Introduction
The RShG-2 72.5mm rocket launcher is a disposable weapon system developed in Russia and widely recognized for its destructive potential in urban combat. Its thermobaric warhead makes it effective against bunkers, trenches, and light vehicles, giving infantry a compact but powerful tool for close-range assaults.
Beyond its real-world use, the RShG-2 has also become familiar to players of Escape from Tarkov (EFT), where it is represented as a rare, high-damage launcher that can change the course of a raid when used at the right moment.
This guide explores both sides of the RShG-2—its technical specifications, battlefield applications, and gaming role—so readers leave with a clear understanding of what makes this launcher unique.
What is the RShG-2 72.5mm Rocket Launcher?
The RShG-2 (Reaktivnaya Shturmovaya Granata-2) is a Russian single-use rocket launcher derived from the RPG-26. Unlike reloadable systems such as the RPG-7, the RShG-2 is designed for one shot only. After firing, the tube is discarded, simplifying logistics and reducing the burden on infantry.
Its main distinction is the warhead. Instead of focusing on armor penetration, the RShG-2 uses a thermobaric charge, a type of fuel-air explosive that generates intense heat and overpressure. This makes it particularly effective in confined spaces, where the blast wave can disable enemies even behind cover.
Because of this specialization, the RShG-2 fills a niche role: it is not a tank-killer, but it is devastating against fortifications, dugouts, and lightly armored vehicles.
Technical Specifications
The RShG-2’s design reflects its role as a compact, high-impact weapon for short-range engagements. It has a 72.5mm caliber and measures roughly 880 millimeters in length, with a weight of about 8 kilograms, making it portable for a single soldier.
Its effective range is around 200 meters, which is ideal for close combat and urban fighting. The maximum reach can extend up to 500 meters, but accuracy and impact fall off significantly beyond its optimal range.
The warhead’s explosive force is equivalent to approximately 1.5 kilograms of TNT, producing a destructive effect well-suited for demolishing cover and neutralizing entrenched personnel. Since the launcher is preloaded and sealed, it requires no preparation—soldiers simply remove the safety cap, aim, and fire.
Compared to reloadable launchers, the RShG-2 trades flexibility for speed and simplicity. It gives soldiers immediate firepower without the need to carry extra rockets or worry about reloading under fire.
Real-World Applications
In the field, the RShG-2 is used primarily by the Russian Armed Forces. Its compact, disposable design allows for wide distribution among infantry, and its thermobaric warhead makes it highly effective in modern urban warfare.
The weapon is especially valuable during close-quarters assaults. In buildings, bunkers, or tunnels, the overpressure from a thermobaric blast can neutralize enemies that conventional rifles or grenades cannot reach. This makes it an ideal choice for clearing strongpoints or breaking defensive positions.
While it is not effective against modern main battle tanks, the RShG-2 can disable lightly armored vehicles and transports, giving infantry an option against mobile threats without relying on heavier anti-tank systems. Its reliability in conflicts where Russia or allied forces have been involved underscores its practical value as a frontline weapon.
RShG-2 in Escape from Tarkov
For gamers, the RShG-2 72.5mm rocket launcher is a rare but memorable item in Escape from Tarkov. The developers have modeled it to reflect its real-world characteristics: it is disposable, single-use, and capable of devastating damage within its blast radius.
In Tarkov, the launcher can be purchased from the trader Prapor once players reach higher loyalty levels, and it occasionally appears as loot in military areas. It can also be traded on the flea market, often at steep prices due to its scarcity.
Its in-game performance mirrors its real-world role. The RShG-2 is devastating in confined spaces, capable of wiping out squads or eliminating enemies in cover. It is particularly useful on maps like Factory or Reserve, where close-quarters fighting is common. However, its drawbacks are equally real: once fired, it is gone, and its weight makes it a commitment to bring into raids. Players must carefully decide when the moment is right to use it.
Market Value and Trading
In Escape from Tarkov, the value of the RShG-2 fluctuates depending on trader availability and player demand. When available directly from Prapor, its price is more affordable, though supplies are limited. On the flea market, the cost often rises significantly, reflecting its status as a rare and powerful weapon.
Some barter trades also make it accessible, though these usually require valuable items in exchange. For players, this creates a strategic decision: sell it for profit or save it for use in a raid where it might provide the decisive edge. Both choices carry weight, depending on a player’s financial situation and tactical goals.
Using the RShG-2 Effectively
Whether in real combat or Tarkov, the RShG-2 is most effective when used with careful planning.
On the battlefield, its short range and thermobaric charge make it best suited for urban environments. It should be aimed at fortified positions or light vehicles, never wasted on open terrain where its effects diminish. Operators must also clear the backblast zone, as the weapon produces dangerous exhaust that can harm nearby allies.
In Tarkov, the same principle applies. The launcher is best reserved for ambushes, bottlenecks, or enclosed areas where enemies cannot escape the blast. Players often use it to break stalemates or surprise enemy squads. Carrying it does come with drawbacks—its single-use nature and heavy weight reduce flexibility—so it is often paired with other reliable firearms to ensure survivability after the shot is fired.
Advantages and Limitations
The RShG-2 offers several advantages. It is lightweight, simple to operate, and devastating in enclosed spaces. Its thermobaric warhead gives infantry a capability that conventional rifles, grenades, or even anti-tank systems cannot easily replicate. In Tarkov, it provides a tactical advantage that few other weapons can match, making it both valuable and feared.
However, the weapon has clear limitations. Its single-use design means that it cannot provide sustained firepower. Its 200-meter effective range restricts it to close engagements, and it lacks the armor penetration necessary to defeat modern tanks. In-game, players must balance the high weight and cost against the potential payoff of a successful shot.
These strengths and weaknesses make the RShG-2 a specialist tool rather than a general-purpose launcher. It excels in the right conditions but requires careful judgment to use effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RShG-2 legal for civilians?
No. The RShG-2 is a military weapon and is not available for civilian purchase.
How much does it cost in real life?
Exact prices vary based on military procurement contracts, but disposable launchers like the RShG-2 are generally considered cost-effective compared to reusable systems.
Why is it popular in Tarkov?
Its destructive power and rarity make it one of the most impactful weapons in the game, both for tactical use and for trading on the flea market.
Can it destroy armored vehicles?
The RShG-2 can disable lightly armored vehicles but is not designed to penetrate the armor of main battle tanks.
How does it differ from other launchers?
The RPG-7 is reloadable and versatile, the RPG-26 is anti-armor focused, while the RShG-2 is specialized for thermobaric blasts against structures and personnel.
Conclusion
The RShG-2 72.5mm rocket launcher stands out as a practical and specialized weapon system. Its disposable design, thermobaric warhead, and ease of use make it effective for infantry in urban combat, while its presence in Escape from Tarkov brings those same qualities into the virtual battlefield.
It is not a universal solution—it cannot take on heavy armor, and it is limited by its single-use nature—but within its intended role, it delivers exceptional results. For soldiers, it offers a reliable tool for breaching and clearing. For players, it represents a rare opportunity to turn the tide of a raid.
By understanding its strengths, limitations, and contexts of use, readers can appreciate why the RShG-2 has earned its place as both a real-world weapon and a memorable in-game item.
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