STALKER 2: Tips and tricks

The world of STALKER 2 is a brutal and demanding reality that does not forgive mistakes. New players unaccustomed to the realities of the Zone may feel overwhelmed by the variety of dangers and mechanics. On this guide page, we have prepared a set of useful tips that will help you survive the first hours in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

• The compass is very sensitive. Use it to avoid danger
• X on the compass indicates the bodies of fallen enemies
• Always unload captured weapons
• Aim for the head
• Don't be afraid to run away
• Search for stashes - you'll find some valuable items there
• Think about the way you organize your equipment
• The right weapon for the right occasion
• Be careful where you're going
• Take advantage of fights between NPCs

The compass is very sensitive. Use it to avoid danger

The compass visible at the top of the screen not only indicates the mission marker and important objects, but will also warn you of any approaching threats. If it starts to glow red and an arrow appears next to your crosshair, it means that an enemy mutant or human is nearby. The threat warning system is quite sensitive and often acts much earlier than you. A quick retreat in such a situation can help you avoid a dangerous confrontation.

X on the compass indicates the bodies of fallen enemies

Another clue related to the compass involves corpses. If you can't find the corpses of enemies after you're done fighting, look at the radar at the top of the screen. The small grey X will lead you to each body in the area.

Always unload captured weapons

In the Zone, every bullet is worth its weight in gold. Remember to unload any captured weapons you find. You will do this on the equipment screen by clicking on a specific weapon and selecting Unload from the context menu.

Aim for the head

Although bonus damage for a headshot is nothing extraordinary in FPS games, it has even greater significance in STALKER 2. Opponents can often be real bullet sponges, especially if your shots are not very precise (this particularly applies to armored, human enemies). However, a precise shot or two to the head can quickly end an enemy charge and save you a lot of trouble and bullets. Make sure you maintain a steady hand and a sharp eye.

Don't be afraid to run away

The Zone is a deadly dangerous place and a tactical retreat is not something you should be ashamed of. If a fight isn't going your way, don't hesitate to escape the dangerous area. A large part of the enemies will quickly lose interest and will not chase after you.

Search for stashes - you'll find some valuable items there

Your progress in STALKER 2 is almost entirely based on acquiring better equipment. Stashes are special caches full of supplies left by other stalkers across the Zone. You will learn their location during side quests and by eavesdropping on conversations (e.g. on the radio), reading notes or simply exploring the game world. The locations will appear on the map in the form of an icon with three triangles.

Keep your eyes wide open and look for hidden treasures. The equipment you find very often will be much better than the common items available everywhere else.

Stashes are often located in basements or on upper floors. They are usually hidden quite well. Get ready to search the locations thoroughly when approaching the marker on the map.

Think about the way you organize your equipment

Skif's equipment is heavily limited and fills up quickly. When setting off on an expedition, think about what is essential to you and what can be left behind. If you're overloaded, you will be weaker. Cluttered equipment will also prevent you from collecting loot.

The right weapon for the right occasion

Have a few pieces of weapons at hand, adapted to different situations. A scoped rifle will be useful during precise ranged combat, while a shotgun or a short submachine gun will work much better indoors. Do not waste valuable ammunition trying to fight using a poor arsenal.

Don't forget that you can also change the fire mode. It can be switched in the weapon selection wheel (TAB button). Shooting in bursts is tempting, but sometimes it's better to impose a limit on yourself so as not to run out of bullets too quickly.

Be careful where you're going

Listen to the beeping of the scanner. One careless step in the Zone can throw you into a dangerous anomaly, which can kill the protagonist.

While searching buildings, look under your feet as well. The rooms are often mined or booby-trapped. Activating a grenade can be as deadly as entering an anomaly.

Take advantage of fights between NPCs

Opportunism in the Zone pays off. You will often witness shootouts between representatives of hostile factions. Stand on the sidelines and when the fighting dies down, loot the corpses.

You can even deliberately direct enemies at NPCs that are neutral towards you. Then, they will join the fight and help you get rid of the danger along the way.