Stalker 2 offers a wide variety of weapons to suit your playstyle, whether you prefer close-quarters combat, mid-range firefights, or long-range sniping. Each weapon has its own unique feel, handling characteristics, and damage output, making no two guns exactly alike.
Recommended VideosBut with so many options available, which ones are worth keeping in your loadout? In this Stalker 2 weapon tier list, we’ll rank all the guns from best to worst, helping you decide which weapons to prioritize and which ones to discard or sell as you progress through the game.
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- Stalker 2: Best Assault Rifles and How To Get Them
- Stalker 2: Best Shotguns and How To Get Them
- Best Armor Sets in Stalker 2 And How To Get Them
- Stalker 2: Best Artifact Detectors and How to Get Them
All Common Weapons Ranked in Stalker 2
Screenshot by Prima Games TiersWeaponsS-TierM701 Super, Rhino, Ram-2, Saiga D-12, Gauss Gun, Mark 1 EMR, Dnipro, Kharod, Zubr-19, APSBA-TierSVU-MK S-3, SVDM-2, Integral-A, SPSA-14, GP37, VS Vintar, M860 Cracker, Fora-221B-TierAR416, AKM-74S, Buket S-2, AS Lavina, Skif’s Pistol, Grom S-14, RPM-74, AKM-74U, Viper-5, M10 Gordon, UDP CompactC-TierPTM, Toz-33, Boomstick, RPG-7US-Tier
M701 Super
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight4.5 kgCaliber.308Gun Health3000 HPDurability450Damage160 dmgDPS77Efficiency21%RPM29 rpmRange500 mDrop Off280 mAccuracy 90%Recoil1000Fire ModeMANUALMagazine Size5The M701 Super is one of the top sniper rifles in Stalker 2, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer eliminating threats from a distance. With its respectable magazine size and outstanding damage per shot, this rifle can take down hostile human NPCs with a single shot and requires only a few more rounds to deal with tougher mutants.
Screenshot by Prima GamesObtaining the M701 Super is relatively straightforward compared to other weapons on this list. To find it, head to the rooftop of the Bread Factory, located just north of Yaniv Station. If exploring is not your thing, you can purchase the rifle from Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite.
Additionally, there is a chance the M701 Super may show up for sale at the Wreck Vendor in Yaniv Station. If it is not available right away, keep progressing through the story, and it will eventually appear for purchase.
Rhino
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight1.5 kgCaliber9×39Gun Health3000 HPDurability450Damage100 dmgDPS264Efficiency45%RPM158 rpmRange300 mDrop Off80 mAccuracy 83%Recoil850Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size6When it comes to pistols, few can match the firepower of the Rhino. This exceptional handgun can quickly dispatch even heavily armored enemies wearing exoskeletons. It is also highly effective against mutants like Controllers and Bloodsuckers, making it a valuable addition to your arsenal.
The easiest way to obtain the Rhino for free is by looting it from a crashed helicopter in Malachite. To find the helicopter, cross the Scorcher Checkpoint and follow the trail until you spot the wreckage. If you would rather skip the exploration, you can buy the Rhino from Arkhyp Lichen, a trader located at the Pile Driver point of interest in the Red Forest region.
You can also find another Rhino pistol from Market POI east from the Bread Factory in the Jupiter region. Free is always better than buying weapons by spending coupons.
Ram-2
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3 kgCaliber12″/70Gun Health3000 HPDurability525Damage150 dmgDPS300Efficiency27%RPM120 rpmRange200 mDrop Off70 mAccuracy 48%Recoil1900Fire ModeManualMagazine Size14Shotguns are the most powerful weapons for close-quarters combat in Stalker 2, and the Ram-2 easily claims the top spot. This mid-to-late-game shotgun offers impressive range and firepower, but there are only a few ways to acquire it.
To get the Ram-2 for free, head to the Energiya Vehicle Station point of interest (POI) in the Malachite region. This is the first POI you will encounter after crossing the Malachite Checkpoint. Look for the building to the north of the station—inside, you will find the Ram-2 shotgun near a chest and some barrels.
If you would prefer to buy it, the Ram-2 is available from the Wreck Vendor in Yaniv Station. Additionally, a late-game vendor named Bison, located in the Prypiat region, also sells this shotgun. Depending on your progress, you can check with either vendor based on your location.
