Best Armor in Tarkov – What to Equip

When comparing options to find Tarkov the best armor, players should focus on protection level first, followed by armor material, covered zones, repairability, weight, and market price. Choice of the best armor Tarkov setup involves finding a balance between mobility and survivability while controlling durability. It's important to know about armor kinds and stats if you want to get the best armor for tanking late-wipe threats or early raids. This guide explains how to pick Tarkov best body armor types to Tarkov best armor plates that actually stop high-tier rounds.

How armor works in Escape From Tarkov

In Escape From Tarkov, armor operates across defined protection tiers (class 1 through 6) that determine penetration resistance, with higher tier armor offering stronger defense and better durability retention. Coverage spans vital zones like thorax, stomach and upper limbs, and the material (ceramic, steel, aramid) affects how quickly armor degrades per hit, influences chance to ricochet, and interacts with blunt damage. Every impact chips away at durability: as armor's HP drops, its effective class diminishes, so a tier 5 vest at low durability may function like tier 4 or worse.

Repairing restores HP but reduces maximum durability over time, subtly diminishing future protection. Armor adds weight and bulk, reducing ergonomics and mobility, and hard plates, while offering the best protection, hit your stash and sprint speed hardest, especially in longer raids. Prioritizing mobility by combining moderate-tier armor and plate carriers often yields better in-raid performance than overloading on heavy tier 6 gear that traps you in place.

Plates vs Armor Vests vs Armored Rigs - choose the right carrier

Armor plates

Plate carriers let you build protection around the thorax first and tune mobility with materials and levels: for early and mid-wipe, target class 4 plates as a baseline and step to class 5 when you expect M855A1/BT/BS or 7.62×39 BP in PvP.

Steel brings rugged multi-hit durability but heavy weight and stamina drain, ceramic shrugs high-pen once or twice then sheds durability fast, UHMWPE is light with excellent ergonomics but can lose integrity under repeated rifle hits. To estimate movement impact, add the carrier + plates + rig + ammo to get total kit weight, then factor in the carrier's built-in movement/turn/ergonomics penalties. The heavier the loadout and the harsher the item modifiers, the sooner you cross inertia thresholds and the slower you accelerate, strafe, and recover stamina. Tarkov players should prioritize durability per kilogram and coverage when selecting the best armor plates over tier alone. For a more realistic setup, combine a soft backer with a hard front/back plate to cut blunt throughput and maintain more health after non-pens.

Armor vests

One-piece armor vests trade modularity for simplicity: you get fixed zones and materials, no plate swaps, predictable protection on the thorax (and sometimes stomach/arms), and straightforward economics for budget or PvE runs. The downside is repairs, each fix restores durability but chips away at max durability, so effective stopping power drops a tier or more over time, which hurts "staying power at range" when engagements are slower and single impacts matter.

Treat class 4 as the minimum for best body armor Tarkov value against common SMG and mid-tier rifle rounds. Move to class 5 when your price and movement budget allow, and watch post-repair durability so you don't walk into a raid with a vest that behaves like a lower level under sustained fire. As durability decays, a once-premium vest can perform closer to low-tier armor. For example, very low-durability high-end vests can end up acting like level 2, which is a clear signal to retire or replace rather than throwing more rubles into diminishing returns.

Armored rigs

Armored rigs combine a carrier and storage into one piece of gear, saving a slot and simplifying inventory while typically costing extra weight and ergonomics compared to a separate plate carrier plus chest rig. They're strong choices when you want clean logistics and consistent pocket/slot layouts, but expect higher repair costs and, on many models, steeper movement penalties than a comparable plates-only build at the same class.

