Best early-game armor in Stalker 2

Finding the best early-game armor in Stalker 2 is important for survival when you are vulnerable, under-geared, and surrounded by mutants and bandits desperate to bring you down. Whether you’re playing on the Standard Edition or enjoying the perks of the Deluxe or Ultimate version, there are excellent armor options available early on to give you the edge you need to survive The Zone.

Let's delve into where and how to find the best armor very early in the game.

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Debut suit and other best early-game armor in Stalker 2

Debut Suit: the standard edition savior

Map location for Old Mill in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

The Debut suit is a real game-changer for people who have just started playing Stalker 2. Found early in the game, it’s leagues ahead of the Leather jacket you start with. You can grab this suit at The Old Mill, located just east of Zalissya. Here’s how to get it:

A still from Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

1. Once you complete the prologue and arrive at Zalissya, head to the marked Old Mill location.
2. Look for a boarded-up house near the walking path in front of the mill.
3. Use your melee weapon to break through the wooden planks blocking the door.
4. Inside, you’ll find the debut suit sitting on a corner table in the living room.

This early-game armor in Stalker 2 will protect you from most elemental damage types (except Psi, which won't matter early on). It'll also do a better job of slowing down physical threats like bullets and mutant claws. Although not invincible, it's a massive upgrade over your entry-level gear.

Tip: When grabbing this early-game armor in Stalker 2, arm yourself with a shotgun or heavy weapon—there's a chance you might have a Bloodsucker or other aggressive mutants in the area.

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Mercenary’s Light Suit: Deluxe edition exclusive

Zalissya barn location in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

If you bought the deluxe or ultimate edition, you’re in luck. You gain access to the Mercenary’s light suit, a step above the Debut suit in terms of overall protection and perks.

To find it, head to Zalissya and locate the stash in a barn. Here’s the process:

1. Find a truck near the barn.
2. Climb up onto the truck hood, then over onto the roof.
3. Drop through a hole to reach the barn's attic.

Once inside, look for a small stash where you'll find the Mercenary's light suit and a bonus Monolith pistol. Unfortunately, this suit is not accessible in the standard edition.

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Bandit Jacket: A worthy backup

Northwest depot of Zalissya in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

If you’re in a bind and can’t grab the debut suit, the Bandit Jacket can serve you well. It’s slightly weak when compared to the Debut suit but better than your Leather jacket. You’ll find it in a cellar northwest of Zalissya, at a depot with a white house symbol painted near the entrance.

How to Get It:

1. Head to the marked location northwest of Zalissya.
2. Look for a stairway going underground.
3. Enter the cellar and explore the hallway until you find the Bandit jacket in a cramped safe room.

This jacket isn't the greatest, but it'll do in a pinch—and if nothing else, you can sell it for cash to upgrade or fix other gear.

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Why early-game armor in Stalker 2 matters

The Zone is unforgiving, and enemies only get tougher as you progress. Early-game armor in Stalker 2 like the Debut suit, Mercenary’s light suit, and Bandit jacket can give you the edge you need to survive longer and explore deeper. Each has its own strengths:

• Debut suit: Best overall choice for Standard Edition players.
• Mercenary’s light suit: Best for Deluxe/Ultimate Edition owners.
• Bandit Jacket: Sellable spare or stepping stone.

Gear up and tread carefully—your life depends on it.

Also check out: Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete the Forge of Progress mission