S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Ultimate Weapons Guide

In *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl*, mastering the art of survival hinges on your choice of weaponry. As you navigate the treacherous landscapes of the Chernobyl Zone, you'll encounter a diverse arsenal, from time-honored firearms to cutting-edge experimental models, each designed to tackle the myriad threats posed by hostile mutants and rival stalkers. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of every weapon type available, spotlighting their unique features and optimal use in the unforgiving post-apocalyptic environment.

About Weapons in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

The weapon system in *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl* is both expansive and intricate, offering a plethora of firearms tailored to various playstyles. Customization is key, with players able to tweak and enhance their weapons to meet the demands of the Zone. From classic assault and sniper rifles to rare, experimental pieces birthed in secretive military labs, the range of weaponry ensures you're equipped for any scenario. Understanding each weapon's attributes—from damage and penetration to rate of fire and accuracy—is crucial for success. Additionally, selecting the right ammunition and fine-tuning your weapon to your personal strategy can make all the difference. Let's explore the full spectrum of weapons and their capabilities to help you choose wisely for your adventures in the Chernobyl Zone.

Weapon Table S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

AKM-74S

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Damage: 1.2
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 2.7
A reliable choice for medium-range engagements, the AKM-74S balances moderate damage and penetration, making it versatile for encounters with human enemies. Though rarer in the early game, it becomes more common around ISPF guards near the Sphere.

AKM-74U

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Damage: 1.0
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.92
Range: 1.2
Accuracy: 2.5
Compact and adaptable, the AKM-74U excels in close to medium-range combat thanks to its high rate of fire. It's a popular choice among enemies and can be purchased from traders within the zone.

APSB

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Damage: 1.1
Penetration: 3.0
Rate of Fire: 4.93
Range: 1.0
Accuracy: 3.1
The APSB pistol offers high penetration and superb accuracy, making it a formidable sidearm for close to medium-range fights. Its balanced stats make it a reliable choice, available for purchase from traders.

AR416

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Damage: 0.85
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.97
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 3.6
The AR416 boasts a high rate of fire and excellent accuracy, making it ideal for medium to long-range engagements. Despite its lower damage, it's effective in sustained firefights and can be acquired from enemy corpses or during the "Answers Come at a Price" quest.

AS Lavina

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Damage: 1.1
Penetration: 2.6
Rate of Fire: 4.92
Range: 1.4
Accuracy: 3.65
A powerhouse against armored foes, the AS Lavina's high penetration and accuracy make it a rare and valuable asset. It can be discovered in challenging locations or purchased from traders.

Beast

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Damage: 1.1
Penetration: 2.8
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 3.0
A unique variant of the RPM-74, the Beast features enhanced penetration and balanced stats, making it an optimal choice for the game's final missions.

Boomstick

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Damage: 5.0
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 0.55
Accuracy: 1.7
The Boomstick shotgun is a beast in close quarters, delivering high damage and ease of use that's perfect for clearing out mutants and enemies in tight spaces.

Buket S-2

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Damage: 1.2
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.3
Accuracy: 3.3
The Buket S-2 combines a high rate of fire with decent accuracy and penetration, making it excellent for dynamic medium-range battles. It can be found on enemy corpses.

Clusterfuck

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Damage: 1.6
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 4.95
Range: 2.4
Accuracy: 4.0
With impressive damage, range, and accuracy, the Clusterfuck is a versatile assault rifle suited for both close and long-range combat. It can be obtained during the "Three Captains" quest.

Combatant

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Damage: 1.2
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 2.6
The Combatant offers a balanced set of stats, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. It's ideal for those who value a mix of range and rate of fire, obtainable from Colonel Korshunov.

Deadeye

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Damage: 1.3
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.98
Range: 0.7
Accuracy: 3.9
The Deadeye pistol excels in precision, offering medium damage and high accuracy for effective short to medium-range engagements. It can be acquired at the end of the "Ad astra per aspera" mission.

Decider

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Damage: 1.1
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 4.95
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 3.0
The Decider assault rifle strikes a balance between damage and accuracy, making it a solid choice for medium to long-range combat. Its high penetration and rate of fire make it versatile, available during the "Unexpected Guests" side quest.

Dnipro

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Damage: 1.2
Penetration: 3.0
Rate of Fire: 4.91
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 3.0
The Dnipro's impressive damage and penetration make it effective against a variety of enemies. With good accuracy and a high rate of fire, it's ideal for mid to long-range combat, available for purchase or crafting at Yantsevo station.

