Greetings, Tarkov enjoyers; let’s talk a bit about the 5.56 NATO caliber for a moment. If you prefer watching a YouTube video over reading this article, click here.

Buff to the 5.56 Caliber in Tarkov Patch 13.5

I get it—the 5.56 round usually doesn’t gain much popularity until very late into the wipe. However, patch 13.5 shakes things up a bit. Due to the shorter season length (see roadmap), Battlestate Games has made M856A1 available much earlier than usual. As soon as you reach Peacekeeper level 2, you can snag 150 rounds per restock at $3-4 per bullet. No strings attached. With a penetration value of 37, M856A1 can easily tackle class 4 armor and even take down class 5 armor within seconds.

In other good news, the more-or-less meta round, M855A1, becomes available upon completing “The Cult Part 1” quest at Peacekeeper level 3. This ammo is on the pricier side ($7-8 per bullet), but it packs a punch with a 44 penetration value, making it effective against most in-game armors. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend splurging on M855A1 right now, as most players haven’t yet gained access to class 5 armors and rigs. The exceptions would be in highly contested areas, like the Lexos store on Streets, Reserve bunkers, Dorms on Customs, or Labs.

Affordable Low-Level 5.56 Weapons

Alright, now that we’ve covered ammo, let’s briefly touch on 5.56 rifles. If you don’t have access to high-level traders yet, don’t bother with the ever-popular M4. A decent build will cost you a small fortune if you’re reliant on the flea market for essential components. Instead, consider these three alternatives:

MDR & SCAR: Cheap, Easy Modding, Easy Kills

The MDR is a compact bullpup that’s easily obtainable on the flea market for 50-60K and boasts excellent base stats. Even unmodded, this rifle has manageable full-auto recoil, thanks to its inherently low recoil and a rather modest firing rate of 650 RPM (rounds per minute). To put this into perspective, an M4 has a firing rate of 800 RPM. So, if both weapons had, say, 60 vertical recoil, the MDR would deliver a much more precise full-auto spray due to its slower firing speed.

Consequently, you won’t need to break the bank to mod the MDR. For those aiming for a stealthier build, I recommend the NT-4 suppressor, which goes for around 30K on the flea market. Make sure to check both color versions of the suppressor (tan and black), as prices may differ. Adding a foregrip could net you an extra 1-2 points in both recoil reduction and ergonomics, but honestly, it’s not a necessity.

The SCAR-L is quite similar to the MDR in terms of stats and modding options. It differentiates itself mainly by its slightly lower price point (45-50K) and, unfortunately, significantly less ergonomics. On the flip side, the SCAR-L comes with built-in rails, allowing you to attach grips and tactical devices without any additional hassle. Just like with the MDR, snag an NT-4 suppressor and perhaps a budget-friendly foregrip, and you’re all set to dominate!

For Enthusiasts & Veterans: HK 416A5

If you’re looking for something a bit more personalized and unique, take a look at the HK. This beast boasts the highest RPM (850) among all guns that use the 5.56 Caliber in Tarkov, making it a destructive force at close range. The beauty of the HK, especially compared to the M4, is that you can mod it without splurging on the flea market or needing max-level traders. The build showcased here costs around 150K and comes with 45 recoil. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely manageable with a bit of practice.

Another perk of the HK: the default handguard comes with all the rails you could need, even allowing for the addition of a canted sight. Plus, there’s no need to fuss with the gas block (hello, M4) to hide or remove the iron sights! You can fine-tune the stock and the pistol grip for additional ergonomics and slight recoil improvements, but the key component is the muzzle device. The SDN-6 is an excellent, cost-efficient choice and can be found for around 45K on the flea market.

Final tip: the best weapon and caliber are the ones you’re most comfortable with. Don’t just mimic builds or tutorials—focus on developing your own preferences and play style. After all, it’s your PMC, your raid, and ultimately, you decide what’s best for you. That being said, if you’re in need of further inspiration, our Discord has a weapon build archive to help you out. See you around!

-your kraynd