GP-25 Grenade Launcher
A devastating punch of shrapnel mounted beneath the barrel to clear rooms and crush defenses.
The GP-25 is a dedicated under-barrel grenade launcher designed to mount onto AK-pattern assault rifles, serving as a staple of Soviet-era infantry support in Tarkov. In the chaotic conflict zones of the city and its outskirts, this weapon provides a critical area-denial capability for both PMC operators and Scavengers who need to flush out entrenched enemies from behind cover without exposing themselves to direct fire. Originally developed in the late 1970s as an upgrade over earlier launcher designs, the GP-25 fires specialized 40mm grenades that detonate on impact or after a short delay. It has become synonymous with the rugged, improvised warfare style seen throughout Tarkov, where a single well-placed round can turn the tide of a firefight in tight corridors or open fields alike.
- Type
- Under-barrel Grenade Launcher
- Caliber
- 40mm VOG-25/VOG-30
- Mounting Platform
- AK-series (AKM, AK-74, RPK variants)
- Origin
- Soviet Union / Russia
- Primary Function
- Anti-personnel and Light Anti-structure
Lore & Background
In the fractured landscape of Tarkov, where supply lines are cut and conventional military doctrine has collapsed into scavenged survivalism, the GP-25 represents a relic of organized state power repurposed for desperate combat. Originally issued to Soviet rifle squads to provide immediate explosive support without requiring a dedicated grenadier, these launchers have found their way into the hands of every faction fighting over the city's resources. They are often seen in the possession of UIM security forces and rogue military units who prioritize firepower over mobility. The weapon's design philosophy is brutally simple: attach it to the most common rifle in circulation and deliver a high-explosive payload with minimal setup time. This simplicity has made it a favorite among Scavs who raid abandoned armories, as well as PMCs looking for a cost-effective way to breach fortified positions held by USEC or BEAR operatives. In the dense urban sprawl of Tarkov City, where enemies hide behind concrete barriers and inside reinforced buildings, the GP-25 offers a solution that rifles alone cannot provide. Despite its age, the GP-25 remains relevant because it leverages the ubiquitous AK platform. Operators do not need to carry a separate weapon; they simply attach the launcher when the situation demands explosive force and remove it or fire from the shoulder when engaging at range. This versatility ensures that even as newer technologies emerge in the outside world, the GP-25 continues to be a feared sight on Tarkov's battlefields.
In Their Own Story
The dust settled quickly after the flash of the muzzle burst, leaving a ringing silence in the abandoned apartment complex. Alex checked his watch; the extraction point was still two blocks away, but the door ahead was sealed by a heavy steel barricade and the muffled sound of breathing behind it. He couldn't risk a direct assault with just his rifle against unknown numbers. Slowly, he slid the GP-25 onto the rail beneath his AK-74M, the metal cold against his gloved fingers. With a steady breath, he raised the barrel, aligning the sight picture on the reinforced doorframe. He pulled the trigger. The launcher kicked hard, sending a dull thud through his shoulder as the 40mm round arced over the low wall and slammed into the barricade. A second later, the explosion tore through the wood and metal, shattering the silence and sending debris flying inward. Before the smoke cleared, Alex was already moving forward, rifle up, ready to finish what the grenade had started.
Reader's Guide
The GP-25 is a specialized attachment that transforms standard AK-pattern rifles into dual-purpose platforms capable of delivering high-explosive damage. It fires 40mm grenades like the VOG-25 and VOG-30, which deal significant area-of-effect damage and can penetrate light cover or blast through weak walls. In terms of stats, the launcher itself adds weight to the weapon system but offers no direct fire rate benefits. Its effectiveness relies entirely on accuracy and timing, as the projectile travels in a distinct arc rather than a flat trajectory. Durability is generally high, matching the rugged nature of Soviet small arms, though repeated firing without maintenance can lead to jams. Market value fluctuates based on the availability of compatible grenades; while the launcher itself is common, finding VOG rounds can be expensive or rare depending on the raid location. It pairs best with AKM and AK-74 variants that have the necessary mounting rails. Best used in close-quarters urban combat or for breaching fortified positions where direct fire is ineffective.
Did You Know?
- The GP-25 was specifically designed to replace older launcher models like the GP-30, offering improved reliability and mounting mechanisms.
- VOG-25 grenades fired from this launcher have a lethal radius that can easily clear small rooms or suppress enemies behind cover.
- Many Scavengers in Tarkov modify their AKs with these launchers scavenged from fallen soldiers, making it a common sight among random encounters.
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