Coverage is fixed by model and usually limited to the thorax, with some adding stomach. Arms and neck are not protected by body armor, so survivability differences come from class, material, durability, and how shots land rather than limb shielding. Most armored rigs don't accept swappable plates, so you commit to their class/material/weight profile. So use class 4 for general-purpose value, step to class 5 when price and mobility budget allow, and track max-durability loss after repairs to avoid silent downgrades mid-wipe. In tight angles and frequent trades, heavy-duty options like the Osprey are popular for predictable slots and reliable thorax (and, where applicable, stomach) coverage despite significant weight and repair cost, providing consistent protection when you need to hold a corner or push through damage

Ranking criteria - protection, repairs, durability, price, weight

When selecting armor in Tarkov, evaluate in this order:

1. Protection and level: What your vest or carrier actually stops at the thorax.
2. Repairs and degradation: How max durability shrinks after each fix and how fast materials lose integrity.
3. Price and availability: Can you restock this gear every raid.
4. Weight and movement penalties: Inertia, stamina, ergonomics.
5. Slot convenience and storage: Rigs vs carrier + rig.

Materials define the curve: ceramic resists high-pen once or twice but craters on follow-ups, steel is durable but heavy, UHMWPE/aramid keeps weight down and often retains durability better, so the Tarkov best armor for most players is rarely the highest tier on paper.

Practical benchmarking uses effective durability. Divide max durability by material destructibility to compare options with different materials and repair behavior. Across a wipe, consistent survivability usually beats peak class: class 4 Trooper (UHMWPE, high effective durability and favorable repairs) can outperform budget class 5 Korund for cost-per-raid, mobility, and time-to-downgrade, especially when you factor repeated repairs and movement penalties. For best armor decisions, prioritize kits you can repair repeatedly without collapsing max durability, keep total kit weight (carrier, plates, rig, ammo) under inertia thresholds so you can reposition, and buy what you can replace quickly.

Best Tarkov armor - S/A/B tiers by budget and playstyle

S-Tier (Meta picks)

For low-penalty stopping power on Factory/Labs CQB and mid-range fights on Customs/Streets, plate carriers with lightweight class 5 UHMWPE plates win as you keep acceleration and stamina while shrugging common mid-wipe SMG and low-to-mid pen rifle rounds. The 5.11 TacTec armored rig is a strong template here -- weight 2.35 kg (base), level 5 with its default plates installed, material aramid on the carrier, and you can slot UHMWPE plates that weigh just under 1 kg each, giving an exceptional protection-to-weight ratio and good repair behavior. If you expect M80/M855A1 on long sightlines (Woods/Lighthouse), upgrade plate class or play cover-to-cover rather than trying to face-tank.

A-Tier (Reliable & affordable)

When you want repeatable value from traders and cheap repairs, HighCom Trooper can be the best option – weight 4.1 kg, level 4, material aramid with mild −1% speed/turn penalties, delivering high effective durability and forgiving repairs that keep protection consistent over multiple raids. It's widely obtainable mid-wipe via Ragman or the market, and excels on Customs/Interchange at CQB-to-mid ranges versus BT/PS-class ammo.

Despite being a class lower than Korund-style class 5 steel/ceramic vests, Trooper's repair friendliness and weight balance often win the cost-per-raid math for most players. To frame best armor in Tarkov choices pragmatically: buy what you can re-buy and re-repair without cratering max durability, then keep total kit weight under inertia thresholds.

B-Tier (Situational mobility/quest picks)

For quests and hard-runs where mobility rules, PACA Soft Armor is the classic "get it done" option – weight 3.5 kg, level 2, material aramid, sold by Ragman LL1. It's light, barely touches movement, and is explicitly required in early tasks, so it's a legitimate pick for Factory/Customs pistol-scav lobbies where speed and positioning beat trading autos.

