Man, let me tell you, starting fresh in Escape From Tarkov is like walking into a war zone with a water pistol—totally out of cash, hope running on fumes, and stuck with Level 1 traders while the Flea Market feels like a distant dream. I've been there, wiping early and burning through my stash faster than a rat on caffeine. But hey, it's not the end of the world—more like a chance to flex some old-school tactics and make the most of those basic guns Prapor and Skier throw our way. Trust me, with the right picks, you can turn that early-game slog into a sweet loot haul without breaking the bank.

Now, as a seasoned player, I've tested every nook and cranny of these starter weapons, and I'm here to spill the beans on what works. I'm sticking strictly to Level 1 trader stock—no barters or lucky Fence finds—because let's face it, we're all pinching pennies. And for assault rifles? Yeah, high-cap mags (20 rounds or up) are a must; otherwise, you might as well go in naked with a Nerf gun. So, buckle up as I run down my top picks for surviving the wipe in style.

11. PL-15: Prapor's Finest

Sidearms often get overlooked until Stirrup quest time, but this bad boy has saved my bacon more times than I can count. Why? It's got a smaller mag than some, but you can slap on lights, lasers, and even a suppressor without extra adapters—just grab the threaded barrel from Prapor. The starter 9x19mm ammo ain't winning awards, but it'll fend off scavs like a charm. 💥 People Also Ask: Is the PL-15 better than the MP-443? Honestly, yeah—the modularity gives it the edge for quick raids.

10. Glock 17: The Sidearm of the Free World

Ask any gun nut IRL, and they'll rave about Glocks—this one's no exception. Lightweight, reliable, and oh-so-customizable: suppressors, red dots, muzzle brakes, ergo grips, even a stock to turn it into a mini carbine. Accuracy is on point right out of the box, and if you score high-cap mags in a raid, it's pure gravy. 🔫 People Also Ask: How do I mod the Glock 17 for cheap? Stick to basics like a light and suppressor; you don't need fancy optics early on.

9. VPO-209: Ceci N'est Pas Un AK

Fun fact: in Russia, this thing's legally a shotgun! 😂 But in Tarkov, it's your budget Kalashnikov, packing a punch with .366 TKM ammo that chews through level 2 armor. Downside? Low velocity, high recoil, and range issues. Upside? Full AK attachment compatibility—suppressors and rails from Skier make it a steal. Plus, it's unpopular, so insurance usually brings it back. Just remember: ammo comes from Jaeger after Woods quests. 🎯 People Also Ask: Is the VPO-209 good against PMCs? Only if you close the gap—play aggressive and aim for headshots.

8. PP-19-01 Vityaz: Small Kalashnikov, Smaller Rounds

SMGs might seem outdated, but this little gem shines in early raids. It won't match MP7s or P90s, but against unarmored Ground Zero foes? Pure gold. Cheap, with a 30-round mag, soft recoil, and ammo that's dirt-cheap and easy to find. Dovetail rail for optics? Check. And recoil? Practically non-existent. 🏃‍♂️ People Also Ask: How do I use the Vityaz effectively? Stick to close-quarters and spray down scavs for quick loot runs.

7. SKS: The Surplus Warrior

Ah, the SKS—my broke PMC's best bud. This surplus rifle is cheap as chips, with mediocre mods but killer efficiency. Top loading means you carry a stack of 60 rounds in one slot, freeing up space for sweet loot. Yeah, mods exist for optics and suppressors, but honestly? Rifle is fine. Use it stock for low-stakes raids and watch the rubles roll in. 🎒 People Also Ask: What's the best ammo for the SKS? Stick with PS rounds for cost-effectiveness; they handle early threats just fine.

6. 9A-91: The Chechen Special

Whoever sells this at Level 1 is a legend—it's like a discount AS VAL. Light, compact, and packing subsonic ammo, it's an equalizer for rookies. Worse ergo and recoil than the VAL, but dovetail mounts for scopes make it versatile. Downside? Ammo costs an arm and a leg (twice as pricey as 7.62x39), and you need Jaeger unlocked. 💰 People Also Ask: Is the 9A-91 worth the ammo cost? Only for high-risk raids; otherwise, save it for when you're flush.

5. Mossberg 590A1: Pump It Up

Pump-actions get slept on, but this Mossberg? It's a beast. 8-round tube beats others, ghost ring sights are comfy, and rails let you mod it up. Armor? Forget it—this thing obliterates exposed limbs. Play aggressive: two shots drop any PMC, and you're golden. 🔫 People Also Ask: How do I handle the Mossberg's slow fire rate? Ambush tactics—get close, aim true, and make every shot count.

4. Mosin-Nagant (Infantry): Grandpa's Problem Solver

Woe betide anyone who underestimates this bolt-action relic—it's a century-old problem solver with ammo that pierces level 4 armor. Woods rats swear by it: no armor needed, just patience and ironsights that hit true up to 200m. Top loading means carry rounds in your pocket, no mag hassles. 🎯 People Also Ask: Can the Mosin work in close combat? Not ideal—stick to sniping and avoid tight spaces.

3. ADAR 2-15: AR-15 With An Accent

Ever want an AR-15 dressed like an SVD? Me neither, but Skier's ADAR rocks. Semi-auto, AR-15 customizable, with rails for optics right out of the box. Ammo? Brave Lighthouse for good stuff, or suffer starter rounds. My trick? Add Colt parts for a baby M4 vibe. 🇷🇺 People Also Ask: How do I mod the ADAR on a budget? Focus on optics first—skip fancy barrels till later.

2. VPO-136 Vepr-KM: Bargain Bin AKM

Too proud for the VPO-209 but not rich? This semi-auto AKM clone is your jam. Fires 7.62x39mm, handles like a dream, and Skier sells rails for optics. Starter 20-round mags are decent, and trigger spam makes up for no full auto. Best part? Convert it to full auto at Level 1 Workbench with files and a slant muzzle from Prapor. 🔧 People Also Ask: Is the VPO-136 better than an AKM? Close—less recoil but semi-auto; perfect for learning the ropes.

Here's a quick table to sum up my top picks—keep it handy for your next raid:

Weapon	Best For	Key Perk	Average Cost (Roubles)
PL-15	Stealth Runs	Suppressor-ready	~20k
Glock 17	All-rounder	High mod potential	~25k
VPO-209	Budget Sniping	Full AK compatibility	~30k
PP-19-01	Close Combat	Low recoil	~35k
SKS	Loot Efficiency	Top loading	~40k
9A-91	High-Risk Ops	Subsonic ammo	~45k
Mossberg	Aggressive Play	Limb destruction	~50k
Mosin	Patient Sniping	Armor penetration	~55k
ADAR 2-15	Versatile AR	Easy optics	~60k
VPO-136	AK Feel	Convertible to auto	~65k

So, wrapping it all up, starting Tarkov in 2025 might feel like you're swimming with sharks without a paddle—out of cash, low on options, and grinding through early wipe. But as I've shared, these weapons aren't just placeholders; they're your ticket to turning the tide. Remember, it's not about having the fanciest gear; it's about playing smart with what you've got. Stick with these picks, and before you know it, you'll be stacking rubles and laughing at those early struggles. Keep grinding, and I'll see you out there—raiding like a pro! 👍