Essential Tips for Surviving in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
Surviving in the Zone is no easy task. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 throws players into a hostile world filled with mutants, anomalies, and scarce resources, where every decision can mean life or death. To help you navigate this dangerous landscape, we’ve compiled some essential tips to improve your chances of survival and make the most of your journey. Whether you’re scavenging for loot, managing your resources, or taking on side missions, these pointers will keep you one step ahead in the Zone.
1. Scavenge Every Crate and Tin
The Zone is full of hidden valuables tucked away in breakable crates and tins. Look out for worn-down crates marked with a “fragile” icon, as well as those with ammo or first aid kit symbols. Instead of wasting ammo, use your knife to break them open, just select it from the radial weapon menu (TAB on PC). Scrounging for loot can make a big difference in your survival.
2. Save Frequently
The Zone is unforgiving, filled with deadly mutants and anomalies that can kill you in an instant. While autosave is available, it rarely triggers after difficult battles. To avoid frustration, manually save often, especially after completing something important or before venturing into risky areas like anomalies or mutant nests.
3. Trade Beyond Official Traders
You’re not limited to official Traders for bartering. Most Stalkers will trade with you, press “E” on PC to check their inventory. However, random Stalkers typically have limited items and fewer Koupons compared to official Traders, so don’t expect to sell all your loot to them.
4. Always Unload Found Weapons
Even if you don’t plan on keeping a weapon, always unload the ammo before leaving it behind. To do this, hold “E” while looking at a gun on the ground or right-click it in your inventory and choose “Unload.” When selling weapons to merchants, the ammo will automatically be removed, so you won’t lose those precious bullets.
5. Access Keybinds and UI Quickly
Hold “R” on PC to bring up your UI and display keybinds in the bottom-left corner. This is a helpful way to stay familiar with your controls while navigating the Zone.
6. Prioritize Side Missions
Side missions are a reliable way to earn Koupons (or “K”) early in the game. With resources scarce in the Zone, completing these missions can be more rewarding than reselling items. Some side missions even unlock inaccessible areas or rare weapons, so tackle as many as you can early on for valuable rewards.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll improve your chances of surviving the Zone’s many challenges while making the most of your time in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
