In the challenging landscape of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, survival is not just about skill but also about the weaponry at your disposal. With a multitude of foes ready to strike at any moment, choosing the right weapon can significantly reduce the chances of an untimely demise.
While the journey through the Zone presents numerous hurdles, having access to powerful firearms makes navigating these dangers considerably more manageable.
It’s essential to note that not all weapons are created equal; many may seem promising as quest rewards but fail to deliver on impact. Conversely, some weapons maintain their strength from the outset.
If you’re in search of armaments capable of taking down pesky Psy-dogs or aiding your stealthy intrusions, we’ve compiled a guide to the best—and worst—weapons in Stalker 2. This will help ensure your exploration of the Zone remains as secure as possible.
Weapon Tier List in Stalker 2
| TIER | Weapon |
|---|---|
| S | Skiff’s Pistol, Saiga D-12, Kharod, Dnipro, SPSA-14, APSB, M701 Super, SVU-MK S-3, Integral-A, Gauss Gun, EM-1, Model Competitor (DLC), Lynx, Drowned, Spitter, Vulkan-M Malyuk, Saiga 12K, Glutton, Encourage, M700, Sotnyk, Shah’s Mate |
| A | M860 Cracker, AKM-74S, AS Lavina, Grom S-14, AR416, GP37, Fora-221, Buket S-2, Mark 1 EMR, Ram-2, Rhino, Zubr-19, Veteran (DLC), PTM Monolith (DLC), M860 Monolith (DLC), Whip, Combatant, Beast, SA-U Gabion (DLC), Viper Monolith |
| B | Boomstick, RPG-7U, RPM-74, UDP Compact, Viper-5, Toz-34, AKM-74U, PTM, Deadeye, SA-U Gabion (DLC), Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S, SVDM-2, VS Vintar, Clusterf**k, Gambit, AR416 Monolith |
| C | Riemann (DLC), Unknown Stalker’s AR416, Lullaby, M10 Gordon, Labyrinth IV, Merc |
Understanding the Tiers
- S: The most powerful weapons available in the Zone
- A: Highly effective for exploration and combat
- B: Situationally useful weapons
- C: Not recommended unless absolutely necessary
This tier list includes weapons from the game’s deluxe edition and has been updated to reflect recent patches that affected enemy strength and weapon balances. Keep in mind that future updates may necessitate further revisions to this list, so it’s wise to bookmark this page for easy reference.
Top Submachine Guns in Stalker 2
Stalker 2 features only eight SMGs, and unfortunately, not all meet the high standards expected of rapid-fire firearms. However, a few stand out and should be prioritized by enthusiasts of this category.
Integral-A (Vector)
The Integral-A may not exhibit the highest damage compared to its more robust counterparts, yet it compensates with a superior rate of fire, remarkable penetration, and solid damage. The design philosophy of SMGs in Stalker 2 emphasizes rapid-fire; the Integral-A excels in delivering an impressive volume of fire, particularly when enhanced with the High-Capacity mod.
Shah’s Mate
As an upgraded version of the Viper-5, Shah’s Mate is a fast-firing SMG with commendable damage output and penetration capabilities. Its effective range allows it to excel in both close and mid-range engagements, and its enhanced 40-round magazine ensures you can maintain a sustained offensive against your adversaries.
Best Assault Rifles in Stalker 2
Drowned
The Drowned is an accessible AR found early in the game with excellent performance metrics, including damage, penetration, rate of fire, and range. Just be sure to upgrade it with attachments like silencers and increased magazines to unlock its full potential without any financial burden.
Sotnyk
The Sotnyk is a powerful yet freely available assault rifle that boasts outstanding penetration and high accuracy, making it a versatile choice for any situation. Perfect for players who appreciate both close-quarters and mid-range combats, its high damage and rapid-fire characteristics make it invaluable for any player.
Top Shotguns in Stalker 2
Saiga 12K
If you’re seeking pure damage output, the Saiga 12K is the shotgun of choice. It merges high damage with a rapid rate of fire and effective range, delivering versatility that stands out amongst shotguns. By expanding the magazine and adding a scope, you can transform this weapon into an endgame powerhouse.
SPSA-14
The SPSA-14 excels with its formidable combination of high damage, rapid fire rate, and superior penetration, making it an indispensable tool for close-quarters combat. It’s akin to blending the strengths of an SMG and a shotgun, providing the firepower needed for any confrontation.
Best Machine Gun in Stalker 2
Glutton
In terms of machine guns, the Glutton reigns supreme. While it may lack in damage compared to others, its accuracy, penetration, and rapid rate of fire make it ideal for overwhelming enemies in tight quarters. Although it is somewhat cumbersome, it’s perfect for laying down suppression fire.
Beast
Though only obtainable late in the game, the Beast offers incredible value. With high damage and penetration capabilities, it excels at medium to short-range engagements. While its accuracy may not match the Glutton, it compensates with its superior stopping power, making it well worth the late-game effort to acquire.
Best Pistols in Stalker 2
Encourage
With excellent damage, penetration, firing rate, and accuracy, the Encourage pistol stands out as an effective option, particularly paired with the optional Beast machine gun during the game’s concluding stages. Its superior stats position it as a premier choice among available pistols.
Skif’s Pistol
It is rare to find a weapon that can consistently deliver exceptional performance throughout the game, but Skif’s Pistol is one such firearm. Exceptional damage, easy-to-find ammunition, rapid fire, and superior accuracy make it an indispensable tool—one that is unlikely to be replaced until the game’s final stages.
Best Sniper Rifles in Stalker 2
M700
The M700 sniper rifle, with its remarkable range and accuracy, is perfect for players who prefer eliminating enemies from a distance. Although it requires patience due to its slower firing rate, the devastating damage it inflicts encourages tactical play and strategic engagements.
SVU-MK S-3
The SVU-MK S-3 is a versatile weapon that balances rapid fire with respectable power. It functions effectively as both a designated marksman rifle and a sniper rifle. Whether you’re picking off foes at long distances or engaging them at close range, this weapon adapts seamlessly to any scenario.
In summary, the array of weapons in Stalker 2 offers a diverse tactical experience. For players seeking to enhance their arsenal, exploring ways to acquire resources for weapon upgrades is undoubtedly a worthwhile pursuit.
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