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -27
• Cost: ~50k RUB (cheaper than SilencerCo)
3. Thunder Beast Ultra-5
• Recoil Reduction: -21%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -25
• Cost-Saving Tip: Barter at Skier 3 using a Boss Cap and two Leather Caps (~40k RUB).
4. SureFire RC2
• Recoil Reduction: -18%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -18
• Requirements: Only available on the Flea Market (~27k RUB).
Examples for 7.62 NATO
1. Knights Armament QDC:
• Recoil Reduction: -25%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -24
• Requirements:
Suppressor: Mechanic 3
Muzzle Brake: Peacekeeper 3
• Cost: ~75k RUB
• Why It’s Best: Outstanding recoil control at level 3 traders.
2. Thunder Beast Ultra-7
• Recoil Reduction: -22%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -24
• Cost-Saving Tip: Use the Skier 3 barter (Boss Cap + Leather Caps) to save money.
3. SRD QD + Taper Lock
• Recoil Reduction: -21%
• Ergonomics Penalty: -25
• Cost-Saving Tip: Barter for the suppressor with a Raven Statue (~30k RUB).
Also Read: Best Budget Weapons in Tarkov Patch 0.15
Suppressors and Ergonomics
While suppressors offer significant recoil benefits, they come with ergonomics penalties, affecting how a weapon handles.
Ergonomics Penalty
• The added weight of suppressors impacts weapon ergonomics, increasing aim-down-sights (ADS) time and stamina drain.
• For builds prioritizing speed and maneuverability, choosing suppressors with lighter ergonomics penalties is crucial.
Balancing Ergonomics
• Pair suppressors with ergonomic grips or stocks to offset the penalty.
• Example: The Hybrid 46 suppressor has minimal recoil benefits but a low ergonomics penalty, making it suitable for Bullpup rifles like the MDR.
Economic Considerations
Suppressors in Tarkov vary widely in price, depending on availability, trader levels, and bartering options.
Trader Purchases vs. Flea Market
• High-tier suppressors like the SilencerCo and QDC are often expensive on the flea market.
• Barter trades (e.g., Thunderbeast for Boss Caps and Leather Caps) offer budget-friendly alternatives.
Quest-locked Items
• Some suppressors, like the Hybrid 46, are needed for late-game quests, driving up their market value.
• Stocking up on bartered suppressors can save rubles in the long run.
Budget Builds
• Suppressors like the Knights Armament NT4 offer decent stats at a lower cost.
• Players should regularly check the flea market for underpriced suppressors.
Suppressors in Meta Builds
Suppressors are a staple in many of Tarkov’s meta weapon builds, especially for mid- to late-game players.
Meta Suppressors for Popular Guns
• M4A1/HK416: SilencerCo or AAC Blackout for maximum recoil reduction.
• AK-74: PBS-4 for stealth-focused builds.
• SR-25/Mutant: Thunderbeast or QDC for optimal recoil control.
Role-Specific Builds
Cost-Saving Tip: Subsonic suppressors (e.g., AS VAL or VSS) for long-range stealth.
• Close Quarters Combat (CQC): Lightweight suppressors for SMGs or shotguns.
Conclusion
Now you won’t be helplessly wondering, “What do suppressors do in Tarkov?”
Suppressors in Tarkov are more than just silencers. It is also a tool for stealth, recoil management, and tactical flexibility. While they excel in masking your location, their impact on weapon performance and economics makes them essential for meta builds.
By understanding their mechanics and trade-offs, you can tailor your suppressor choices to suit your play style and budget, gaining a competitive edge in Tarkov. But you know what’s an even bigger advantage? Our EFT hack includes aimbot, ESP, and more. If you want to make sure you are ahead on every raid, this is the tool you need.
