The Best Assault Rifles In STALKER 2: Heart Of Chornobyl

Key Takeaways

• Assault rifles are versatile and common in
  STALKER 2
  , with unique variants and stats.
• Choose weapons based on their accuracy, range, and damage capabilities in-game.
• Different assault rifles have varying reliabilities, upgrades, and tactical advantages.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the newest entry in the beloved STALKER franchise, has finally been released. As players take to The Zone in order to recover mysterious, otherworldly artifacts, they will encounter the many dangers, both human and inhuman, that dwell within. As a result, it is important that they have the right equipment, with weaponry in particular being of critical importance.

Though there are several factors that can affect a weapon’s performance, such as degradation and attachments, each weapon in the game does come with a set of base statistics and there are some considerable differences between them. Assault rifles are the most common weapon type found throughout STALKER 2 and also the most versatile. Whether clearing buildings or fighting at range, assault rifles tend to have all bases covered, and a variety of unique rifles can also be found throughout the game with their own enhanced stats.

9 AKM-74U

A Basic Survivor’s Weapon, Weak Vs Mutants

The AKM-47U is a relatively common and weak assault rifle found throughout the game, most often on the bodies of lower-level enemies. While it can hold its own against some unarmored human enemies, it will really struggle against even the most basic mutants.

Though several upgrades can make the gun better, it is best kept as a backup for more powerful weapons. Reliability can also be an issue for the AKM-47U, but luckily, a replacement is going to be very easy to find.

8 AR416

A Weak But Accurate AR With Unique Variants

The AR416 is a more substantial weapon with a noticeable increase in accuracy. While it might not have the greatest stopping power, the AR416 is still decent enough for an assault rifle and will serve players well in the early game.

There are several unique variations of the AR416 throughout the game, each with improved stats and attachments. The Unknown Stalker’s AR416 can be obtained by completing the “Poppy Field” quest, while the AR416 Monolith can be purchased with the Deluxe Edition DLC.

7 Grom S-14

A Solid AR With A Variety of Uses

The Grom S-14 is a considerable step up when compared with weaker assault rifles, offering high accuracy, range, and penetration, as well as marginally increased damage. This rifle can be bought from the trader, Wreck, in Yaniv Station.

With a few upgrades, the Grom S-14 can easily carry players through the mid-game, but its style might not be suited to everyone, and its small mag capacity makes full auto mode a big risk. If found, a Grom S-14 can be sold for up to 24,814 Coupons.

6 AS Lavina

A Powerful Silenced Rifle Ideal Against Human Enemies

The AS Lavina is a very solid assault rifle with a focus on penetration and accuracy. It can be obtained either from Wreck at Yaniv Station, or from Death Cave in the Cordon region. If looking for the weapon in Death Cave, keep in mind that it will likely be guarded by a Controller Mutant.

The AS Lavina also has a unique variant, the SA-U Gabion, which is included in the Deluxe Edition DLC and has improved stats as well as several useful attachments. Overall, it makes for an excellent mid-range weapon, particularly against human enemies.

5 Fora-221

A Strong Rifle With Great Upgrade Potential

The Fora-221 is one of the stronger assault rifles in STALKER 2, and it has some of the highest accuracy out of any assault rifle in the game. The rifle is most commonly found as a drop from stronger, well-armed enemies such as Ward Soldiers.

Though it may suffer from its poor durability, often requiring repairs and risking jamming at crucial moments, when it does work it is a brilliant and efficient weapon — especially in semi-auto. A unique variant of the Fora-221, Lullaby, can be obtained by unlocking the Chemical Plant region as part of the main story, and is found in a Journalist Stash in the Army Warehouse.

4 AKM-74S

A Strong But Common Weapon With Several Unique Variants

The AKM-74S is a mid-level assault rifle found by defeating reasonably armed enemies such as ISPF guards. With slightly above-average damage, the AKM-74S can hold its own against some smaller mutants, and should have little trouble taking down lighter-armed human enemies as well.

The AKM-74S is known for its reliability and will degrade at a slightly slower rate than some other weapons. Several unique variations of the AKM-74S can be found throughout the game, including Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S, the Drowned variant, and the Combatant variant.

3 GP37

A Highly Accurate Long Range Rifle

This lightweight German assault rifle is arguably the most accurate rifle in the game, and can be found in the Plant Boiler Station area of the Garbage region. Though it lacks the power of some other ARs, the GP37 makes up for it with supreme accuracy, range, and penetration.

This weapon also comes with a scope equipped as standard, though further enhancements can also be made. The GP37 makes for an ideal main weapon, particularly when faced with tougher enemies, including mutants.

2 Dnipro

An Excellent General-Purpose AR Good In All Areas

The Dnipro is an elite-tier Special Forces rifle with exceptional accuracy and penetration relative to other assault rifles. It can be purchased for a high price from Wreck at Yaniv Station, or will occasionally be found on higher-level enemies and dead Stalkers.

With a relatively lightweight and compact design, the Dnipro can be great as a secondary weapon for those who may prefer sniper rifles or other weapon types, but it is more than powerful enough to serve as a primary weapon too.

1 Kharod

A Supremely Powerful Elite Rifle With Unrivaled Base Stats

The Kharod is the strongest of the AR models in the game and, as a result, is also one of the most valuable as well. With high damage, penetration, and accuracy, the Kharod is ideal for mid-to-long-range confrontations and will be effective against both humans and mutants.

On top of its inventory advantages and overall performance, the Kharod can also be upgraded with various powerful accessories. If brought to a vendor, a Kharod in good condition can fetch up to 27,697 Coupons.