As a heavier situational workhorse that doubles as storage, 6B3TM-01 armored rig offers predictable slot layout but taxes stamina - weight 8.2 kg, level 4 to thorax/stomach/groin, material titanium, available from Ragman LL2 after Database-2. It's best when you value inventory convenience and thorax uptime over pure agility on Streets/Reserve mid-range routes

Best armor plates Tarkov - which inserts are worth it

Building around plates instead of fixed vests gives you full control over protection, maintenance, and mobility. Prioritize class by:

1. Expected pen (4 for budget raids, 5 for mid-wipe rifle threats, 6 for Streets/Labs long angles);
2. Material (UHMWPE for low destructibility and strong repair retention, ceramic for high initial stop but fast decay, steel for durability at the cost of weight);
3. Price and availability from traders or barters.

One useful way to compare costs is by looking at the "price per shot survived." You can estimate it by dividing the item's cost by its effective durability, which itself comes from taking the armor's durability and factoring in the material's destructibility. This is why UHMWPE plates usually provide some of the best armor plates Tarkov options across many raids, since they hold value over repeated use.

Concretely, GAC 3s15m (class 5, 0.97 kg) is a lightweight workhorse for front/back slots and commonly appears pre-installed or via crafts. KITECO SC-IV SA (class 6, 2.45 kg) is the "light class-6" pick when you expect M80/M855A1 at mid-to-long ranges. Monoclete PE (class 4, 1.35 kg) is a low-impact back plate to keep stamina overhead down. Kiba Steel (class 6, 5.1 kg) soaks hits but is best for static holds rather than wide flanks due to movement penalties. Hexatac HPC is a standout carrier (0.47 kg, ships with 2× GAC 3s15m), and a late-wipe LL4 barter makes it a reliable bootstrap to seed a steady plate supply.

A proven loadout is a UHMWPE class-5 in back for stamina efficiency and repair behavior paired with your heaviest acceptable front (light UHMWPE class-6 or serviceable ceramic) when you expect high-pen ammo. Upgrade the front first if your routes include long sightlines on Lighthouse/Streets. For Tarkov best armor min-maxing, track trader prices (e.g., GAC 3s15m ≈ 33k₽ at Ragman, KITECO ≈ 43k₽ sell-to price) and keep total kit weight under inertia thresholds so your movement and ergonomics don't crater.

Early, mid, late wipe - what changes and why

Early wipe

Early wipe favors simple, repairable armor because incoming ammo is weaker, trader access is limited, rubles are scarce, and mobility wins more fights than raw class. Lightweight soft vests like PACA keep stamina high and blunt a lot of low-tier scav ammo, while budget armored rigs such as 6B3TM are attractive for their front coverage and built-in storage. If a staple rig is out of stock, pivot to a Zhuk-3 Press and lean on repairs to stretch value. Keep total kit under ~25–28 kg to avoid harsh inertia spikes, and spend saved rubles on meds/ammo. Skip insurance on churn gear, retire vests that drop below ~80% max durability after repairs, and buy from traders first.

Mid wipe

By mid wipe, common pen thresholds climb (M80, M855A1, BT), so class 4–5 with good repair behavior becomes the practical target. Trooper is valued for high effective durability and friendly repairs relative to weight, whereas Korund brings class 5 on paper but tends to be a one-raid armor with heavier penalties. On Customs/Streets mid-range routes you'll feel the difference in cost per raid and stamina management, so prioritize consistency over peak class. Favor UHMWPE plates or vests for durability retention. Insure mid-budget carriers/plates you'd hate to rebuy, and upgrade front plate first if your routes include longer engagements.

Late wipe

Late wipe's high-pen rifle meta and long sightlines on Lighthouse/Woods/Streets push you toward class 6 or mixed-plate carriers. UHMWPE plates like KITECO SC-IV SA or GAC 3s15m are favored for low destructibility and stamina efficiency, while heavy steel is relegated to static holds. If you insist on a vest solution, note that Slick trades stomach coverage for speed (strong against BP but unforgiving to poorly placed hits). Pair a light class-6 front with a class-5 back to balance survivability and stamina, keep side plates optional unless you eat frequent flanks, and insure expensive kits for recovery value. Regularly audit repaired armor: when max durability craters, sell to trader and replace. Plate-centric builds also help you iterate toward best armor plates choices as your routes and enemies evolve.

