The 14.0 update introduces a revamped armor system featuring 37 ballistic plates, offering enhanced protection to various sections of the body. Ballistic plates in Escape From Tarkov are pivotal for protection, but they come with nuances. When added to compatible armor, they bring debuffs affecting movement, turn speed, or ergonomics. Compatibility varies across armor types and brands, although some universal plates can be used across different body armors and tactical rigs. Ballistic plates are available in a front, back, side, and universal configuration. This allows the player to swap out compatible plates when outside of combat in or the player stash to best prepare for the upcoming fight or raid.

These plates are categorized as follows:

Chest Plates:
Specifically designed to protect the chest area from incoming fire.

Rear Chest Plates:
Tailored for defense against shots targeting the back area.

Universal Chest Plates:
Versatile plates that can be used for both the chest and rear sections, providing flexibility in armor customization.

Side Plates:
Strategically placed plates to safeguard the sides of the body.

Coming Soon...

Note: Some ballistic plates cannot be removed as they are integrated into the armor piece.
Note: Certain level plates can only be used with armor that is capable of carrying that class of plates.
Note: Certain plates are only compatible with certain armor types or armor systems.

Coming Soon...

In Escape From Tarkov, modifying ballistic plates can be done in two main ways. During a raid, the player needs to drop the armor or armored tactical rig from their inventory onto the ground. Once on the ground, aiming your weapon at the armor piece brings up a context menu, allowing the player to select the modification option. This opens a menu displaying various armor plates, some integrated and unchangeable, but the primary plate systems can be swapped out for compatible plates in the players inventory.

In the player stash, simply right-clicking the armor and choosing "Inspect" will display a similar menu of armor plates. Again, some components are fixed, but the primary plate systems can be adjusted by swapping in compatible ballistic plates. Editing these plates is also possible in a 3D space via the modification option in the context menu.

The durability of armor in Escape From Tarkov is now calculated by combining the durability of its individual internal plates. These plates, each composed of their distinct material, collectively determine the overall resilience of the armor. This enhancement signifies a shift toward a more intricate and realistic portrayal of armor mechanics within the game. By considering the specific material properties of each plate, such as their protective qualities and susceptibility to damage, players gain a deeper understanding of how their gear withstands impacts and deteriorates over time.

Below are the materials and their destructibility:
Aramid - 25%
Polyethylene - 45%
Combined Materials - 50%
Titanium - 55%
Aluminum - 60%
Armored Steel - 70%
Ceramic - 80%
Glass - 80%

The durability of armor in Escape From Tarkov is now calculated by combining the durability of its individual internal plates. These plates, each composed of their distinct material, collectively determine the overall resilience of the armor. This enhancement signifies a shift toward a more intricate and realistic portrayal of armor mechanics within the game. By considering the specific material properties of each plate, such as their protective qualities and susceptibility to damage, players gain a deeper understanding of how their gear withstands impacts and deteriorates over time. Each material has its own properties and changes how incoming rounds impact the durability of the ballistic plate and the chance of an incoming round penetrating the ballistic plate.

With the recent segmentation of armor akin to the player health system, the strategic landscape within the game has dramatically evolved. This overhaul demands a heightened level of attention from players, necessitating the meticulous management of their armor plates and a vigilant tracking of the positioning of ballistic plates across their gear.

The shift in dynamics means that facing fire, whether it's from SCAVs or other players, now poses a significantly escalated risk. No longer is the armor a mere shield; it's a nuanced defense system where the integrity of specific ballistic plates directly shields distinct areas of the body.

Picture this: You engage in a tense skirmish with another player. Your opponent's bullets relentlessly strike your frontal chest plate, causing significant damage. In the past, a damaged plate might have been a mere inconvenience. But now, with this segmented system, the repercussions are more pronounced. The compromised front-facing chest plate no longer offers the same robust protection to your chest, leaving you more vulnerable in subsequent encounters.

This profound shift forces players to adopt a more tactical and adaptive approach to combat scenarios. It's no longer enough to rely solely on the general durability of the overall armor. Instead, a keen awareness of plate positioning and their individual statuses becomes paramount. Should a specific plate sustain damage, swift decisions about repositioning or replacing it during a lull in the battle become critical to ensure ongoing protection of vulnerable body areas.

The implications ripple throughout gameplay strategies. Engagements demand a heightened level of caution and foresight. Players must now factor in the durability and positioning of their armor plates when maneuvering through hostile territories, engaging in firefights, or planning their escapes. Each encounter becomes a careful dance of risk assessment and strategic decision-making, amplifying the depth and intensity of every in-game confrontation.

The math below will show how each individual ballistic plate will perform when and incoming round strikes it.