Saiga D-12
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.6 kgCaliber12″/70Gun Health2700 HPDurability450Damage140 dmgDPS1400Efficiency26%RPM600 rpmRange150 mDrop Off50 mAccuracy 39%Recoil1800Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size8 / 12 / 20While the Ram-2 is undoubtedly the best and most lethal shotgun, the Saiga D-12 is a close contender. One of its main advantages is that it becomes available much earlier in Stalker 2, allowing you to use it extensively before the Ram-2 becomes an option.
The earliest opportunity to obtain the Saiga D-12 is during the mission “In Search of a Guide” in the Zaton region. In this mission, Nimble, an NPC guide who previously helped Faust, drops the Saiga D-12 in a cutscene. You can pick up the gun afterward, but be aware that it will have low durability and will need repairs before use.
Screenshot by Prima GamesAnother free Saiga D-12 can be found near the Car Dump POI. The weapon is located on a platform above the area. To reach it, you will need to first go through an electric anomaly, so proceed cautiously.
If you would rather skip exploration, you can purchase the Saiga D-12 from Wreck, the vendor at Yaniv Station.
Gauss Gun
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight7 kgCaliberCartridgeGun Health3750 HPDurability300Damage500 dmgDPS209Efficiency13%RPM25 rpmRange1000 mDrop Off1000 mAccuracy 100%Recoil500Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size10 / 20The Gauss Gun is one of the most advanced sniper rifles in Stalker 2, outperforming nearly every other ranged weapon in the game. This single-shot powerhouse boasts an incredible 500 damage per shot, capable of one-shotting even the most heavily armored Monolith soldiers in the Jupiter and Prypiat regions.
However, the Gauss Gun’s biggest drawback is not its damage or range—it’s its limited accessibility. This is a late-game weapon that can only be acquired in the Prypiat region. You will find it inside the Prometheus Movie Theater while progressing through the “The Road to the Foundation” main mission.
Screenshot by Prima GamesIf waiting until late in the game is not appealing, you can unlock a less durable version of the Gauss Gun earlier by completing the “In the Name of Science” side mission. During this mission, make sure to disable the jammers. This action will extend the quest, and by the end, you’ll receive the Gauss Gun as a reward.
Another option is to obtain the Gauss Gun as a random drop from Monolith soldiers. These enemies have a chance to carry it, particularly during their assaults on Yaniv Station later in the game.
Mark 1 EMR
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight4.1 kgCalibre.308Gun Health1500 HPDurability450Damage55 dmgDPS393Efficiency9%RPM429 rpmRange350 mDrop Off300 mAccuracy 70%Recoil700Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size10 / 20It is no secret that sniper rifles are among the best weapons in Stalker 2, offering unmatched damage from long distances. For these reasons, the Mark 1 EMR is another excellent choice, and you can obtain it relatively early in the game.
To get a free Mark 1 EMR, head to the Army Warehouses, located south of the Chemical Plant region. Look for the middle watchtower in the area—this is where the rifle is located.
If you have not gained access to the Chemical Plant early or did not side with the Ward faction, you can still purchase the Mark 1 EMR from select vendors.
The Wreck Vendor at Yaniv Station has a chance to stock the Mark 1 EMR. Additionally, WO Komisarov, a vendor in the Cement Factory region, may offer it for sale. Be sure to check with both vendors if you are unable to find the rifle through exploration.
Dnipro
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight2.9 kgCaliber5.45×39Gun Health3000 HPDurability1807Damage23 dmgDPS243Efficiency12%RPM632 rpmRange300 mDrop Off200 mAccuracy 60%Recoil242Fire ModeAuto, SingleMagazine Size30 / 45Assault rifles in Stalker 2 offer a great balance of power and a higher rate of fire compared to sniper rifles. The Dnipro, in particular, is a beast in close-quarters combat, especially when you are navigating tight spaces inside buildings and need to handle enemies at close to mid-range with ease.
What makes the Dnipro stand out is not just its firepower—it is also accessible mid-game and remains effective all the way through to the late game.
The first chance to obtain the Dnipro comes when you visit the South Cooling Tower point of interest (POI). Look for a unique fire whirl anomaly at this location—it will teleport you nearby and eventually take you to the top of the cooling tower. Once there, you will find the Dnipro rifle near a chest.
