Ignore the naysayers: the Zone in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is an exhilarating environment full of adventure!
In this treacherous landscape, you can resolve conflicts (often through gunfire), eliminate mutant threats (by shooting them), and thwart malicious factions (with bullets). The variety of challenges ensures there’s never a dull moment.
Survival in the Zone requires a trusty bolt in one hand and a reliable firearm in the other. To help you gear up for whatever ‘issues’ you may face, we present our ranked list of the top weapons available.
Always remember to scavenge for extra ammunition from downed foes—you’ll never know when your faithful firearm might misfire.
10. Grom S-14
OTs-14 (Russia)
The Grom S-14 is a special forces assault rifle superbly designed for close-quarters combat. Compact and efficient, it fires the potent 9x39mm rounds and boasts a standard 20-round magazine.
This versatile weapon is ideal for infiltrating hostile locations, especially with possible modifications for an extended magazine.
While its subsonic rounds are not ideal for long-distance engagements, the 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher adds significant offensive capability.
If you come across this weapon early in your journey, it may be wise to store it until you can amass the funds for ammunition, as 9x39mm rounds and VOG-25 grenades are quite rare initially.
9. Integral-A
KRISS Vector (United States)
Although some criticize the Integral-A submachine gun for influencing dubious futuristic designs, its aesthetic appeal remains undeniable.
Chambered for 9x19mm rounds, this weapon has an astonishing rate of fire unmatched in STALKER 2.
If you manage to obtain one, you can unleash a relentless barrage of fire on your enemies with ease—but be cautious of the relatively small standard magazine size, which can be quickly remedied with modifications.
8. RPM-74
PKM (Soviet Union)
When you desire the firepower of an SMG combined with rifle-like ballistics, the RPM-74 is your go-to weapon.
This belt-fed machine gun uniquely uses 7.62x39mm ammunition, devouring rounds with impressive efficiency.
While its default configuration can be unwieldy, investing a few coupons in modifications transforms it into the quintessential assault weapon in STALKER 2.
Notably, its large 150-round magazine allows for prolonged firepower, and acquiring the 250-round box magazine makes it even more formidable.
Enhancing its ergonomics with a canted foregrip and optics rail will significantly improve your accuracy, making weight the only notable drawback of the RPM.
7. Saiga D-12
Saiga-12 (Russia)
When the famed Kalashnikov design was reimagined as a shotgun, it aimed for utility in security and hunting—ideal for taking down mutants.
The rapid-fire capability of the Saiga D-12 is limited only by your trigger finger, delivering devastating fire with its 8-round magazine. Typically, adversaries caught in its line of fire are unlikely to recover.
This weapon combines the best traits of two powerful shotguns: the semi-automatic action of the SPSA-14 and the magazine-fed design of the modified M860.
While its effectiveness against human foes is compromised compared to mutants, the volume of fire it offers can overwhelm enemies in tight spaces.
6. Mark I EMR
M39 EMR (United States)
Recognizable as a derivation of the M14, the Mark I EMR has undergone significant modernization adjustments.
This conversion yields a contemporary marksman rifle with an updated chassis, utilizing a 10-round magazine in STALKER 2 instead of the traditional 20-round model.
Chambered for the powerful. 308 cartridge, this weapon is capable of delivering lethal headshots that can incapacitate even opponents equipped with exoskeletons. Unfortunately,. 308 rounds are scarce and costly, prompting some players to ponder whether defeating a group of bandits would be more economically feasible than purchasing ammunition.
5. AS Lavina
AS VAL (Soviet Union)
Post-Cold War, two rifles became iconic symbols of Eastern European special forces aesthetics: the AS Lavina and the VS Vintar.
These lightweight tactical rifles feature integral suppressors and fire subsonic 9x39mm rounds, making them ideal for stealth operations.
The Lavina excels in close-quarter encounters, with a 20-round or optional 30-round magazine, delivering an impressive rate of fire.
Its manageable recoil allows for rapid target acquisition and accurate follow-up shots, distinguishing it from other assault rifles in the game.
4. SVU-MK S-3
OTs-03 (Russia)
Imagine harnessing the accuracy of a marksman rifle while enjoying the compact size of a bullpup design.
The SVU-MK S-3, a bullpup variant of the renowned Dragunov rifle, was originally crafted for Russian internal forces and exported selectively to nearby territories.
This rifle comes equipped with a 10-round magazine for the 7.62x54mmR cartridge and features a PSO-1 scope, making it effective at varying ranges.
While it performs admirably up close, its fixed scope limits functionality in close quarters unless modified with a tactical laser.
3. Dnipro
Mayluk (Ukraine)
The Dnipro is a uniquely designed bullpup assault rifle evolved from the AK-74, representing the pinnacle of 5.45x39mm weaponry in STALKER 2.
This impressive firearm supports a variety of optics, offers a silencer option, and features exceptional penetration capabilities.
Using inexpensive 5.45x39mm PS rounds can yield a superior cost-value ratio compared to the AKM-74S, particularly efficient against foes equipped with exoskeletons.
With an ACOG mounted, the Dnipro excels at both close-quarters combat and ranged operations, although it lacks compatibility with a GP-25 grenade launcher.
2. Khard
IWI Carmel (Israel)
The Kharod represents the zenith of Western assault rifles available in the Zone. Its default short barrel configuration makes it particularly effective in confined environments.
Notable for its impressive ballistics and lightweight design, the Kharod is also distinguished by its modularity—offering versatile options such as silencers, various optics, and an under-barrel grenade launcher.
It fires standard 5.56x45mm ammunition, which, although not as popular as the 5.45x39mm, can usually be found at reasonable prices from traders.
1. Gauss Gun
Zone Exclusive
For both newcomers and veteran stalkers, the sound of a charged Gauss Gun instills a sense of dread. Utilizing electromagnetic technology, it propels projectiles at extraordinary velocities.
While heavy, slow to fire, and with ammunition that’s exceedingly scarce, one well-placed shot can penetrate any armor in the game.
Exclusively found in the eerie regions of Pripyat, this weapon is indispensable for breaching heavily fortified positions or when outnumbered, allowing you to make a formidable statement against your enemies.
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