STALKER 2: Best weapons to start with

The only way to improve your character in STALKER 2 is by acquiring better equipment. Every weapon and ammunition are worth their weight in gold. However, there are certain places worth going to if you want to make the beginning of the game significantly easier. On this guide page, you will learn where to find the best starting weapons.

• Valik Lummox's AKM-74S
• AR416 Monolith
• SVDM-2
• Viper Monolith

Valik Lummox's AKM-74S

North of the Water Tower, near the Zalissya camp, you will notice a tower storing water (see the green player cursor). Climb to the top using the ladder, watching out for suction anomalies.

The weapon is located in a backpack at the top of the tower. It's a rifle equipped with a high-quality scope. It will be very useful at the beginning, especially during mid-range fights. The weapon allows for firing a single shot or shooting in full automatic mode. We definitely recommend series of single shots, as you will take down more enemies with accurate headshots.

This is one of those weapons that you can use for a very long time and still find it useful, especially when you add weapon attachments to it and upgrade it at a technician (we explain how to do this on the How to repair and modify weapons? page.)

AR416 Monolith

Another Monolith rifle, once again with a good crosshair. It uses a different type of ammunition compared to the previous weapon. It is located southeast of Zalissya, near the Sphere, in the Journalist's Stash.

Go to The Journalist's Stash marker. As you enter the Sphere, on your left you will notice a ladder to the roof. A bit further, near the pipes, you will notice a box. Open it to get the weapon. However, be careful, as there may be many enemies inside the Sphere. It's best to sneak around or eliminate the entire enemy team.

The rifle is known for its good armor penetration, accuracy and range. Unfortunately, it deals slightly less damage than AKM-74S. Despite this, it is still one of the best weapons you can get at the beginning of the game.

SVDM-2

If you prefer long-range combat, you will certainly be interested in the SVDM-2, which is a rifle sniper. To get it, you'll need to go north of Zalissya, to the Northern Checkpoint. Go to the building by the green player cursor.

The rifle is held by Leshiy, a character who has been hostile towards us from the very beginning. While the fight itself isn't difficult, as Leshiy's on his own and is on a higher floor, getting into the building itself is a bit problematic. Beware of rope traps. When you step into them, a grenade will explode, dealing you a lot of damage and stunning you for a long time. You can disarm the traps by approaching them or taking the grenade.

The sniper rifle deals incredible damage, one accurate shot is enough to kill the opponent. The sniper rifle can hold as many as 10 bullets, which will allow for quick elimination of enemies from a long distance.

Viper Monolith

There is a ladder outside the same building where you fought Leshiy. Climb it to get to the roof.

Go to the other side and use the ladder to go down. Under no circumstances should you jump, as there is a high chance that you will die immediately.

Once you go down, jump onto an even lower building. There you will find a stash with a weapon. It's another rifle, an improved basic Viper. What makes it unique, however, are two accessories included in it: a silencer and a larger magazine.