Drowned

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Damage: 1.4
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 2.6
The Drowned, a unique assault rifle, is perfect for sustained medium-range combat. It can be obtained from Buo during a mission in the Swamp area.

EM-1

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Damage: 5.0
Penetration: 4.0
Rate of Fire: 0 (single shot, no continuous firing)
Range: 5.0
Accuracy: 5.0
The EM-1, a unique Gauss gun variant, offers unparalleled damage and range, making it one of the game's most potent weapons. It can be obtained during the "Let No One Leave Unsatisfied" or "The Last Step" missions.

Encourage

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Damage: 1.4
Penetration: 3.0
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.0
Accuracy: 4.0
The Encourage, a unique APSB pistol variant, boasts increased damage and penetration. It can be obtained by defeating Colonel Korshunov during the "Down Below" mission.

F-1 Grenade

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Weight: 0.5 kg
Cost in Coupons: 500 Coupons
A classic defensive grenade, the F-1 is recognizable by its "pineapple-shaped" design and can be found as loot or purchased from traders.

Fora-221

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Damage: 0.9
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 4.98
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 3
The Fora-221 is well-suited for mid-range combat and can be obtained from human enemy drops or Ward soldiers.

Gambit

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Damage: 1.2
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 4.95
Range: 0.6
Accuracy: 3.9
The Gambit pistol is awarded during the main mission "The Forge of Progress," regardless of your previous support for Dr. Krivenko.

Gangster

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Damage: 0.5
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 5
Range: 0.7
Accuracy: 2.1
Designed for close combat, the Gangster submachine gun's high rate of fire makes it formidable at close range. It can be found during the main mission "A Minor Incident."

Gauss Gun

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Damage: 5
Penetration: 4
Rate of Fire: 0 (single-shot sniper rifle)
Range: 5
Accuracy: 5
The Gauss Gun, a high-precision sniper rifle, is one of the most powerful weapons in the game. It can be acquired through side quests and combat with Monolith soldiers.

Glutton

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Damage: 1.1
Penetration: 2.5
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 2.5
The Glutton machine gun, found in the Rostok region, is ideal for mid-range combat, offering excellent penetration and rate of fire for tackling groups of enemies.

GP37

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Damage: 0.8
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 4.96
Range: 2.3
Accuracy: 4.3
The GP37 assault rifle is versatile and suitable for mid-range combat, boasting good penetration. It can be found in a locked room in the Old Church or at Eugene's base in Rostok.

Grom S-14

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Damage: 0.9
Penetration: 2.4
Rate of Fire: 4.93
Range: 1.6
Accuracy: 3.5
The Grom S-14's good damage and penetration make it an excellent choice for mid to long-range combat.

Grom S-15

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Damage: 0.9
Penetration: 2.4
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.6
Accuracy: 3.8
The Grom S-15 is ideal for mid-range combat, with high penetration and a decent rate of fire. It's located north of the Burning Fire Depot in the Cooling Towers region.

Integral-A

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Damage: 0.7
Penetration: 2.9
Rate of Fire: 5.0
Range: 1.6
Accuracy: 3.9
The Integral-A submachine gun is effective in close combat, with high penetration and an impressive rate of fire. It can be purchased from Eugene at the Rostok base or from Vrek at the Yanchev station.

Kharod

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Damage: 0.9
Penetration: 3.0
Rate of Fire: 4.93
Range: 2.3
Accuracy: 4.2
The Kharod assault rifle's high penetration and accuracy make it a strong choice for mid to long-range engagements, with a high rate of fire for versatility.

Labyrinth IV

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Damage: 1.5
Penetration: 2.1
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 0.6
Accuracy: 3.2
The Labyrinth IV's high damage and penetration make it effective for short-range combat, though its range is limited. It can be found in the doctor's secret room during the Kaimanov ending.

Lynx

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Damage: 3.5
Penetration: 3.0
Rate of Fire: 4.9
Range: 1.9
Accuracy: 5
The Lynx sniper rifle is perfect for long-range combat, offering high accuracy and substantial damage for effective medium to long-range shots.

RPG-7U

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Damage: 0.5
Penetration: 1.1
Rate of Fire: 3
Range: 5
Accuracy: 3.45
The RPG-7U is a powerful tool for dealing with vehicles and large targets, thanks to its long range. It can be found at the "Clear Sky" base in the Swamps.

Zubr-19

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Damage: 1.1
Penetration: 2.8
Rate of Fire: 4.91
Range: 1.6
Accuracy: 3.65
The Zubr-19 submachine gun's excellent penetration and good rate of fire make it an ideal choice for close and mid-range combat. It can be found inside a building in Lisov, Yanyva region.