As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the instructions for conquering the fearsome foes in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl have left me both enlightened and amused.
In STALKER 2, the game environment, known as ‘The Zone’, is brimming with perils. This open-world survival shooter is filled with potential dangers that can quickly lead to your demise. Among these hazards are bands of armed and armored non-player characters (NPCs) stalkers, lethal regions of mysterious supernatural occurrences called anomalies, but what could be most dangerous are the mutants – creatures that inhabit The Zone and frequently prey on stalkers, other mutants, and anything else they stumble upon.
16 distinct kinds of mutants populate STALKER 2, encompassing ex-humans altered into monstrous forms by radiation and psi-waves, wild animals enhanced with extraordinary strength and durability due to strange mutations, as well as grotesque beings believed to be hybridized versions. Managing several of these can prove challenging, but with the right tools and tactics, you’ll ultimately overcome them.
As a seasoned player who’s invested well over 70 hours into STALKER 2 and has battled numerous mutants throughout the years, I’m more than qualified to provide valuable advice, strategies, and insights on how to effectively tackle these creatures. You’ll discover a wealth of information in the guide below, organized by each mutant type, covering optimal weapon choices, tactics, and additional tips for a smoother combat experience.
STALKER 2: How to kill rats
It’s uncertain whether the rats at The Zone have mutated or not, but I’ll still cover them in this guide. In STALKER 2, it’s possible to come across groups of these rats early on, and while they may seem harmless individually, a large group of them can swarm and attack you, potentially leading to your demise if you don’t deal with them from a distance first.
Since you often find many of them together, shooting them with bullets unnecessarily uses up your ammunition. A more efficient strategy is to spot them (or listen for their chittering which indicates they’re approaching) and climb atop nearby structures such as crates or pipes. Then, drop a grenade into the center of the group. The blast will eliminate most or all of them instantly. If there are any survivors, throw another grenade to ensure they don’t pose a threat anymore.
STALKER 2: How to kill rodents
A less dangerous type of early game mutants are often rodents, which resemble gigantic rats that move about on two legs. Occasionally seen alone or in tiny numbers, they usually appear in larger groups of 6-10. They attack by approaching aggressively, leaping towards you before trying to bite and claw at you while airborne.
Because of their poor health, it appears that the most effective method for handling rodents is to use a pistol to fire at them when they approach. Regardless of the type of firearm used, they die instantly, making the expenditure of costly rifle or shotgun ammunition unnecessary against them.
Keep in mind that you can ascend on supports to evade a rat infestation, but they’ll dash away and seek cover when you do so. I suggest utilizing this method only in situations where you need a brief respite for healing or reloading; otherwise, if you step down from your vantage point, the rats will emerge once more and charge straight towards you, providing an ideal opportunity to strike them easily.
STALKER 2: How to kill blind dogs
Similar to rodents, visually impaired dogs, or dog variants, will aggressively approach in groups and attempt to bite when they sense your presence. Unlike regular dogs, they don’t back off if you’re on a raised area they can’t access. What makes these animals particularly dangerous is their swift speed; they can cover great distances in just seconds, making it impossible to outrun them. Furthermore, they will form a circle around you if multiple ones manage to get close enough, which complicates managing the situation significantly.
Pay attention if you encounter a blind dog, as it might growl or bark at you first, signaling its approach. Once you identify their location, retreat while aiming with a firearm like a pistol, submachine gun, or rifle. Semi-automatic or magazine-fed shotguns are effective, but avoid double barrel guns such as the Boomstick and TOZ-34 due to their lengthy reload time after firing just two shots. Ultimately, the specific weapon you choose isn’t crucial since dogs have low health.
In case you find yourself cornered by a group of dogs, your best move would be to swiftly choose a path and run in that direction to break free from the circle. Once you’ve escaped, you can turn back and attempt to deal with the pursuers, or even lure them towards unusual areas (there’s an award for managing this).
STALKER 2: How to kill fleshes
Mutated pig creatures, recognizable by their insect-like legs and ability to attack with slashing and stabbing movements, are grotesquely altered versions of blind dogs. They possess greater durability than ordinary canines but move at a slower pace. These beasts emit high-pitched, warbly sounds and usually travel in small packs of 3 to 5.
In this situation, strategies for handling blind dogs are relevant. However, be mindful that these creatures can execute swift bounding attacks that cover considerable ground. To avoid this, you can dart to the side quickly or simply maintain a safe distance while engaging with them in combat.