Screenshot by Prima GamesIf you missed the Cooling Towers and progressed to the Red Forest through main missions, you can still get the Dnipro. Head to the Lishchyna Facility in the eastern part of the Red Forest to find the rifle waiting for you inside.
For players who prefer to skip exploration, the Dnipro can also be purchased from the Wreck Vendor at Yaniv Station, provided you have some spare coupons.
Kharod
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.3 kgCalibre5.56×45Gun Health2700 HPDurability1534Damage18 dmgDPS212Efficiency10%RPM706 rpmRange350 mDrop Off250 mAccuracy 84%Recoil165Fire ModeAuto, SingleMagazine Size30For a slightly less powerful assault rifle with lower DPS than the Dnipro, the Khardo is an excellent alternative. It is a reliable mid-game weapon that can carry you through tough encounters in the Jupiter and Prypiat regions, particularly because of its effectiveness against armored targets.
To get the Khardo, visit the Trailer Dump POI, located north of the Yantar Production Complex. Look for a locker room near a riverside building and use the passcode 5578 to unlock it.
Another free Khardo can be looted at the Mobile Enterprise Building POI in the Jupiter region, an end-game location. To reach it, jump down through a hole in the garage roof, and you will find the rifle inside.
Lastly, you can always purchase Kharod from Wreck at Yaniv Station if the above-mentioned exploration options are too much for you.
Zubr-19
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight2.1 kgCaliber9×19Gun Health3000 HPDurability1796Damage20 dmgDPS223Efficiency18%RPM667 rpmRange250 mDrop Off120 mAccuracy 73%Recoil176Fire ModeAuto, SingleMagazine Size50 / 64SMGs like the Zubr-19 are exceptional weapons in Stalker 2, particularly for taking down armored enemies or handling groups of mutants at close range. With its large magazine size, high rate of fire (RPM), and impressive damage, the Zubr-19 excels in situations where speed and firepower are essential.
It is a fantastic choice as a primary weapon when navigating hot zones with multiple hostiles, allowing you to clear threats quickly and efficiently.
You can find the Zubr-19 for free in two key locations during your playthrough. In the Chemical Plant region, if you side with the Ward faction early in the game, head northeast from the Pallet Warehouse POI. Inside a nearby warehouse with a door near a medic, you can unlock the door with the code 8506 to claim the Zubr-19.
Another opportunity to grab this SMG comes in the STC Malachite region. North of the X17 Lab POI lies the Brain Scorcher POI. Look for a box near a safe, which can be accessed by jumping across containers to enter the hangar.
APSB
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight1.1 kgCaliber9×18Gun Health3000 HPDurability630Damage20 dmgDPS236Efficiency9%RPM706 rpmRange150 mDrop Off80 mAccuracy 63%Recoil150Fire Mode3BMagazine Size18 / 30If handguns are more your style, the APSB is an excellent option to consider after the Rhino. This pistol’s three-round burst fire makes it highly efficient in combat, often delivering a headshot with the third round when you aim at an enemy’s chest. This feature enables the APSB to take down unarmored enemies with a single burst, making it a lethal secondary weapon.
Screenshot by Prima GamesThere are a few ways to obtain the APSB pistol. In the Stechanka POI, southwest of the Promin CMD Factory, a free, 100%-durability APSB can be found sitting on a pallet on the roof.
Alternatively, you can explore the swamp area west of the Akhroprom Factory. In the underground section of this location, you will find a large safeguarded by two Controller mutants, and the APSB pistol will be inside the safe.
For players who prefer not to explore, the APSB can also be purchased from Arkhyp Lichen, a trader located in the Red Forest region. While exploration may demand time and resources, these weapons are worth the effort for any survivor seeking the best weapons for survival in Stalker 2.
A-Tier
SVU-MK S-3
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight4.4 kgCaliber7.62×54Gun Health2700 HPDurability270Damage80 dmgDPS800Efficiency6%RPM600 rpmRange450 mDrop Off350 mAccuracy 84%Recoil850Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size10 / 20The SVU-MK S-3 is a versatile sniper rifle in Stalker 2 that stands out for its high rate of fire, making it an excellent choice for players who want to combine precision with rapid follow-up shots. While it does not deliver the same damage per bullet as top-tier sniper rifles of the S-tier we mentioned above, its higher RPM allows it to double as an alternative to an assault rifle, letting you quickly eliminate enemies with well-placed headshots before they even pinpoint your location.
