Escape From Tarkov Best AKS-74U Build: Attachments, Ammo, And More
If you want to consistently run one of the better early-wipe weapons in terms of price to performance, you're definitely not going to want to miss this Escape From Tarkov best AKS-74U build. Being likely one of the weapons that you'll recognise first if you're new to Escape From Tarkov, the AKS-74U is an excellent choice if you're looking for a gun that keeps you on the move and ready to shoot. So, to see all of the attachments and ammo needed for our Escape From Tarkov best AKS-74U build, make sure to carry on reading down below.
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Where Can You Buy The AKS-74U?
Click to enlargeWhile you can purchase the base AKS-74U unit from Prapor LL1 after completing the Debut task, there are two other variants to choose from - one of which is our preferred option.
While there are only minor differences between the three variants, it is important to understand what sets them apart to avoid any confusion. The standard AKS-74U is the vanilla version of the gun - nothing strange or different about that. The AKS-74UN is the exact same - only this has a dovetail mount attached. Finally, the AKS-74UB is the same again, only with a silencer. You can attach a silencer manually to any of the variants, but the B version just has it as default.
For our build though, we're going to want to go for the AKS-74UN, as the attached dovetail mount comes in quite handy for keeping the cost down. This can only be purchased from Prapor LL2, or bartered for two horse figurines and one drain cleaner at Prapor LL1. If you can only get a hold of the base variant, all you will need to do is select a slightly different optic of your own choosing.
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Escape From Tarkov AKS-74U Best Attachments
Click to enlargeBroadly speaking, there are two routes that you can take with the AKS-74U: absolute lowest recoil no matter the cost, or a more optimised, cost-effective build. While you would be silly to opt for the lowest recoil considering the relative strength of this weapon, it does give a good frame of reference to how great the optimised build can be for the price.
Click to enlargeThe optimised build takes this gun down to 58 ergonomics and 43 vertical recoil, but will cost you around 289,000₽ in attachments alone, even at LL4 Traders. Here's the list of attachments for the lowest recoil build though for reference:
- AKS-74/AKS-74U Zenit PT Lock
- AK CSS knurled charging handle
- AK Hexagon Reactor 5.45x39 muzzle brake
- Burris FastFire Weaver Base
- Burris FastFire 3 reflex sight
- SureFire XC1 tactical flashlight
- AK Zenit PT-3 "Klassika" stock
- AKS-74U CAA XRSU47SU tactical handguard
- Zenit RK-2 tactical foregrip
- AK-74 Hexagon Wafflemaker 5.45x39 sound suppressor
- AK Custom Arms AGS-74 PRO + Sniper Kit pistol grip
Click to enlargeThe optimised build on the other hand comes to only 56,820₽ and provides you with 80 ergonomics and 60 vertical recoil. While the difference of 17 in recoil will be noticeable if you're taking mid-range fights, this gun is built for CQB, so you will more than make up for it with the significantly higher ergonomics and lower weight.
Here are the attachments you'll want to purchase for the optimised AKS-74UN build:
- Axion Kobra EKP-8-02 reflex sight (dovetail) (Prapor LL1 - 10,194₽)
- Axion Kobra sight shade (Prapor LL1 - 109₽)
- AK GP-25 accessory kit recoil pad (Prapor LL2 - 4,051₽)
- NcSTAR Tactical blue laser LAM-module (Skier LL1 - 5,658₽)
- AKS-74U Zenit B-11 handguard (Skier LL1 - 5,974₽)
- AK TangoDown Battle Grip pistol grip (Skier LL2 - 8,625₽)
- Magpul RVG foregrip (Peacekeeper LL3 - $150)
- AK-74 thread type JMac Customs RRD-4C multi-caliber muzzle brake (Mechanic LL3 - 13,216₽)
It is recommended that you have at least LL2 Traders for this weapon build, as otherwise, it will end up being either not worth it with the attachments you have available, or far too expensive from the Escape From Tarkov flea market. Everything you buy here should be from the Escape From Tarkov Traders.
There are two Trader LL3 items on the list above - the RVG foregrip and the JMac muzzle brake - but they can be easily substituted if you're only at LL2. For the foregrip, you can either go for the Magpul AFG tactical foregrip at around 15,000₽ on the flea market, or the Zenit RK-4 tactical foregrip at Skier LL2 for 9,145₽.
For the muzzle brake, you'll want to instead go for the AK Zenit DTK-1 7.62x39//5.45x39 muzzle brake-compensator. This will drop eight recoil points, but is your best option at LL2 Traders.
- Find out what other weapons are worth using in this Escape From Tarkov best guns list.
Escape From Tarkov AKS-74U Best Ammo
Click to enlargeIn terms of value, the 5.45x39mm PP gs round purchasable at Prapor LL2 is your best choice. At only 354₽ per round, 44 damage, and 36 penetration, PP sits in the perfect position to deal with the early-mid wipe class four armour parade.
You could step it up to 5.45x39mm BT gs, with 42 damage and 40 penetration giving you a much better chance against class five armour, but at essentially double the price it becomes a hard sell for a budget weapon.
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When Should You Use the AKS-74U In Escape From Tarkov?
Click to enlargeThe AKS-74U is perfect in close to mid-range battles, with an obvious preference on the shorter side of things. If you're an avid Dorms fighter, then this gun is going to be absolutely perfect for you.
With the low flesh damage of 5.45x39 though, you're looking at quite a steep damage drop-off for the round, so you're not going to want to even think about taking longer-range fights, even if you've got a spicy one-tap lined up.
In terms of time, as mentioned this gun excels in that early-mid wipe stage where class four armour is dominantly used. Once people start to get to Prapor/Ragman LL3 and class five becomes more widely used then unfortunately the AKS-74U is far less viable.
So, that wraps up this Escape From Tarkov best AKS-74U build guide, giving you all you need to craft a cheap reliable monster for the first few months of a wipe. If you're not quite at LL2 Traders though, make sure to check out our best Escape From Tarkov early wipe weapon builds guide for more info there.