Armor for movement-focused players

Speed-first kits win more fights by hitting acceleration, strafe control, ADS readiness, and stamina recovery before raw tier, so build around low-destructibility UHMWPE plates and lean carriers, then add just enough class to survive the ammo you actually face.

• Build 1: "Featherweight plates": Hexatac HPC carrier (0.47 kg) with 2× GAC 3s15m (class 5, 0.97 kg each) for a ~2.41 kg armor core. Pair it with a light chest rig (e.g., BlackHawk! harness 1.35 kg) to keep inertia low. Players highlight that HPC barters and widespread GAC access make this an easy, repeatable mobility setup with great repair retention for multiple raids. Specs: HPC weight and default-plate pairing. GAC plate stats.
• Build 2: "All-in-one runner": 5.11 TacTec armored rig (2.35 kg) ships with 2× GAC 3s15m by default. Total armor mass ~4.29 kg, and you gain storage without a separate rig, which keeps the whole kit compact for Factory/Labs pushes and Interchange interior routes while preserving class-5 UHMWPE survivability and good repair behavior. Specs: TacTec weight, default plates, penalties.
• Build 3: "Fast but rifle-ready": HighCom Trooper TFO vest (4.1 kg base, −1%/−1%) upgraded with a KITECO SC-IV SA front (class 6, 2.45 kg) and a GAC 3s15m back (class 5, 0.97 kg) balances forward survivability with back-plate stamina efficiency. Many players favor UHMWPE fronts/backs over ceramic due to lower destructibility and better post-repair durability, and will swap in the heavier class-6 front only on routes with longer sightlines. Specs: Trooper weight/plates. KITECO and GAC stats.

Insure cheap early kits only if you expect recoveries. For mid-budget mobility builds insure plates/carriers you'd hate to rebuy. Keep total kit weight under the inertia points where your strafes and stamina crater, and iterate toward Tarkov best armor comfort rather than chasing labels. UHMWPE plate stacks are often the finest option for fight-to-fight consistency. So prioritize UHMWPE coverage and repair retention over peak class when your route is close-quarters.

Maps where mobility is critical:

• Factory
• Labs
• Interchange (interiors)
• Customs Dorms
• Streets interiors

Vendor & price notes – where to find and how much to pay

When shopping for armor in Tarkov, start with traders first and use the flea market only when stock runs dry or when you need a specific class or material combination. Ragman LL2–LL3 usually covers budget gear such as PACA and 6B3TM, both of which are known for cheap repairs and predictable storage layouts. At LL4, Ragman unlocks more valuable options like the Trooper and barters for carriers such as TacTec, which can be paired with lightweight UHMWPE plate setups.

Also treat every listing like a calculation rather than just a name tag. Always check the maximum durability compared to the original and aim for items that keep at least 80% of their max durability. A fresh or high-max armor piece will usually outperform a discounted but heavily repaired vest once repair decay is factored in.

Another way to compare items is by looking at price per effective durability (ED). Effective durability is calculated as durability ÷ material destructibility. This explains why UHMWPE plates often deliver better long-term value than ceramics. Slightly higher in price, but they retain performance across multiple raids. A UHMWPE Trooper may cost more upfront than a class-5 Korund, but over time it wins out thanks to lower repair penalties and less stamina drain.

As a rough guide this wipe, expect 20–30k₽ for PACA-level armor, 60–90k₽ for 6B3TM, 80–120k₽ for Trooper, and 180–260k₽ for TacTec carriers. Plates like GAC 3s15m or KITECO SC-IV SA usually range from 30k₽ depending on trader level and stock. Prices shift daily, so always judge the best armor plates Tarkov purchases by coverage and durability retention, not just sticker cost.