To obtain the SVU-MK S-3 for free, head north of the Parking Lot POI to the Quarry, where you will spot a rusted crane. Climb to the top of this crane, and you will find the SVU-MK S-3 waiting to be looted.
Screenshot by Prima GamesAnother method is to unlock the door at the Lisovyi POI, located in the western part of the Yaniv Region. Use the code 240983 to open the door, which leads underground. Inside, you will find the SVU-MK S-3 ready for the taking.
SVDM-2
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight4.9 kgCaliber7.62×54Gun Health1950 HPDurability270Damage70 dmgDPS700Efficiency8%RPM600 rpmRange400 mDrop Off320 mAccuracy 75%Recoil1000Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size10SVDM-2 is another excellent single-firing sniper rifle that one should have in Stalker 2. The range, accuracy, and damage are the best parts of having this gun in your arsenal. Engaging enemies up close and personal is never a good idea, so SVDM-2 will help you nail the enemies down from mid- to long-range very easily.
There are several ways to obtain SVDM-2 for yourself and the first opportunity comes to you when you visit Rostok region. Just northeast of the Chystohalivka POI in Rostok, you will find a bunker hole with a rusted car and a few rocks. You will find SVDM-2 inside this hole in an open box.
You get another chance to get SVDM-2 for free in the Wild Islands region. You will find a cave between the Pontoon Depot and the Shelter POI. Go inside it and get the SVDM-2 sniper rifle for free.
Integral-A
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight2.7 kgCaliber9×19Gun Health2700 HPDurability1174Damage13 dmgDPS217Efficiency9%RPM1000 rpmRange250 mDrop Off150 mAccuracy 78%Recoil155Fire ModeAutomatic, 2 Bursts, SingleMagazine Size20 / 30Integral-A is one of the best SMGs to have, especially in the early game when you have gained access to the Garbage or the Chemical Plant area in Stalker 2. Even though it has decent damage, recoil, and close-range accuracy, the best part about the weapon is its low weight.
Getting weight encumbrance is one of the problems in the early game but with Integral-A, you will hardly get the need to carry a heavy-weight gun with you; this one will do just fine.
There are not a lot of opportunities to get Integral-A for free. However, in the Cement Factory region near the Reloading Point, you will need to get into a hole in the wall found west end of the site. You will find Integral-A along with a few of its ammo on a rusted oil barrel.
You can always purchase the Integral-A from the Eugene vendor who is stationed in the Rostok, Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite, and Wreck at Yaniv Station. All of these vendors should have this gun in stock when you arrive at these bases of operations. If the gun is not available for purchase, progress the story and visit the vendor at a later stage.
SPSA-14
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight4.4 kgCaliber12″/70Gun Health2250 HPDurability375Damage140 dmgDPS1400Efficiency31%RPM600 rpmRange150 mDrop Off50 mAccuracy 35%Recoil2200Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size8Even though the SPSA-14 has more weight than the S-tier shotguns we mentioned above, the weapon compensates for its downside by giving multiple round types and excellent firepower. While you can use the standard shotgun rounds, this weapon can accommodate even the lethal version of shotgun bullets so you can survive even two Bloodsuckers easily with SPSA-14 in your hand.
Go west of the Yantar Production Complex in the Yantar region and you will find Scientist Bunker POI. After that, find the body of Oles Moor, on the roof of the Scientist Bunker and loot SPSA-14 from it.
Just like Integral-A, the SPSA-14 can also be bought from Wreck at Yaniv Station, Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite, and Eugene at Rostok Base. You should consider buying the option only if you have no better weapon in your inventory. Otherwise, this one will cost you 17000 Credits.
GP37
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.6 kgCaliber5.56×45Gun Health1950 HPDurability1444Damage16 dmgDPS200Efficiency14%RPM750 rpmRange350 mDrop Off250 mAccuracy 77%Recoil180Fire ModeAutomatic, 3 Bursts, SingleMagazine Size30 / 90GP37 comes with three fire modes, a decent magazine size, and an excellent range that makes this assault rifle a jack of all trades. You can toggle the single fire mode and eliminate the enemies from mid to long-range as if it were a sniper rifle. Or, switch to burst mode and use it in close quarters, killing enemies like you are carrying a shotgun.
