Are you interested in some ADAR, G36, SCAR, or DT MDR action? Let’s go through the best early 5.56 weapons in Escape From Tarkov.
Since you’re able to unlock M856A1 fairly early, 5.56 weapons are a prime choice during this wipe.
In this guide, I will list the five best 5.56 weapons in EFT for early wipe that will help you take down enemies with high armor class consistently.
If you’re interested in a broader view of all ammo, check out our EFT ammo tier list.
Best 5.56 Early Weapons in Escape From Tarkov
5.56 weapons are popular since players can now buy M856A1 ammo from Peacekeer LL2. With this ammo type, you’re able to take down players with level 4 and even level 5 armor.
With the best ammo and weapons, you’ll be able to progress through your quests easily. Based on that, here are the best 5.56 early weapons in EFT:
5. ADAR
The ADAR is considered the best 5.56 weapon on level 1 traders as it’s extremely stable, easy to mod, and cheap to buy.
While it’s a semi-automatic weapon, it will be one of your best early wipe friends, especially if you don’t want to spend over 100,000 roubles on weapons and ammo.
4. AK-101
This 5.56 AK variant is an amazing choice as long as you can get your hands on a few mods from LL3 traders or the flea market. Specifically, with an RRD-4C muzzle break, a butt pad, and a foregrip rail, this weapon becomes a beast.
However, these aren’t easy to get or cheap, so there are more cost-efficient alternatives later down this list.
3. DT MDR
The MDR is one of the best early 5.56 weapons in EFT since it requires minimal modding to perform well. You only need to add a scope and you’re good to go.
Of course, there are options if you want to go the extra step like a foregrip and a silencer, but these are only optional as the weapon has solid recoil even without any modifications.
2. FN SCAR-L
The SCAR-L is a great option as it comes in two different versions: a long-barrel one and a short-barrel one. For the early wipe, I highly recommend the short barrel one as it’s better in CQC and requires fewer attachments to make its recoil manageable.
If you can, add a foregrip and a silencer. The long-barrel version is solid for long-range encounters but you’ll need a longer scope and to focus on single fire.
In the late game, where you’re able to spend 100,000 roubles or more on attachments, the long-barrel version can become an amazing option.
1. HK G36
The G36 is the best 5.56 weapon in Escape From Tarkov due to its cost-efficiency. It was buffed last wipe in terms of recoil stats and the best part is that it comes with a foregrip rail and a sight rail.
These allow you to add the foregrip and sight of your choice, without having to spend much money or time trying to find the best mods.
Combined with the fact that it’s fairly cheap on the flea market (60.000 roubles), you can’t go wrong with this weapon.
As for the M4 and the HK, they are in a bad spot right now as it will cost a lot of rubbles to make them efficient, to the point where it’s not worth it at all during the early and mid stages of the wipe.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, these are the best 5.56 weapons in EFT for the early wipe that will help you gain an advantage over your enemies.
Overall, make sure to use M856A1 ammo or M855A1 if you have unlocked them and you’ll take down any enemy with up to class 5 armor easily.
What’s your favorite 5.56 weapon overall? Do you agree with this tier list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Before leaving, if you’re on the quest grind, check out our guide on how to complete Bad Rep Evidence in Escape From Tarkov.
He has a Master’s Degree in Philosophy, which allows him to always come up with a fresh approach to solving in-game puzzles and challenges, but also to create content that’s to the point, clean and easy to follow.
- Minecraft: Armor Trims – Locations & How to Use - February 12, 2025
- List of ALL the Elden Ring Soft Cap Stats - February 6, 2025
- Starfield: Andreja vs. Sarah Romance – Who Should Be Your Cosmic Partner? - December 12, 2024