Escape from Tarkov is a hardcore FPS game where guns themselves don’t determine damage; it’s the bullets and armor that do. Many newcomers find themselves struggling against enemies because they don’t understand how to choose the right bullets. This guide will share insights on how to make the best bullet choices.

1. Ricochet and Fragmentation Rate

Only helmets have a ricochet rate, not body armor. The ricochet rate is influenced by the angle of impact and can be classified as low, medium, or high. Although it seems random, choosing a helmet with a high ricochet rate can be life-saving. The ricochet rate ignores bullet types, meaning even a high-penetration bullet can be deflected by a low-level helmet. Think of it as a dodge chance. Conversely, the fragmentation rate can be likened to a critical hit, causing 50% extra damage.

2. Penetration and Damage

Penetration roughly correlates with armor level, where 10 penetration can pierce level 1 armor, and 30 can pierce level 3. However, this isn’t precise; higher penetration increases the probability of piercing armor. Damage refers to the damage a bullet does when it hits unarmored parts. If armor blocks a bullet, it’ll only cause 1-3 blunt damage. If the armor is penetrated, damage is reduced depending on how much the bullet’s penetration exceeds the armor level. High penetration bullets also degrade armor durability faster.

3. Bullet Selection

M995 and 7N39

Many newcomers worship M995 and 7N39 bullets for their high penetration. While these bullets can pierce almost any armor, they are costly and low in damage. For newcomers, these bullets are unnecessary and unsustainable for regular use.

M856A1

This bullet has slightly lower penetration but higher damage. It’s effective against level 3 armor and decent against level 4, making it a better choice for fighting AI and lightly armored opponents.

M855A1

Arguably the most practical bullet for 5.56 caliber, capable of penetrating level 4 armor. It’s affordable and effective against higher-level armor due to the high rate of fire of 5.56 guns.

M995

A high-end bullet ideal for battling heavily armored foes. It is not recommended for newcomers due to its low damage against unarmored targets and high cost.

5.45 Bullets

BP: Suitable for new players mainly for AI combat. It struggles against level 4 armor due to AK’s lower fire rate and higher recoil.
BT: Offers the best value, reliably penetrating level 4 armor and can even tackle level 5. Highly recommended for newcomers.
BS: The best 5.45 bullet, effective against level 5 and 6 armor. Suitable for wealthier players.
7N39: Offers advantages against level 6 armor but comes with drawbacks like lower damage and higher recoil.

Understanding these mechanics will enhance your in-game performance. However, you should also be aware of how network issues affect gameplay. Tarkov High ping is a common problem due to uneven server distribution. Players in certain regions often suffer from lag, leading to defeats. To mitigate this, consider using a game VPN, tailored specifically for gaming, to handle network issues effectively. Tools like GearUP Booster offer intelligent, automated solutions to improve your gaming experience.

In summary, understanding bullet mechanics like ricochet rates, penetration and damage, and selecting the right bullets can significantly enhance your gameplay in Tarkov. Additionally, addressing network issues with a game VPN can give you a smoother, more competitive edge. 

By understanding these mechanics and making informed choices, you can significantly improve your performance in Escape from Tarkov. Don’t let high ping or network issues hold you back; equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to dominate the battlefield.