Screenshot by Prima GamesThe easiest way to get the GP37 for free is to go to the Yantar Production Complex POI in the Yantar region. The eastern part of this POI has a series of rusted pipes that you need to climb using a ladder. This will connect you to the rooftop of another small building where you will find the GP37 near a duffle bag.
There are a few options for buying the GP37 assault rifle in Stalker 2 instead of searching for it in the wild. WO Komisarov at Cement Factory, and Eugene at Rostok Base should have this gun in stock when you visit them first.
VS Vintar
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.2 kgCaliber9×39Gun Health2250 HPDurability1257Damage35 dmgDPS389Efficiency21%RPM667 rpmRange220 mDrop Off150 mAccuracy 73%Recoil216Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size10 / 20Most sniper rifles in Stalker 2 do not come with a suppressor attachment, except for VS Vintar. The suppressed fire is very useful when eliminating human enemies as they’d have a hard time pinpointing your location. On the contrary, mutants such as Bloodsuckers or Controllers will smell you when you are medium to close range.
Screenshot by Prima GamesIf you go northwest from the Roadside Shop POI in Zaton, you will arrive at a tunnel opening. A Chimera will also be inside this tunnel so it is really up to you to fight it first and get the gun or rush to the end of the tunnel, find and grab the VS Vintar with a few ammo near a skeleton on the bed, and run away.
If you have 21,000 Credits, you can buy a VS Vintar sniper rifle from Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite or Ragman at Rostok Base. Of course, this method will cost you a lot of money so only buy it if you really need a sniper rifle.
M860 Cracker
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.2 kgCaliber12″/70Gun Health1950 HPDurability453Damage160 dmgDPS160Efficiency91%RPM60 rpmRange150 mDrop Off50 mAccuracy 38%Recoil2500Fire ModeManualMagazine Size6 / 10If there is one weapon that is popular in the Zone, then that’d be the M860 Cracker Shotgun. You will see a lot of enemy factions using this as their go-to gun in the game. That is because it is lighter than most shotguns, and has decent mag size, range, and damage.
The easiest way to get the M860 Cracker for free is by playing the story mission called ‘The Price Goes Up’. You will need to loot the backpack at the crane when the mission ends to get this shotgun for free.
You can buy the M860 Cracker for 8000 Credits in Stalker 2 from Wreck at Yaniv Station, Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachit, and Huron at Slag Heap. While this is not a super expensive weapon for the mid to late game, purchasing this from Huron in the early game will be costly.
Fora-221
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.3 kgCalibre5.45×39Gun Health2250 HPDurability1619Damage17 dmgDPS227Efficiency18%RPM800 rpmRange300 mDrop Off220 mAccuracy 60%Recoil198Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size30 / 40The Fora-221 is an assault rifle that is very good at eliminating foes in close range and at medium as well if you use the single-fire mode. By default, the gun does not have an optics attachment so using it in automatic mode on the medium range will waste a lot of ammo due to lower accuracy.
You can get the Fora-221 for free by completing the Uninvited Guests side mission in the Cement Factory. Myrtkas will ask you to retrieve the gun that he lost while escaping two controllers. At the end of the mission, you will get the option to keep the Fora-221 or give it to Myrtkas. Select the keep option and the gun will be yours.
Screenshot by Prima GamesYou can get a 100% durability Fora-221 in the Scientist Bunker of Yantar region. This is the same location where you find Oles Moor NPC’s body which also has an SPSA-14. This is west of the Yantar Production Complex.
B-Tier
AR416
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.7 kgCaliber5.56×45Gun Health1500 HPDurability1 442Damage16 dmgDPS200Efficiency16%RPM750 rpmRange300 mDrop Off250 mAccuracy 72%Recoil180Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size30 / 50AR416 is an average assault rifle that is good only for early to mid-game regions. Because it is so popular, you will find it on most enemies in the Garbage, Chemical Plant, and Lesser Zone regions. That is due to the fact that this weapon has a 300-meter range and a decent accuracy, enough to secure kills from medium range.
Screenshot by Prima GamesTo get the free AR416 for yourself, go southwest from the Bloodsucker Village POI in the Chemical Plant region. You will find a bus shelter with two bodies. Loot these and you will get the AR416 along with a Viper-5; both guns with red durability though.
You can buy the AR416 from Bison in Prypiat, Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite, WO Komisarov at Cement Factory, and Eugene at Rostok Base. The weapon is not cheap, even for early or mid-game and you will need 14,000 Credits to buy this assault rifle.
