Welcome to the Zone, rookie Stalker! As you embark on your journey, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right gear to enhance your chances of survival. Beyond selecting a reliable primary and secondary weapon, don’t underestimate the importance of quality armor and useful artifacts.
The diverse range of weapon types and loadouts can significantly impact your gameplay, allowing for various styles tailored to specific mission objectives and the enemies you may confront. Whether you’re navigating the eerie tunnels of X-Lab or scavenging for artifacts amid treacherous anomalies, having the right equipment is essential for success.
This guide presents several ideal builds for beginners, all of which feature gear accessible in the early game regions: The Lesser Zone and Garbage. Armed with these recommended setups, you’ll be well-equipped to progress through mid-game challenges and the overarching story, no matter your preferred approach.
1. Basic Bandit
You’re Just A Rookie, After All
| Primary Weapon | TOZ-34 |
| Secondary Weapon | Viper-5 |
| Armor | Armored Bandit Jacket |
| Artifact | Spring/Cavity |
The Basic Bandit build is perfect for newcomers looking to blend in with the Lesser Zone’s crowd. This setup ensures you stay combat-ready while embracing your inner bandit. Although it may not withstand encounters with advanced factions, the TOZ-34 shotgun paired with the Viper-5 effectively deals with lower-tier threats like mutants and rival bandits.
The Armored Bandit Jacket provides solid early-game protection, allowing you to maintain an authentic appearance. Coupled with artifacts like the Spring or Cavity, you’ll enhance your loot-carrying capacity, making this build effective.
2. Lummox Selection
Take What You Can Get
| Primary Weapon | Lummox’s AKM-74S option |
| Secondary Weapon | Any |
| Armor | Debut Suit |
| Artifact | Any |
Establish friendship with Valik Lummox through the ‘Warlock’s Debtor’ quest in Zalissya, where you can acquire an improved gear set beyond the basic bandit configuration, along with some extra cash.
By opting for Valik’s side during a confrontational scenario, you can claim his special scoped AKM-74S, which proves advantageous during the game’s initial stages, thanks to its plentiful ammo supply. Choose any secondary weapon and artifact to complement your arsenal for smoother navigation through the Zone.
3. CQB Skif
Clear Buildings Like A True Point Man
| Primary Weapon | M860 Cracker |
| Secondary Weapon | Bouquet S-2 |
| Armor | Any |
| Artifact | Weird Ball |
In STALKER 2, close-quarters combat (CQC) is a common necessity. Whether you’re infiltrating Noontide bases or raiding SIRCAA, preparing for intense encounter is vital. For such scenarios, a shotgun becomes indispensable.
The M860 Cracker, available in Nestor’s stash after the “The Price Goes Up”mission, is a top-tier shotgun. Pair it with the Buket S-2, an effective secondary weapon with a rapid rate of fire for high damage output in tight spaces.
The Weird Ball artifact, recoverable from Bulba’s anomaly, substantially reduces bullet damage, allowing for more aggressive playstyles alongside a decent armor set like the PSZ-7. This gear equips you for confidently engaging foes around corners.
4. Three-Line Hunter
Turn The Zone Into A Mutant Safari
| Primary Weapon | Three-Line Rifle |
| Secondary Weapon | Viper-5 |
| Armor | Sunrise Suit |
| Artifact | Any |
The Three-Line Rifle, a newer addition, offers early access to a sniper experience. Although it’s not the most powerful rifle in the game, it’s valuable, especially when confronting bandit outposts or dispatching mutants from a distance.
While ammo may be costly, the long-range advantage it offers is considerable. A backup such as the Viper-5 or a shotgun is suitable for close encounters, while the robust Sunrise Suit ensures solid protection against physical damage.
5. Artificer
For The Long Haul
| Primary Weapon | M860 Cracker |
| Secondary Weapon | Shah’s Mate |
| Armor | PSZ-5V Guardian of Freedom Suit |
| Artifact | Any |
The most lucrative activity in the Zone is artifact hunting, which requires an efficient detector. Completing the “Budmo!”side quest grants access to a Hilka detector, a significant upgrade from basic models.
The M860 Cracker serves as a reliable primary weapon against mutants, while the unique Shah’s Mate SMG enhances your secondary options.
Additionally, the PSZ-5V Guardian of Freedom Suit, obtainable from The Brood in Garbage, provides excellent defense against various hazards. Utilize specialist artifacts, such as the Rat King, to improve survivability while artifact hunting.
6. Ninja
Who Said You Can’t Use Stealth?
| Primary Weapon | Spitter |
| Secondary Weapon | M10 Gordon (silenced) |
| Armor | Any |
| Artifact | Weird Flower |
In situations where a direct assault isn’t sensible, a stealth-based approach becomes advantageous. Silencers are key, and they can be found in various locations throughout the Lesser Zone and Garbage stashes, as well as from traders.
The Spitter, a unique version of the Buket S-2, excels at stealth engagements, while the M10 Gordon silenced variant serves as an effective sidearm. The Weird Flower artifact, located in the northern Poppy Field, enhances your stealth capabilities, making it harder for enemies to detect your presence.
7. Freedom Fighter
Represent The People’s Will
| Primary Weapon | Drowned |
| Secondary Weapon | SVDM-2 |
| Armor | Wind of Freedom Suit |
| Artifact | Any |
Secure the unique rifle, Drowned, located at the Slag Heap radioactive pool near the southern entry point, and obtain the powerful SVDM-2 sniper rifle in the Plant area where Varan lurks.
Your primary target, however, should be the Wind of Freedom suit, which not only appears soldier-worthy but also offers impressive stats, ensuring great overall performance throughout the early game.
8. Ecologist
The Best Kit In The Early Game
| Primary Weapon | Out-221 |
| Secondary Weapon | Bouquet S-2 |
| Armor | SSP-99 Ecologist Suit |
| Artifact | Thunderberry |
The SSP-99 Ecologist Suit stands out as one of the best early-game gear choices due to its exceptional balance of protection. You can discover this suit in the toxic rooms after engaging with Scar in the “Behind Seven Seals”mission.
As for weaponry, the Fora-221 is arguably the top assault rifle during the early game, frequently found among fallen stalkers in initial areas. For secondary encounters, the Buket S-2 fits the bill perfectly.
Additionally, acquiring the Thunderberry artifact increases your stamina and load-carrying capacity early on, as it can occasionally spawn at the Electric Field near Slag Heap.
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