Best weapons you must get early in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

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As a seasoned Stalker, having traversed the treacherous lands of the Zone for countless hours, I can attest that the weapons in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl are as crucial to your survival as a sturdy pair of boots and a reliable map. The absence of leveling systems forces us to rely on our wit and the firepower at our disposal to progress through this radioactive wasteland.

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, there’s no traditional leveling system; instead, equipment plays a significant role in your advancement. However, certain exceptional weapons can be found early on, enabling you to complete the whole narrative without any trouble.

The main story quests will give you access to some nice boosts for your Coupons and gear, but looking a little further out of the way can quickly become very lucrative. Though much of what works will depend on your chosen playstyle, some guns objectively stand above their peers.

It’s worth considering the type of ammunition you’ll be using as well, since some varieties are more readily (and economically) available compared to others.

Keeping everything under consideration, here are our suggested choices for the most effective weapons you can acquire at the beginning of the game, which will help make your journey through the Zone slightly easier and less challenging.

Best early game weapons in Stalker 2

Viper “Monolith” SMG

  • Pros: High fire rate and impressive accuracy for a gun of this type
  • Cons: Short range and difficult to handle with high recoil
  • Where to get: Journalist Stash at the abandoned factory, North-East of Zalissya

You often come across the standard variant of Viper-5 SMG on slain foes, but the Monolith version represents a significant improvement. In close combat, it’s highly effective against swift-moving mutant enemies because its rapid firing compensates for any inaccuracies.

Beyond medium distance, its effectiveness significantly decreases, but when paired with a long-range rifle, it becomes an effective mainstay in gameplay. Various modifications can be applied to minimize recoil and enhance overall accuracy, thereby boosting the performance of the Monolith Viper even more.

Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S

  • Pros: High fire rate and better accuracy with the additional scope
  • Cons: Relatively low damage per hit
  • Where to get: From Valik Lummox’s stash at the top of the water tower during the “Warlock’s Debtor” mission

Originally, the AKM-74S is a robust assault rifle, known for its compatibility with a common ammunition type. The variant owned by Valik Lummox includes a long-range, ACOG-like scope, simplifying the process of taking down enemies from afar with precise headshots.

As a fan, I must share that while various iterations of this weapon exist and perform admirably, the extended range on this one truly sets it apart. And if you happen to find the Drowned version by Slag Heap, be sure to test out the grenade launcher attachment – trust me, it’s worth trying!

AR416 Monolith Assault Rifle

  • Pros: High fire rate and extremely good accuracy
  • Cons: Difficult to find ammunition
  • Where to get: Journalist Stash South-East of Zalissya, at the Military Base near The Sphere

Compared to the versatile AKM-74S, the AR416 stands out as a top-tier military rifle for early stages of play. Ammo is hard to acquire (and pricey at vendors) but it’s an effective choice when facing formidable mutants.

Picking up the Monolith from the Journalist’s Stash will give you a well-maintained version that feels terrific to use. With some strategic upgrades added, it becomes an invaluable tool for swiftly completing the entire main story (just like we did).

SVDM-2 Sniper Rifle

  • Pros: Immense damage, penetration and accuracy
  • Cons: Short range and difficult to handle with high recoil
  • Where to get: Loot from Leshy the bandit leader, found on the upper gangway at the abandoned factory, North-East of Zalissya

In Stalker 2, it’s not easy to find Sniper Rifles, but when you do, they’re usually a valuable find. Within the initial stages of play, you could obtain the SVDM-2 for just the life of one bandit leader.

Be cautious of numerous tripwires in the factory; also watch out for Leshy on the overhead pathway. Eliminate him discreetly so he doesn’t notice you, as he might try to seize the weapon you’ve come to retrieve and use it against you.

The supply of ammunition isn’t overwhelming, but it shouldn’t leave you lacking if you judiciously employ the sniper rifle. Utilize it to thin out the ranks in densely fortified locations, or to eliminate formidable adversaries from a distance and avoid getting too near them.

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2024-11-25 13:37