AKM-74S
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.3 kgCaliber5.45×39Gun Health1950 HPDurability1625Damage23 dmgDPS230Efficiency37%RPM600 rpmRange300 mDrop Off200 mAccuracy 53%Recoil270Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size30 / 45AKM-74S is another popular assault rifle in the early areas of Stalker 2 and you will often find hostile NPCs from various factions using it at you. Even though it has average accuracy, the weapon comes with a higher RPM and decent magazine size. This makes the AKM-74S a lethal weapon in close to mid-range combat.
Screenshot by Prima GamesThere are several ways to get the AKM-74S in Stalker 2 and none of them are convenient. For starters, in the Wild Island region, you need to go inside the house north of the Sawmill. The AKM-74S will be found on a table in the attic, which you can access by opening the window.
In the Mindscrew POI of the Cordon region, you will find three dead NPC bodies namely Private Izhenko, Private Lemarier, and Private Lepyk, inside a tunnel, each containing AKM-74S. One of these will have yellow durability and the other two will be in red.
Buket S-2
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight1.6 kgCaliber9×18Gun Health2250 HPDurability1442Damage23 dmgDPS268Efficiency28%RPM698 rpmRange200 mDrop Off70 mAccuracy 67%Recoil200Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size20 / 30For an early-game high RPM weapon, the Buket S-2 is not a bad choice at all in Stalker 2. Even though this gun is a submachine gun, it comes with dual firing mode options. On top of that, it has better accuracy than AKM-74s assault rifle, so landing headshots at medium range should be manageable.
The fastest way to get the Buket S-2 very early in the game is when you get access to the Garbage region. Go west from the Northern Checkpoint until you reach the Vehicle Graveyard POI. You will find a cave entrance north of it, which leads to a stash containing the Buket S-2 SMG.
There are a few vendors that sell the Buket S-2, such as Quiet’s Camp in Wild Island, WO Komisarov at Cement Factory, and Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite. Each vendor will sell this SMG to you for 12,000 Credits.
AS Lavina
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight2.5 kgCaliber9×39Gun Health2250 HPDurability1257Damage20 dmgDPS223Efficiency10%RPM667 rpmRange220 mDrop Off150 mAccuracy 73%Recoil216Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size20 / 30The AS Lavina is an assault rifle with an excellent rate of fire and impressive accuracy, offering decent range but lacking in raw damage per shot. However, damage isn’t the main reason to use the AS Lavina in Stalker 2. What truly sets this weapon apart is its preinstalled silencer, which elevates it to a solid B-tier gun in our rankings—without it, the AS Lavina would likely be stuck in C-tier.
The easiest way to obtain the AS Lavina is during the main mission “Just Like the Old Days.” Head to Quiet’s Camp, where you will find the rifle in the room where the Quiet vendor used to sit. The area will now be overrun, but you will spot the AS Lavina resting on a shelf among other weapons, just behind the vendor’s former seat.
If you miss it there, you can still purchase the AS Lavina from two vendors: Wreck at Yaniv Station and Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite. Both should have the weapon available for sale when you first approach them.
Skif’s Pistol
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight0 kgCaliber9×18Gun Health1500 HPDurabilityUNLIMITEDDamage30 dmgDPS334EfficiencyNARPM667 rpmRange100 mDrop Off80 mAccuracy 65%Recoil300Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size8 / 12Skif’s Pistol is a variant of the PTM handgun, but it’s actually a much more powerful version of the standard model. This is the starting weapon you receive during the Prologue mission, “There and Back Again.”
For some reason, this pistol cannot be removed from your inventory. You can’t drop it, sell it, or trade it to vendors, meaning it becomes dead weight as you progress and acquire better handguns later in the game.
Although Skif’s Pistol doesn’t come with any preinstalled attachments, you can enhance its performance by equipping the High-Capacity PTM Magazine and Pistol Suppressor, making it an even more effective sidearm.
Grom S-14
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.2 kgCaliber9×39Gun Health2700 HPDurability1534Damage18 dmgDPS212Efficiency11%RPM706 rpmRange250 mDrop Off80 mAccuracy 70%Recoil204Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size20 / 30 / 45The Grom S-14 is an assault rifle that comes equipped with a built-in grenade launcher. However, this hybrid weapon isn’t exactly the best of both worlds. In fact, it’s underwhelming as both an assault rifle and a grenade launcher.
