6 beginner tips for Stalker 2
Utilizing the right tips for Stalker 2 is imperative for survival in the unforgiving world of the Zone, especially if you're a beginner. Deadly mutants, hostile factions, and hazardous anomalies lurk at every step: thus, survival here is not just about having sharp aim but rather being prepared for whatever the Zone throws your way.
From mastering the survival basics to fine-tuning your combat skills, here are six tips for Stalker 2 to guide you through some of the toughest tests.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.
Beginner tips for Stalker 2
1) Keep an eye on weapon durability
In Stalker 2, weapons deteriorate with use. Thus, one of the most important tips for Stalker 2 is to assess the condition of your guns. If you don't keep track of how worn they are, they may jam in the middle of a firefight. Thus, do so regularly and repair them before their condition becomes critical. Keep spare parts or a repair kit handy so your gun doesn't fail you when you need it most.
2) Travel light
The Zone is a difficult place, and the more gear you carry, the more you'll weigh yourself down. If you overload your backpack, you’ll move slower and eventually lose basic abilities like jumping. Don't over-carry items and weapons, especially early on. Use your inventory space for precious loot items you pick up, such as new weapons and rarer items.
Remember, you need not carry all you find – especially broken items that can't be sold to vendors.
3) Aim for headshots
Attempting headshots is crucial and prioritizing them in every encounter is one of the best tips for Stalker 2. Enemies are tough and shooting them in the body often wastes precious ammo and time. A well-placed shot to the head can down most humanoid enemies with a single hit, saving your ammunition and lessening the damage you take.
Ammo is a scarce resource, so do not waste it by spraying bullets at an enemy's limbs or chest, especially when a headshot is much more effective.
4) Loot everything, especially guns
In Stalker 2, ammo is scarce and valuable. After every firefight, remember to loot weapons from downed enemies. Although they might be broken, you can often strip them for ammo or sell them for cash. When collecting fallen guns, make sure their ammunition is emptied out before leaving them behind. This can provide you with extra bullets and help you prepare for upcoming encounters.
5) Understand ammo types
One of the key tips for Stalker 2 is to manage your ammunition wisely, as they are not all the same. While guns often support different types of ammo, running out of one type doesn’t mean you’re entirely out of options. Use the ‘N’ key on your PC to switch between ammo types, ensuring you’re always prepared for combat.
Many weapons can hold multiple ammo types, so look for the combination that works best for your survival in the Zone.
6) Save your game often
In Stalker 2, survival can be challenging, which is why it's important to save your progress. While the game's autosave system does a good job, it's not nearly as effective when out exploring. A killing anomaly or monster can really set you back. Save manually before taking risks or venturing into new areas. You don't want to lose valuable progress after a tough fight or encounter.
Also check out: All side missions in Stalker 2
Bonus tip for Stalker 2
Rest to recover
While it’s easy to rely on healing items to restore your health, one of the best tips for Stalker 2 is to avoid overusing them, as you may be left empty-handed when you need them most. Instead, use sleeping as a free way to heal. Return to the base and take a snooze: when you wake up, your health should be restored. This may not always be convenient, but it pays off.