Best weapons in Stalker 2, ranked

Choosing the best weapons in Stalker 2 is crucial for surviving the dangers of The Zone. With threats in the first-person shooter ranging from mutants to hostile humans, having the right weapon can make all the difference. Whether you find them in stashes, loot them from your enemies, or buy them from merchants, a few weapons stand out as top picks for every situation.

This article ranks the seven best weapons in Stalker 2.

Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Ranking 7 best weapons in Stalker 2

7) Shah's Mate SMG

The upgrade to Viper-5, Shah's Mate, is among the best weapons in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@Lootward)

• Weight: 3.05 kg
• Magazine Size: 40
• Caliber: 9x19

Why it’s on the list: This upgraded Viper-5 variant has excellent accuracy, a 40-round magazine, and impressive firepower. It also features an extended magazine (12–13 extra rounds), perfect for longer encounters without constant reloading. It's highly customizable and can be a great secondary weapon.

Where to find it: Complete the No Honor Among Thieves mission and locate it in a stash northwest of the Slag Heap.

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6) Rhino Revolver

The Rhino offers maximum damage, making it perfect to kill mutants in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@Fire Mountain)

• Weight: 1.58 kg
• Magazine Size: 6
• Caliber: 9x39

Why it’s on the list: The Rhino is not your average sidearm. Its incredible damage rivals shotguns like Ram-2, and its accuracy makes it deadly at mid-range. Although the magazine size falls short, this revolver is ideal for taking down tough enemies, especially mutants like Chimeras.

Where to find it: The Standard version can be looted in the game, while the "Model Competitor" variant is exclusive to the Ultimate Edition.

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5) Kharod AR

The Kharod offers high fire in automatic mode in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@Fire Mountain)

• Weight: 4.16 kg
• Magazine Size: 30
• Caliber: 5.56x45

Why it’s on the list: The Kharod is a reliable assault rifle that offers high accuracy, a fast rate of fire, and excellent penetration. It’s particularly effective against armored enemies and groups, offering the same damage as the Grom S-14.

Where to find it: Available for purchase from Wreck at Yaniv Station for around 27,597 coupons. It’s a favorite among veteran Stalkers for good reason.

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4) Drowned AR

The Drowned AR is one of the best weapons in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@ LunarGaming)

• Weight: 5.18 kg
• Magazine Size: 30
• Caliber: 5.45x39

Why it’s on the list: This unique AKM-74S modification is a great all-around choice for the early and mid-game. It boasts excellent mid-to-long-range capabilities with its high accuracy and penetration stats. It also features a grenade launcher attachment, making it excellent for explosive damage. Once repaired, it becomes a powerhouse in combat.

Where to find it: Look for it near the pool by the entrance to the Slag Heap. Repairing it is essential to unleash its full potential.

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3) Ram-2 Shotgun

The Ram-2 is effective against mutants (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@Fire Mountain)

• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Magazine Size: 14
• Caliber: 12”/70

Why it’s on the list: This shotgun delivers massive damage in close quarters and can clear rooms effortlessly, making it one of the best weapons in Stalker 2. Its 14-round capacity ensures you’re prepared for prolonged firefights without frequent reloads. Like the Rhino revolver, it's effective against mutants like Chimeras or for clearing rooms of enemy Stalkers.

Where to find it: Purchase from Wreck at the Yaniv Station base.

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2) Dnipro AR

The Dnipro can handle close encounters with ease in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@Fire Mountain)

• Weight: 3.73 kg
• Magazine Size: 30
• Caliber: 5.45x39

Why it’s on the list: This weapon is a direct upgrade from the AKM-74 and excels in both long-range engagements and close-quarters combat. It supports all the AKM-74 attachments (except the grenade launcher) and boasts better damage, accuracy, and rate of fire, making it second on this list of best weapons in Stalker 2.

Where to find it: Obtain it from the fire whirl anomaly in the Cooling Towers region.

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1) M701 Super

The M701 Super is at the top of this list of best weapons in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube@Fire Mountain)

• Weight: 4.62 kg
• Magazine Size: 5
• Caliber: .308

Why it’s on the list: The M701 Super is the ultimate long-range weapon. Its high damage and penetration make it perfect for eliminating targets with precision, even from extreme distances. Though it has a small five-round magazine, it can take down even the toughest foes with a single shot.

Where to find it: Obtainable as a standard drop in high-tier loot areas, or get the special "Hunter" variant with the Deluxe Edition.