S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Weaponry: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the treacherous Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 requires a robust arsenal. This guide details the diverse range of firearms available, their specifications, and tactical applications within the game's post-apocalyptic setting. From classic designs to experimental weaponry, choosing the right tool is crucial for survival.
Weapon Overview
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 boasts a highly customizable weapon system. Players can modify and upgrade their firearms to match their preferred playstyle. The arsenal includes traditional weapons like assault rifles and sniper rifles, alongside unique and experimental models developed in clandestine military facilities. Each weapon possesses unique attributes—accuracy, damage, reload speed, and range—significantly impacting gameplay. Ammunition selection and weapon modification further enhance strategic options.
Weapon Table
The following table summarizes the key characteristics of each weapon. Note that damage, penetration, rate of fire, range, and accuracy are represented on a relative scale.
Weapon Name |
Image |
Damage |
Penetration |
Rate of Fire |
Range |
Accuracy |
Notes |
AKM-74S |
 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
4.9 |
1.9 |
2.7 |
Versatile medium-range weapon; common from human enemies, rarer early game. |
AKM-74U |
 |
1.0 |
1.1 |
4.92 |
1.2 |
2.5 |
Compact assault rifle, effective at close to medium range; frequently used by enemies. |
APSB |
 |
1.1 |
3.0 |
4.93 |
1.0 |
3.1 |
High penetration pistol, suitable for close to medium range; available from traders. |
AR416 |
 |
0.85 |
1.1 |
4.97 |
1.9 |
3.6 |
High rate of fire, excellent accuracy; ideal for medium to long range; obtainable from enemies and quests. |
AS Lavina |
 |
1.1 |
2.6 |
4.92 |
1.4 |
3.65 |
Powerful assault rifle, effective against armored targets; rare and powerful. |
Beast |
 |
1.1 |
2.8 |
4.9 |
1.9 |
3.0 |
Unique RPM-74 variant; excellent for late-game missions. |
Boomstick |
 |
5.0 |
1.1 |
4.9 |
0.55 |
1.7 |
Powerful shotgun, ideal for close-quarters combat. |
Buket S-2 |
 |
1.2 |
2.1 |
4.9 |
1.3 |
3.3 |
High rate of fire submachine gun; found on enemy corpses. |
Clusterfuck |
 |
1.6 |
2.1 |
4.95 |
2.4 |
4.0 |
High damage, range, and accuracy; excellent for experienced players; obtained during the "Three Captains" quest. |
Combatant |
 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
4.9 |
1.9 |
2.6 |
Balanced assault rifle; obtained from Colonel Korshunov. |
Deadeye |
 |
1.3 |
1.1 |
4.98 |
0.7 |
3.9 |
High accuracy pistol; obtained at the end of the "Ad astra per aspera" mission. |
Decider |
 |
1.1 |
2.1 |
4.95 |
1.9 |
3.0 |
Balanced assault rifle for medium to long range; obtained in the side quest "Unexpected Guests". |
Dnipro |
 |
1.2 |
3.0 |
4.91 |
1.9 |
3.0 |
High damage and penetration assault rifle; available for purchase or crafting. |
Drowned |
 |
1.4 |
1.1 |
4.9 |
1.9 |
2.6 |
Unique assault rifle obtained during a Swamp mission from Buo. |
EM-1 |
 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
0 (single shot) |
5.0 |
5.0 |
Powerful Gauss gun variant; exceptionally high damage and range. |
Encourage |
 |
1.4 |
3.0 |
4.9 |
1.0 |
4.0 |
Unique APSB variant; increased penetration and damage; obtained by killing Colonel Korshunov. |
F-1 Grenade |
 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Classic defensive grenade. |
Fora-221 |
 |
0.9 |
2.1 |
4.98 |
1.9 |
3.0 |
Assault rifle; obtained from human enemies or Ward soldiers. |
Gambit |
 |
1.2 |
1.1 |
4.95 |
0.6 |
3.9 |
Pistol; obtained during the "The Forge of Progress" mission. |
Gangster |
 |
0.5 |
2.1 |
5.0 |
0.7 |
2.1 |
High rate of fire submachine gun for close combat; found during the "A Minor Incident" mission. |
Gauss Gun |
 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
0 (single shot) |
5.0 |
5.0 |
High accuracy and range sniper rifle; obtained through various quests and combat. |
Glutton |
 |
1.1 |
2.5 |
4.9 |
1.9 |
2.5 |
Machine gun found in Rostok; excellent for mid-range combat. |
GP37 |
 |
0.8 |
2.1 |
4.96 |
2.3 |
4.3 |
Versatile assault rifle with good penetration; found in Old Church or Eugene's base. |
Grom S-14 |
 |
0.9 |
2.4 |
4.93 |
1.6 |
3.5 |
Good damage, penetration, and accuracy assault rifle for mid to long range. |
Grom S-15 |
 |
0.9 |
2.4 |
4.9 |
1.6 |
3.8 |
Good damage and accuracy assault rifle; located north of Burning Fire Depot. |
Integral-A |
 |
0.7 |
2.9 |
5.0 |
1.6 |
3.9 |
Effective submachine gun for close combat; available from traders. |
Kharod |
 |
0.9 |
3.0 |
4.93 |
2.3 |
4.2 |
Powerful assault rifle with excellent penetration and accuracy. |
Labyrinth IV |
 |
1.5 |
2.1 |
4.9 |
0.6 |
3.2 |
Excellent damage and penetration; effective at short ranges; obtained in the doctor's secret room during the Kaimanov ending. |
Lynx |
 |
3.5 |
3.0 |
4.9 |
1.9 |
5.0 |
Excellent long-range sniper rifle; high accuracy and damage. |
RPG-7U |
 |
0.5 |
1.1 |
3.0 |
5.0 |
3.45 |
Powerful weapon against vehicles and large targets; found at the "Clear Sky" base. |
Zubr-19 |
 |
1.1 |
2.8 |
4.91 |
1.6 |
3.65 |
Powerful submachine gun; effective at close to mid range; found in Lisov. |
Image sources: game8.co
This detailed breakdown empowers players to strategically select and utilize weapons, maximizing their chances of survival in the challenging world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Remember to adapt your loadout to the specific threats encountered.