Summary
- Upgrade equipment early in STALKER 2 for survival and efficiency in the post-apocalyptic Zone.
- PSZ-V5 Guardian of Freedom armor offers top protection and upgrade options in mid-game.
- Invest in the Valik AKM-74S assault rifle for reliability and upgrade options to improve performance.
STALKER 2 immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangers and mysteries. To survive the threats of the Zone, it is essential to understand and utilize the game's upgrade mechanics, as ignoring these enhancements from the start can put Skif at a disadvantage, especially against the most powerful enemies.
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However, the first hours of the game usually do not provide many resources for the protagonist, so investing in the best items to upgrade first in STALKER 2 is crucial for progressing in the story. Focusing on the right enhancements not only increases survival chances but also optimizes efficiency on the battlefield. Thus, players should not underestimate the importance of enhancing equipment from the beginning to overcome the game's challenges.
1 PSZ-V5 Guardian Of Freedom
One Of The Best Armor Available In Stalker 2's Mid Game
- Type: Suit
- Initial Artifact Slots: 2
- Weight: 7.0 kg
The PSZ-V5 Guardian of Freedom is one of the most effective armor that players can find early in STALKER 2. Developed by the Freedom faction, this armor offers excellent protection against radiation, anomalies, and physical damage, making it essential for surviving the Zone's challenges.
Additionally, the armor can be enhanced to increase the number of artifact slots, allowing players to carry and utilize more of these powerful items. Further upgrades also enhance the character's overall resistances, strengthening defense against various types of damage and solidifying the PSZ-V5 as a strategic choice for advancing in the game.
2 Gas Mask
Essential Protection Against The Dangers Of The Zone
- Type: Mask
- Weight: 2.0 kg
Gas masks in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl are indispensable items for surviving the Zone's hostile environments. They offer vital protection against radiation, toxic gases, and other environmental hazards. Each new mask acquired should be upgraded to maximize its capabilities, allowing the player to explore dangerous areas with greater safety and efficiency.
Moreover, mask upgrades can reduce damage from physical attacks and even cushion projectile impacts. This versatility transforms the item into a key piece for defensive strategies and exploration of high-risk locations. Ignoring improvements can result in vulnerability, limiting the player's progression and increasing the risks of facing anomalies or enemies in contaminated areas.
3 APSB
A Pistol That Benefits From Upgrades
- Caliber: 9x18
- Magazine Capacity: 19
Although not found relatively early in STALKER 2, the APSB is a pistol in which players can invest a good portion of Skif's money to improve it. It is an extremely useful weapon when found, as it has good damage and armor penetration compared to other weapons in its category.
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Furthermore, with some upgrades like a laser sight and a silencer, the APSB not only gains an attractive appearance but also becomes a perfect tool for dealing with humans, providing a stealthy way to eliminate them. The weapon is also highly useful against smaller mutants, making it easy to handle them, especially after upgrades.
4 Debut Suit
More Protection And Artifacts Are Great
- Type: Suit
- Initial Artifact Slots: 1
- Weight: 3.0 kg
One of the first armors that players will find in the early game of STALKER 2 is the Debut Suit, which can be purchased from the Hamster or by exploring the game map; players should also consider upgrading the item. Besides improving the character's resistance to heat or chemicals, the equipment can become even more useful.
That's because, in exchange for some coupons at a Technician, players can also increase the artifact slots that a Debut Suit can carry, something that, if well utilized, can be a game-changer during the first hours of gameplay. Artifacts are powerful equipment in general, especially when well managed, so being able to keep two active right at the beginning is important.
5 M860 Cracker
Reloading This Weapon Faster Is Extremely Useful
- Caliber: 12"/70
- Magazine: 6
Despite the high damage caused by shotguns in the game, weapons in this category have some obvious weaknesses, such as short firing range and slow ammunition reload speed. Thus, the M860 Cracker, although extremely effective in close-range combat, especially against mutants, has some areas for improvement.
Players of STALKER 2 who wish to upgrade the M860 Cracker can optimize its performance by enhancing reload speed and reducing shot dispersion. Through these improvements, a quicker response in critical situations is possible, making the shotgun one of the most reliable weapons for close combat.
6 Drowned
An Improved Variant Of The AKM-74S With Installed Upgrades
- Caliber: 5.45x39
- Magazine: 30
The Drowned is an enhanced version of the AKM-74S rifle that already comes with installed upgrades, making it an attractive option for players seeking additional firepower early in the game. With prior modifications, this weapon offers superior performance compared to standard versions, making it easier to face more resistant enemies.
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Furthermore, it can be taken to technicians for new adjustments, such as increasing accuracy and improving armor penetration. These enhancements turn the Drowned into an even more powerful weapon, ideal for combating well-protected enemies in the early stages of STALKER 2. Investing in the Drowned from the beginning can be crucial for survival in the Zone.
7 Valik AKM-74S
The Best Weapon Players Can Find In The Early Game
- Caliber: 5.45x39
- Magazine: 30
Although there are several variations of this equipment, Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S is the most useful and powerful weapon available at the beginning of STALKER 2. Unlike common versions found at the start of the game, it already comes equipped with a scope, making it a powerful tool for long-distance combat.
However, it is still possible to further upgrade the equipment, even if more modestly compared to other gear found in STALKER 2. Reducing its weight is a good way to free up inventory space for new equipment, but increasing its effectiveness, such as greater shooting precision, is also an intelligent choice.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
- Released
- November 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- GSC Game World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Open-World, Post-Apocalyptic, Survival
