Tarkov is a weapon-customisation game first and a shooter second. The right kit for the right wipe phase is the difference between consistent extracts and endless 50k-rouble losses. This guide covers budget starter guns, mid-wipe workhorses, and late-wipe meta kits — with specific parts lists, ammo choices, and ballpark costs per build.
Early Wipe / Budget
These are your "I can afford to lose this" kits for the first week of a wipe or whenever your stash is running low. Every build listed below can be assembled from Prapor LL1 or the flea market without crafting.
The most cost-efficient PMC killer in the game. A standard-length Mosin Infantry with PS ammo costs under 20k roubles and kills any armour tier with a headshot.
Semi-auto 7.62x39 with solid early-wipe ammo. The TOZ-95-01 variant is often the cheapest rifle available at Jaeger LL1.
The meat-and-potatoes build of early wipe. Skier LL2 ammo unlocks kill off this gun's "too weak" reputation.
Mid Wipe
Converts to M4 internals with Mechanic parts. One of the most cost-effective meta transitions post-flea unlock.
Bullpup with huge stopping power. Expensive ammo but one-shots anyone with a chest hit on most armour.
Arsenal's premium AK variant. Low vertical recoil in 7.62x39. Paired with BP or BT ammo, this is a consistent mid-wipe staple.
Late Wipe / End Game
The definitive late-wipe M4 build. 40-odd modifications bring vertical recoil below 40. Paired with M995 ammo, this is the gold standard.
High mag capacity and low recoil. The "suppressor + 95-round drum" config is what you'll see at Lighthouse.
Integrally suppressed 9x39 with SPP rounds. Quiet, meta, and devastating in the right hands.
Related Guides
Make Every Kit Count
A 500k M4 kit is only worth building if you extract with it. Pair your loadouts with a quality radar or ESP to control engagement timing and minimise the number of meta kits you lose to third-party ambushes.