For insurance, follow two simple rules: skip it on cheap churn gear like PACA or early rat rigs, but always insure mid-budget carriers and plates you'd hate to replace. If you have to remove your equipment, hide your insured armor somewhere obscure before extracting. Often it will return to you, offsetting repair decay and resale losses.

When selling "in the red," weigh trader payout against flea prices after fees and discounts for low-durability pieces. If maximum durability has already dropped too far, especially on ceramics, it's usually smarter to sell to a trader and buy a fresh replacement rather than sinking more rubles into a dead vest.

Quick picks – copy these if you just need an answer

• Budget Labs: Lightweight plate carrier (Hexatac HPC) with 2× class-5 UHMWPE GAC 3s15m. Keep ammo/light rig minimal to stay under inertia thresholds.
• Budget Customs: HighCom Trooper (class-4, UHMWPE) + simple chest rig. Cheap repairs, low weight, stable ergonomics for apartments/Dorms fights. Over multiple raids it usually beats brittle class-5 steel on rubles-per-raid and stamina.
• Balanced Shoreline: Plate carrier with front class-6 UHMWPE (KITECO SC-IV SA) and back class-5 UHMWPE (GAC 3s15m). Front eats M80/M855A1 on long lanes, back keeps stamina for rotations. Skip side plates unless you routinely take flanks.
• Heavy Reserve: If you'll anchor Black Knight/White Pawn, run class-6 ceramic front + class-5 UHMWPE back or a Gen4 HMK. Accept movement penalties, pre-med, and fight around cover. Insure high-value plates, ditch if trapped to leverage returns.
• Movement-focused Factory: TacTec armored rig loaded with 2× GAC 3s15m. Compact storage, class-5 protection, great repair behavior. Pair with light SMG/5.45 rifle kit to keep total weight low.
• Woods/Lighthouse long lanes: Prioritize front class-6 UHMWPE. Run a lighter back class-4/5 to save stamina. Bring a spare mag over a heavier plate. Your survival comes from repositioning between angles more than from a symmetric loadout.
• Interchange night rushes: Trooper + slim rig or HPC + 2× GAC. Both cover fast escalator pushes and tech stores without drowning your stamina. Flashlight discipline + audio wins here more than extra durability points.

When choosing between Trooper and Korund on a budget, favor Trooper for lower weight and better repair quality. Its effective durability across several fixes usually outvalues Korund's one-raid class-5 promise for most mid-wipe fights.

How to select the best armor in Tarkov

The best armor is the one you can repeatedly afford, repair, and carry fast enough to win your fights. Forget chasing the absolute best, most expensive armor. Balance class and material against mobility, durability retention, and route-specific threats. Start with consistent class-4/5 staples like Trooper or UHMWPE plate carriers, upgrade the front plate for long lanes, insure mid-budget kits, and keep iterating toward your Tarkov best armor loadout as prices, maps, and ammo meta shift.

FAQ

What's the best budget armor that survives common mid-wipe ammo?

Class-4 UHMWPE vests like the Trooper are the safest budget baseline: good effective durability, friendly repairs, low weight, and wide availability. While they may not outperform high AP, they are ideal for mid-wipe raids before upgrading to more powerful choices.

Armored rig or plates – which is better?

Plates in a carrier win for tuning: you choose level/material per slot, control weight, and swap as prices change. Armored rigs trade flexibility for convenience (storage + protection in one), ideal if you want a compact kit and predictable pockets.

How much durability loss after repairs is too much to keep an armor?

Use a simple rule: if max durability drops below ~80% of original on UHMWPE/aramid (or below ~90% on ceramic), retire or sell. Repair decay reduces mid-fight effectiveness, therefore "cheap after many repairs" may not be good for mobility and consistency.

What's a good lightweight option for high-movement play?

A lean plate carrier (HPC/TacTec) with class-5 UHMWPE plates balances protection and stamina. Alternatively, a Trooper plus a slim rig keeps inertia low while covering the thorax. Prioritize mobility, then add level only as your routes and enemy ammo demand.