Essential Early Weapons to Acquire in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, progression relies heavily on gear rather than a traditional leveling system. Hence, acquiring powerful weapons early on is crucial for navigating the game’s challenges. Fortunately, various standout firearms can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, allowing you to complete the storyline more comfortably.

The main quests not only boost your resources and gear but also reward exploration off the beaten path, which can be quite lucrative. While the effectiveness of certain weapons may vary based on your playstyle, some firearms have proven themselves as top-tier choices.

Ammo availability is another critical consideration, as different types can vary in both accessibility and cost, influencing your combat strategy. Keeping these factors in mind, we have curated a list of the best early-game weapons to make your adventures in the Zone smoother.

Top Early-Game Weapons in Stalker 2

Viper “Monolith” SMG

The Viper Monolith Stat screen in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Source: dexerto/GSC Game World

Pros: High fire rate with impressive accuracy.
Cons: Limited range and high recoil can make it challenging to handle.
Location: Journalist Stash at the abandoned factory, located north-east of Zalissya.

The standard version of the Viper-5 SMG is commonly found on defeated foes, but the Monolith variant offers superior performance. It excels in close quarters, particularly against agile mutant adversaries, thanks to its rapid firing capability, which compensates for any lack of precision.

However, its effectiveness drops significantly at medium to long distances. Pairing it with a long-range rifle can make for a versatile setup as you progress. Moreover, various modifications can further mitigate recoil and enhance accuracy, optimizing the Monolith Viper’s combat performance.

A selection of Lummox’s AKM-74S

The AKM-74S Stat screen in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Source: dexerto/GSC Game World

Pros: Excellent fire rate and improved accuracy thanks to the additional scope.
Cons: Relatively low damage output per shot.
Location: Obtained from Valik Lummox’s stash at the top of the water tower during the “Warlock’s Debtor” mission.

The AKM-74S serves as a solid assault rifle, leveraging a plentiful ammo type. The Valik Lummox variant benefits from a long-range ACOG-style scope, facilitating headshot takedowns from afar.

While various AKM-74S models exist, the added range of this version is a considerable advantage. Be on the lookout for the Drowned variant found near Slag Heap, which includes a grenade launcher, adding another layer of utility to your arsenal.

AR416 Monolith Assault Rifle

The SVDM-2 Stat screen in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Source: dexerto/GSC Game World

Pros: Outstanding accuracy complemented by a high fire rate.
Cons: Ammunition is scarce and can be expensive when available.
Location: Located at the Journalist Stash south-east of Zalissya, near the Military Base close to The Sphere.

While the AKM-74S is versatile, the AR416 stands out as one of the strongest military rifles available early in the game. Despite its limited ammunition availability, this rifle delivers significant lethality against formidable mutant foes.

Its handling feels excellent, and picking it up from the Journalist Stash ensures you receive it in optimal condition. By integrating some well-placed upgrades, you can tackle the main storyline efficiently with this weapon in your inventory.

SVDM-2 Sniper Rifle

Pros: Delivers enormous damage, excellent penetration, and top-tier accuracy.
Cons: Short effective range and significant recoil.
Location: Looted from Leshy, the bandit leader, at the upper gangway of the abandoned factory, north-east of Zalissya.

Sniper rifles are a rare find in Stalker 2, making the discovery of the SVDM-2 especially valuable early in your playthrough. By defeating Leshy, who lurks on an upper walkway, you can acquire this powerful weapon within the first few hours of gameplay.

Be cautious of tripwires while in the factory. Taking out Leshy stealthily ensures that you can claim the weapon without facing immediate retaliation. Although ammunition is limited, using the sniper judiciously during critical moments can significantly impact your ability to handle heavily guarded areas or powerful enemies from a safe distance.

These selections represent some of the best weapons available during the early stages of Stalker 2, and they can all be found within the Lesser Zone!

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