The addition of a drum magazine has no effect on the reload speed.

However, it has a better magazine upgrade, the Drum magazine, which increases its magazine capacity to 100 rounds, one of the highest in the game, surpassed only by the Gatling. The RPK has the same set of upgrades as other Kalash-pattern weapons, minus the silencer. This weapon also has several customisation options that can make it even more versatile. The RPK is one of the most powerful fully automatic weapons in the game and can stagger mutants such as nosalises and lurkers, making it a useful addition to Artyom's arsenal if he is going up against them, both in the Metro or on the surface. Since the RPK has a lower rate of fire, the enemy may have the opportunity to deliver the first strike if they are too close. The RPK is more practical as a support weapon rather than an assault rifle, meaning the wielder can start shooting while the enemy is at mid-range as the RPK has a good accuracy compared to faster-firing weapons.

It is lethal versus opponents forced to approach the user down a long narrow corridor or opening with a clear line of sight. This makes the weapon ineffective for close quarters combat in the Metro's corridors in most circumstances. It takes longer to aim with the sights and it has a slower reload speed than most weapons. The RPK cannot have a suppressor attached, reducing its stealth capability. This low rate of fire allows for more controllable recoil during automatic fire. Despite its accuracy, the recoil of the RPK will cause the gun to raise up slightly when firing consistently. If he shoots first or takes his opponents by surprise, however, he may stand a good chance of winning. One of the gun's downsides, being an accurate weapon with a large ammo capacity, is that its rate of fire is slower than that of other automatic weapons such as the Kalash, Bastard, or the Kalash 2012, meaning Artyom can be easily outgunned in close quarters. The addition of a drum magazine, a reflex sight and the laser sight makes this a well balanced and accurate firearm that will serve well in tough firefights against soldiers and mutants, allowing for long bursts of accurate firepower when needed. The RPK is a solid choice if exploring the surface or going against mutants that need some serious firepower to take down.

Metro last light redux tower