Arguably the most difficult, inaccessible, brutally realistic, while being one of the most fun and addicting first-person-shooters to ever release, Escape From Tarkov is an incredibly fun yet challenging game to play. With some of the most depth to any game within the first-person-shooter genre, with over 80 different ammo types, and a breath of other in-game items and equipment. The game can be headache-inducing for new players. Combine that with the incredibly realistic time-to-kill in combat encounters and Tarkov's difficulty skyrockets. However, even with all this difficulty in mind, the game is still extremely popular and fun. This level of difficulty yields the most satisfaction when things begin to click, and what seemed impossible to learn becomes second nature.

Related: Escape From Tarkov: Best Ammo Types

One way to lower the incredibly high learning curve is to develop a solid loadout that you both understand and find success with. This can be an incredibly difficult process, however, with some guidance, it can begin to make more and more sense. When developing a loadout in Escape From Tarkov there are some key features that should be kept in mind. The first being, make sure you buy and modify a powerful weapon, the second buy a powerful armor set, and finally, make use of powerful in-game items. This guide will assist players in the development of powerful loadouts within Escape From Tarkov. 

What Guns Should You Use in Escape From Tarkov

First-person view of a shooter in an empty factory in Escape From Tarkov

When deciding what weapon you should utilize, as a beginner or intermediate player, it is important to establish your particular playstyle. After you have decided what weapon type is your favorite, decide on a cheap and powerful weapon. To ease this decision, there are three powerful and incredibly cheap guns within the game, that can lead to some decisive victories.

The first being the Mosin, a 5 round bolt action rifle that has insane killing power. The Mosin is one of the cheapest weapons on the market as well and only needs a decent sight to have success on the battlefield. Your ideal bullet type should be LPS rounds, due to them being strong and inexpensive and if you can afford to buy the 7N1 rounds.

Another solid gun choice is the powerful ADAR, a semiautomatic rifle that has a solid base form upon purchase. Utilize M855A1 rounds to stop enemies dead in their tracks. Be aware that this rifle has considerable recoil so purchase items to reduce this factor.

Finally, the Ak-74 is another powerful assault rifle to utilize, as it is insanely cheap and is one of the most versatile weapons in the game. By itself, the weapon can deal powerful damage on the battlefield with little attachment. To find clinical success with the gun attach a simple scope such as a red dot sight, and then either BT rounds or BS rounds. This will lead you to plenty of kills within Tarkov. 

After choosing a gun to be sure to purchase a suppressor for your gun. Having a suppressor on your weapon will mitigate the chance of a player being hunted down by an enemy at the sound of your gunshot. These attachments also open up the possibility of being able to take "pot-shots" at enemies, that take a few quick shots at an enemy before going back into hiding. This will increase your survivability within a match and provide you a powerful guerrilla style of play.

What Armor Should You Use in Escape From Tarkov

Escape From Tarkov Bear USEC Uniforms

Following weaponry comes the second most important item within Escape From Tarkov and that is Armor. When purchasing Armor, it is important to aim for some of the higher tier items in the game, as it is your only way of defending yourself from powerful weaponry in combat encounters.

Two solid choices for armor sets are the 6B3TM or 6B5-15, both of these are at decent prices and provide excellent protection. Both are class 4 armor sets, one of the highest in the game allowing them to have decent protection against higher level players. Both of these armors are good choices for either beginner players or those that are intermediate in skill.

Alongside body armor comes a solid piece of headgear. Helmets play just as instrumental of a role as body armor, so do not undersell the importance of solid headgear within the context of Escape From Tarkov. A solid choice for a Helmet is the ZSh-1-2M this item is decently priced and provides some solid utility. It is another Class 4 piece of gear and has a class 3 Face Shield attached to it. Not only does it have solid defensive stats but it has some useful utility during a fight. With this piece of gear attached players have a medium chance of bullets ricocheting off of the headpiece. Making it a useful and powerful item for players developing a loadout.

What Meds Should You Use in Escape From Tarkov

Escape From Tarkov Gameplay

Medicine is another key element for players making and preparing a loadout. It is arguably the last line of defense for a player in a firefight and can win or lose a match for a player.

Some of the best medicine a player can use is the versatile Painkiller. These pills provide the most utility during a match, as it provides players 10 minutes of mobility even with deadly wounds. Make sure to purchase this item to ensure survival.

Another key item is a Car Medical Kit, a crucial piece of gear that can stop bleeding. Always have at least one of these on you at a time to ensure survival and perhaps give you the chance to defeat the enemy that caused the bleeding to begin.

Finally, although this item is optional due to the inclusion of Painkillers on the list, immobilizing splints provide another way to mend severe damage taken during a combat encounter. Keep these on your persons just in case, you never know when they may come in handy.

More: Escape From Tarkov: Secured Containers Guide (& Where to Find Them)

Escape From Tarkov is available on PC.