Its base damage is noticeably low for an assault rifle and is even weaker than the AS Lavina mentioned earlier. If you’re looking for raw firepower, this weapon won’t be your best option.
That said, if you still want to get the Grom S-14, we recommend obtaining it for free instead of purchasing it. To do this, complete the “Vadyk Firecracker” side mission in the Chemical Plant region. You’ll find Vadyk at the Bloodsucker Village POI, where he’ll task you with hunting down a Pseudo-Giant. If you successfully complete the mission, he’ll reward you with the Grom S-14 at no cost.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, you can also purchase the Grom S-14 from Wreck at Yaniv Station for 25,000 Credits.
RPM-74
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight7.5 kgCaliber7.62×39Gun Health3000 HPDurability2174Damage20 dmgDPS211Efficiency14%RPM632 rpmRange300 mDrop Off300 mAccuracy 60%Recoil450Fire ModeAutomaticMagazine Size150 / 250 / 300 / 500Machine guns are a rare find in Stalker 2, and the RPM-74 is one of the few available. While it deals more damage than the Grom S-14 mentioned earlier, its real advantages lie in its superior armor penetration and significantly larger magazine capacity compared to most assault rifles in the game.
To obtain the RPM-74, head to Liisovyi in the westernmost part of the Yaniv region. There, you’ll find a building with a control panel near an underground room. Enter the code 240983 to unlock the door, and inside, you’ll find the RPM-74 lying on a few wooden crates near a wall.
AKM-74U
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight2.7 kgCaliber5.45×39Gun Health1650 HPDurability1793Damage19 dmgDPS212Efficiency57%RPM667 rpmRange200 mDrop Off130 mAccuracy 50%Recoil203Fire ModeAutomatic, SingleMagazine Size30The AKM-74U is essentially a compact version of the legendary AK-74 assault rifle, but don’t let its smaller size fool you—it still delivers solid firepower. While it has the size and handling of an SMG, its penetration and damage output make it a highly effective weapon in the early-game areas of Stalker 2.
As one of the better starter weapons, the AKM-74U is a worthwhile purchase, especially since your options for firearms are limited early on. You can buy it for 6,000 Credits from Huron at Slag Heap or Hamster at Zalissya.
However, you do not necessarily have to spend money to get this weapon. Many early-game enemies, particularly ISPF soldiers, often drop the AKM-74U, but with red durability, when defeated. Instead of buying one, consider looting it from enemies and repairing it for a more cost-effective approach.
Viper-5
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight2.5 kgCaliber9×19Gun Health1125 HPDurability1630Damage19 dmgDPS232Efficiency103%RPM732 rpmRange200 mDrop Off120 mAccuracy 60%Recoil148Fire ModeAutomatic, 3 Bursts, SingleMagazine Size30 / 40The Viper-5 is an SMG that performs similarly to an assault rifle—but that is not necessarily a good thing. Its only real strengths are its high rate of fire and decent accuracy. Beyond that, it struggles to land precise headshots, often forcing you to waste ammo on ineffective body shots when other weapons could do a better job.
However, the Viper-5 is one of the most common early-game weapons, frequently dropped by hostile NPCs. But, the looted versions often come in low durability, making them less reliable. If you would rather get one in better condition, you can buy it from Hamster at Zalissya or find it in Zhorik’s Stash—located inside a radioactive helicopter north of the Boiler House in the Lesser Zone region.
M10 Gordon
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight1.4 kgCaliber.45Gun Health1500 HPDurability1079Damage10 dmgDPS212Efficiency18%RPM1 333 rpmRange100 mDrop Off90 mAccuracy 40%Recoil250Fire ModeAutomaticMagazine Size30 / 40The M10 Gordon boasts one of the highest rates of fire in Stalker 2, but that’s about the only standout feature of this SMG. It suffers from low damage, short range, and poor accuracy, though its penetration power is decent. As a compact, pistol-sized SMG, it can be lethal in close-quarters combat, but at longer distances, it burns through ammo with little impact.
Screenshot by Prima GamesYou can get the M10 Gordon for free by stealing the stash near a pile of concrete blocks during the Budmo! side quest. If you haven’t used this SMG before, this is a great chance to try it out.
