The Best Early Game Guns In STALKER 2, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Skif Pistol is a valuable backup weapon for early-game challenges
• Boomstick offers high damage with little ammo, great for mutants
• AKM-74U provides versatility and efficiency for facing early-game obstacles

One of the most important aspects in the inventory of any Stalker wishing to explore the dangers of The Zone is the arsenal of weapons chosen. Although options are scarce in the early hours of the game, the hostile environment of STALKER 2 still offers different equipment that can make the beginning of the journey easier.

Therefore, the best weapons for the early game of STALKER 2 are those that can be found in missions or loot during missions and have attributes that make a difference in a firefight. Thus, players who desire a strong start in the game should consider some of these options as the protagonist’s main equipment.

7 Skif Pistol

Can Save The Character In Crucial Moments

• Caliber: 9×18
• Magazine: 8

Being the initial equipment that the character has after finishing the prologue of the story, the Makarov Pistol that Skif, the protagonist, possesses is not designed to be the main option, but it is still one of the best early game guns in STALKER 2. This is because, considering the scarce resources at the beginning, it is quite useful.

It does not weigh down the inventory and cannot be sold, so players can explore The Zone with it equipped and have a last option in case the other guns run out of ammo or are broken. In some more critical situations, the Skif Pistol is an excellent backup weapon and also an economical gun to carry.

6 Boomstick

High Damage For Little Ammo

• Caliber: 9×18
• Magazine: 8

Although it requires exposing oneself to enemies to attack them, unlike other guns, shotguns are capable of dealing significant damage and ending a fight quickly. Therefore, the Boomstick is an excellent option for a novice Stalker in The Zone, being able to handle especially the mutants that inhabit the area.

Shotgun ammunition is also an abundant resource in The Zone and can be easily found by looting containers and defeating enemies, although in this situation, equipment will usually not be in the best condition. It is also possible to purchase it from vendors relatively cheaply.

5 AKM-74U

An Option That Can Be A Lifesaver In The Game

• Caliber: 5.45×39
• Magazine: 30

The AKM-74U is a versatile and efficient weapon for the early game in STALKER 2. Its combination of power and handling makes it easier to face the initial challenges in The Zone, mainly because it has an excellent rate of fire, allowing players to deal with enemies quickly during the game’s combats.

It is also relatively easy to find the AKM-74U throughout the game, as it can be easily acquired in specialized shops or found on the bodies of defeated enemies as part of the loot. Although it has a higher rate of fire than the AKM-74S, its accuracy is lower, requiring good recoil control to maximize its effectiveness in combat.

4 M860 Cracker

A Powerful Pump-Action Shotgun For The Early Game

• Caliber: 12″/70
• Magazine: 6

The M860 Cracker is a powerful pump-action shotgun and one of the best options for the early game in STALKER 2. Superior to the Sawed-Off shotguns found on most bandits, it offers greater reliability and damage, being extremely useful also for combating mutants that usually tank a lot of damage from enemies.

Despite being an excellent option for the beginning of the game, players still need to complete some missions to obtain it, as it is not available from Hamster in Zalissya. Thus, heading to Huron in Slag Heap is necessary to acquire this powerful gun.

3 Viper-5

A Favorite Option Among Many Stalkers

• Caliber: 9×19
• Magazine: 30

One of the most abundant weapons in the early game of STALKER 2 is the Viper-5, which can be found in loots, enemies, or even in some missions, making it an excellent option for the first hours. The map is filled with ammunition to be used with it, in addition to having a magazine of 30 rounds, making it strong equipment.

Moreover, considering that the game has a system where weapons deteriorate over time, the Viper-5 has a relatively low cost to repair, but given the number of options that exist throughout the map, it is easier to simply find a new one in the loots. Another advantage is stability, as its recoil is not usually as strong as that of other guns.

2 TOZ-34

The Best Shotgun For The Start Of The Journey

• Caliber: 12″/70
• Magazine: 2

Shotguns are simple weapons to use and deal a lot of damage, so Stalkers venturing through The Zone need to have one of these in their inventory, even if only as a secondary option. In this context, for the early game of STALKER 2, the best option is the TOZ-34.

Compared to the Boomsticks that players find more easily, this shotgun has better accuracy, being a perfect option for combats that happen in closed environments. It is possible to buy it at Hamster’s shop in Zalissya or on the body of a fallen Stalker during the secondary mission The Lost Boys.

1 Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S

A Reliable Gun For The Early Game Of STALKER 2

• Caliber: 9×19
• Magazine: 30

While trying to survive The Zone, it is important that the Stalker can hit as many enemies as possible and stay in a safe position. Therefore, having a weapon that can aim at long-distance targets is fundamental, making the AKM-74S one of the best early-game guns in STALKER 2.

There are different ways to obtain this equipment, but the easiest is to do the first mission for Warlock, as it is possible to find one at the top of the Water Tower during the secondary quest. In addition to having a scope that provides extra range, the gun also has a fast reload time, making it one of the best options at the beginning of the game.