Best Weapons in Tarkov: Top 5 Guns in 2025

There I was, crouched behind a rusted old truck at RUAF Roadblock, heartbeat pounding, hoping the PMC I just tapped with my SKS didn’t have a buddy trailing behind. 

That raid reminded me why I’ve been addicted to Tarkov for many years. Nothing feels better than surviving a gunfight with a weapon that just works. In my time playing, I’ve tried nearly everything: budget guns, top-tier builds, off-meta memes. 

That’s why in this guide, I’m sharing what I believe are the Best Weapons in Tarkov in 2025. Based on firsthand experience, community chatter, and raw performance, here are my top five guns that have consistently helped me escape alive (or at least made dying fun).

Also Read: Best Snipers in Tarkov – Top Marksman Rifles in 2025

Best Weapons in Tarkov 2025

1. MK47 Mutant

If there’s one gun that feels like it was made just for me, this is it. It hits like a truck and can be built for either mid-range laser beam control or close-range domination. Whenever I unlock this bad boy, it instantly becomes my main weapon until something knocks it off the throne.

• Why It Works:
  The MK47 fires 7.62×39, meaning you’ve got hard-hitting rounds like BP or MAI AP doing the work for you. Combine that with an incredible rate of fire and manageable recoil when modded, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite.
• My Experience:
  I remember pushing construction in Customs and hearing the Goons spawn. That usually spells trouble, but I had my trusty Mutant with me. With a few nades and good positioning, I dropped Bird Eye, then carved through a confused PMC who walked into the chaos. One-taps, smooth sprays, it handled it all.
• Modding Tips:
  1. Use a Zenit RK-1 foregrip for stability.
  2. Add a suppressor like the Hexagon AK for less vertical recoil.
  3. The RK-3 pistol grip rounds it out for ergonomics.

Also Read: Best Budget Weapons in Tarkov: Top Cheap Guns in 2025

 2. M4A1 

No top five would be complete without the legendary M4A1. This rifle has been the face of meta for years, and 2025 is no different.

• Meta Modding at Its Peak:
  Fully decked out, an M4A1 can become a literal laser beam. Slap on a Colt buffer tube, Geissele handguard, and Surefire suppressor, and you’ll be out-shooting anything else in full-auto range.
• One Crazy Raid:
  I remember a scav raid where I scav-looted a full modded M4 off a corpse in Labs. One mag later, I’d wiped an entire three-man. The recoil felt like a gentle hum and every shot landed center mass. It was probably someone’s favorite gun, but it became my payday.
• Why It Ranks #2:
  • High fire rate and great recoil control
  • Extremely customizable
  • Versatile across all ranges

3. R-25

This one’s for the players who enjoy methodical shooting and long-range dominance. The SR-25 brings a clean mix of stopping power, precision, and modability. I always keep one in my stash once I unlock Peacekeeper Level 3.

• The Power of .308:
  Using 7.62×51 rounds like M62 or M80, this rifle can obliterate armored PMCs with just a few shots. And the best part? It still handles decently in mid-range encounters.
• My Favorite Kill with It:
  On Woods, I held a ridgeline near Scav House with the SR-25. Spotted a squad crossing the open field and dropped two of them before they could even react. I missed the third, but the feeling of dropping bodies from 150+ meters was unmatched.
• Why It Ranks #3:
  • Huge stopping power
  • Effective for PvP and boss fights
  • Low recoil for a DMR class

4. AK-74M

The AK-74M might not be flashy, but it’s as reliable as it gets. Whether you’re an early wipe rat or a mid-wipe Chad, this rifle performs in almost every situation.

• Ammo Options Make It Shine:
  5.45×39 rounds like BS and BT penetrate helmets reliably while offering fast fire rates and controllable recoil. That balance makes the 74M a serious tool for aggressive playstyles or careful picks.
• A Fight I’ll Never Forget:
  I was pinned down near the new expansion on Streets, trying to rotate around a trio of PMCs. I used the AK-74M with a Valday scope and shredded two of them through a chain link fence. Clean, fast, efficient.
• Why It Ranks #4:
  • Wide availability and cheap attachments
  • Low recoil when tuned right
  • Great for both budget and experienced builds

Solid, straightforward, and dependable. It may not be top tier, but it’s earned its place on the Best Weapons in Tarkov list.

Also Read: Top 5 Best Assault Rifles in Tarkov 2025

5. OP-SKS

The humble OP-SKS makes it to #5. It’s not flashy, not full-auto, and definitely not fancy. But in the right hands, this thing’s a sleeper beast.

• Why It Surprised Me:
  It’s cheap and comes early, but when you load BP rounds into it and go prone or crouch, the recoil basically disappears. It becomes a budget sniper that hits like a proper DMR.
• Hands-On Raid Test:
  During one of the Smuggler’s Path extractions, I peeked over the hillside and spotted two PMCs lurking in the trees. Using the SKS from a distance, I landed clean shots with almost no effort.
• Why It Ranks #5:
  • Extremely cheap and beginner-friendly
  • High damage potential with proper ammo
  • Good for early wipe or low-budget runs

Don’t sleep on it. The OP-SKS is one of the Best Weapons in Tarkov for its risk-reward ratio alone.

Conclusion

That’s my definitive list of the Best Weapons in Tarkov for 2025. If you prefer heavy hitters like the MK47 and M4A1 to value picks like the OP-SKS, each of these guns has earned its spot through performance, flexibility, and sheer survival power. 

What matters most is how you use them. So, find your playstyle and dominate.