However, if you don’t want to interfere with the side quest’s progression, you can purchase it instead. Both Huron at Slag Heap and Viktoria Dorozhnyuk at STC Malachite sell the M10 Gordon for 5,700 Credits.
UDP Compact
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight0.72 kgCaliber.45Gun Health1500 HPDurability455Damage25 dmgDPS313Efficiency80%RPM750 rpmRange110 mDrop Off110 mAccuracy 78%Recoil250Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size15 / 20The UDP Compact stands out for its excellent accuracy, but beyond that, it is not an impressive weapon. While some players may appreciate its sleek blacked-out design and the satisfying sound it makes when fired—especially compared to the PTM handgun—this 15-round magazine pistol feels underwhelming in actual combat.
You can find the UDP Compact for free south of the Dire Thicket POI in the Lesser Zone, near a powerless automatic door. If you would rather purchase it instead, you will need to reach the Garbage region first, where Huron at Slag Heap will have it available for sale.
C-Tier
PTM
StatsValueWeight0.5 kgCaliber9×18Gun Health1500 HPDurability455Damage30 dmgDPS334Efficiency144%RPM667 rpmRange100 mDrop Off80 mAccuracy 65%Recoil300Fire ModeSingleMagazine Size8 / 12The PTM is one of the easiest guns to acquire in Stalker 2, and that is really its only major advantage. It has the worst range among pistols, along with low penetration power and weak damage, making it a poor choice for most combat situations.
You will start seeing the PTM frequently by looting enemies in the Lesser Zone, Garbage, and Chemical Plant regions—some of the earliest areas in the game.
There is no reason to spend money on this pistol since it is so common. Just loot one for free and, if necessary, get it repaired at a Technician if you really want to keep a pistol in your loadout.
Toz-34
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight3.1 kgCaliber12″/70Gun Health2250 HPDurability600Damage150 dmgDPS300Efficiency300%RPM120 rpmRange210 mDrop Off70 mAccuracy 44%Recoil2200Fire ModeManualMagazine Size2The Toz-34 is a double-barrel shotgun that delivers some of the highest damage among early-game weapons—but only at close range. Its biggest drawback is its two-round capacity, requiring a reload after every two shots, which can be risky in intense fights.
You can buy the Toz-34 from Hamster at Zalissya in the Lesser Zone, one of the first vendors in the game. However, if you want to save money instead of purchasing weapons early on, you can find one for free at the Levitating Silo POI in the Lesser Zone—inside the attic of a house there.
Screenshot by Prima GamesAlternatively, you can head southeast from Poppy Field in the Lesser Zone and loot a stash inside a cabin, where another Toz-34 is hidden.
Boomstick
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight1.9 kgCaliber12″/70Gun Health2250 HPDurability600Damage150 dmgDPS300Efficiency529%RPM120 rpmRange100 mDrop Off50 mAccuracy 33%Recoil2500Fire ModeManualMagazine Size2The Boomstick is a miniature version of the Toz-34 but with an even shorter range. Despite its small size, this shotgun delivers devastating damage at close range, though that’s about the extent of its usefulness.
You can purchase the Boomstick from Hamster at Zalissya, or, if you’ve made it to the Garbage region, you can get it from Huron at Slag Heap.
If you’d rather not buy it, the Boomstick is also commonly dropped by hostile NPCs in the Lesser Zone, Chemical Plant, and Garbage regions.
RPG-7U
Screenshot by Prima Games StatsValueWeight6.3 kgCaliberPG-7VGun Health3000 HPDurability45Damage1400 dmgDPSNAEfficiency13%RPMNARange1000 mDrop Off1000 mAccuracy 70%Recoil70Fire ModeManualMagazine Size1The RPG-7U is one of the heaviest and most impractical weapons in Stalker 2. Surprisingly, it can’t even take down a Pseudo-Giant mutant in a single shot, making it pretty much useless in your inventory. Finding ammo for it is a challenge too—it’s scattered across the map, and even if you do come across some, you’ll likely be encumbered by the time you pick it up.
Despite its long range, the RPG-7U’s impracticality makes it one of the least desirable weapons in the game. That’s why it sits at the very bottom of our Stalker 2 weapons tier list.
That’s all you need to know about the best and worst guns in Stalker 2. For more helpful tips about the game, be sure to check out our How to Find Artifacts, How to Make Money Fast, and Kill Shah or Roosevelt in King of the Hill Mission in Stalker 2 guides.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
