6 items you should avoid buying in Stalker 2

Coupons are the main currency in Stalker 2 and the most valuable resource for surviving the wasteland. Managing them wisely is important, as wasting Coupons on anything can put you at a disadvantage. So when you shop from the various merchants you encounter on your journey, keep in mind that they sell some items that you won’t need to buy, ever.

In this list, we have shared six items that you should avoid buying in Stalker 2 if you want to save your coupons.

Disclaimer: The entries are based on the writer's personal biases and opinions and this list is not ranked.

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6 items that you will never need to buy in Stalker 2

1) Regular weapons

You will never need to buy regular weapons from merchants (Image via GSC Game World)

Weapons are perhaps the easiest resource you will find in the Zone, making it unnecessary to purchase them from traders. Almost every enemy you defeat drops a weapon, and stashes frequently contain firearms. Since regular weapons are so plentiful, you’ll often struggle with inventory limits to stash them.

Most of these weapons are disposable and can be replaced with better ones from fallen enemies or stashes. Save your coupons for modded or unique weapons instead, as these offer real upgrades. You should only sell regular weapons you find in the Zone rather than buying them.

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2) Vodka

You will get plenty of vodka from stashes (Image via GSC Game World)

Vodka serves as a key item for curing radiation in the game, essentially acting as Stalker 2’s version of Rad-Away from Bethesda’s Fallout. However, there is no shortage of vodka in the Zone — it’s one of the most commonly found items. Whether you’re opening crates with a knife, exploring stashes, or looting, you’re guaranteed to find bottles of vodka.

Only buy vodka if you are running extremely low on inventory. Stockpile vodka as you play — it’s more likely you’ll need to sell off the surplus than worry about running out.

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3) Food items

Ironically food is everywhere in the Wasteland (Image via GSC Game World)

Food items such as canned food, bread, sausages, and condensed milk are among the most common items found in the Zone. Whether you’re searching stashes, looting enemies, or simply exploring the environment, you’ll constantly come across food. Because of this, spending your limited coupons on food is a complete waste.

Coupons are far more valuable when used for buying ammo, repairing weapons, or upgrading gear — essentials that cannot be scavenged as easily. Only consider buying food in extreme situations when you’re completely out and need sustenance to survive. Otherwise, rely on the plentiful supplies scattered across the Zone.

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4) Beer

If you look carefully, you will find beer plenty in the Zone (Image via GSC Game World)

Like vodka, beer is used to cure radiation and is just as easy to find in the Zone. Wooden crates are often full of beer and other beverages, and they can also be found scattered in bars, enemy lairs, and random locations.

Players will frequently encounter beer as loot, so purchasing it from traders is unnecessary. Instead of buying them, focus on stockpiling them as you explore the Zone.

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5) Anti-radiation drugs

If you have beer and vodka, don't waste money on drugs (Image via GSC Game World)

Anti-radiation drugs, while effective, are a rare resource in Stalker 2 that you may only need for specific quests or NPC exchanges. However, despite being rare, buying them should not be a priority. This is because vodka and beer, both common and easily accessible — serve as perfectly effective substitutes for radiation treatment.

You are far better off relying on these readily available alcoholic beverages for regular use and saving the anti-rad pills for when they are necessary, like getting caught in an anomaly or an area with extremely high radiation.

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6) Bandages

Look for the Sapphire Artifact to eliminate the need for Bandages (Image via GSC Game World)

Bandages are the most common healing item in the Zone and are found in huge quantities. Nearly every enemy carries at least one bandage, and players will come across them in almost every stash. By mid-game, you’re likely to have dozens of bandages in your inventory, with no real risk of running out.

What’s more, once you acquire the Sapphire Artifact, bleeding becomes far less of a concern, reducing the need to use bandages at all. Instead of purchasing bandages, sell any excess inventory to earn coupons.

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