STALKER 2: How to kill boars
In The Zone, the mutant boars share a resemblance with common wild pigs in terms of size and shaggy gray-brown coats. However, they exhibit a higher level of aggression compared to blind dogs or regular flesh. They usually travel in packs of 4-6 and will charge directly at you. It’s advisable to dodge their charges by sprinting sideways and jumping out of the way, as failing to do so might cause you to be knocked down. This leaves you vulnerable to further attacks from other boars nearby, as you struggle to get back up, making it crucial to avoid incoming charges.
In terms of dealing with wild boars and other close-combat mutants in this game, a reliable pump-action or magazine-fed shotgun is your top choice. Other firearms can work, but they may not be as effective. If you find yourself out of ammo for anything else, then a pistol might suffice, but keep in mind that most handguns in the game lack the stopping power required to handle boars effectively.
The primary vulnerability of this mutant is its inability to perform any jumping maneuvers. This means that simply standing on modest objects within the environment will keep you out of their reach. When you do this, they tend to seek shelter like other mutants, but it’s a strategy worth employing because it allows you time to safely reload or recover.
STALKER 2: How to kill bloodsuckers (invisible enemy)
Bloodsuckers — tall, vaguely humanoid mutants with tentacled faces and the power to turn invisible — have always been one of the most dangerous mutants in STALKER, and they’re tougher than ever in STALKER 2 due to their high HP pool, strong damage-per-hit, and extremely fast movement speed. Bloodsuckers hunt by cloaking and then rapidly circling their prey for several seconds before rushing and clawing at them, coming out of invisibility. They will continue their flurry of attacks until damaged, at which point they’ll cloak again and repeat this pattern. Sometimes, bloodsuckers may also leap and slam against you when charging you, knocking you down the same way boars can. Periodically, it’s also likely they’ll perform a deafening roar to disorient your aim, though the fact they have to stand still while doing this means you can generally get back on target before they reach you afterwards.
Engaging bloodsuckers can be a tricky affair due to their stealth, durability, and lethal nature. It necessitates patience, precise timing, and a sharp observation skill. The most effective strategy for eliminating them involves tracking their movements by looking out for the glimmer of their invisibility cloak (daylight makes this more manageable, so utilize your flashlight during nighttime encounters). When they charge directly towards you, respond with quick shots from an efficient shotgun like the Saiga-12. A couple of rapid bursts can effectively repel the attack and force them to withdraw, but with slower pump actions, it’s crucial to evade their attacks by sprinting and jumping to the side to avoid being hit.
Similar to numerous other creatures with special abilities, vampires find it difficult to reach you when you’re up high. In situations where you need a brief pause to heal or reload, seek out objects nearby for jumping on or ladders to climb. When you do this, the vampire may either hide from you or continuously circle around you; if it’s the latter, you can deal significant damage or even eliminate the creature without danger, as long as your aim is accurate.
STALKER 2: How to kill poltergeists
Poltergeists are one of the strangest mutants in STALKER, and also one of the more annoying ones, too. They look like a bizarre legless humanoid in their true form, but while alive, they appear as a ball of electricity that quickly zips around the environment. Poltergeists attack by telekinetically levitating small props near you like boxes, barrels, and even handheld tools before hurling them at you. If the object collides with you, it does heavy damage that appears to ignore protection from your armor completely.
Approach the poltergeist cautiously, keeping an eye out for floating items nearby. When you hear the “whoosh” sound of something being hurled, either zigzag or leap to the side quickly. Once you’re close enough, aim at the electric ball the mutant emits with a rifle or shotgun. The poltergeist might create a barrier of rocks to protect itself, so be prepared to maneuver around it. Due to damage falloff, it’s challenging to eliminate poltergeists from a distance, making close-range combat your best bet in this situation.
It’s also worth noting that there exists a more aggressive form of poltergeist in some versions, which is orange instead of blue. This fiery variant tends to attack by generating short-lived fire anomalies close to your location. In the original STALKER trilogy, this version was trickier to handle compared to the standard one, but it seems to be less challenging in STALKER 2 due to having reduced health.
STALKER 2: How to kill zombies
Once living beings, now turned into mindless creatures, zombies were originally stalkers who underwent a transformation as a result of exposure to psychoradiation. While they retain the ability to use their weapons, other cognitive abilities have been replaced by aggressive animal behavior. They usually roam in groups of different sizes and can be heard making incomprehensible noises. Typically, you’ll encounter them near sources of psychoradiation or in proximity to controller mutants because the latter emit psychowaves.
I’ve noticed that unlike ordinary pursuers, zombies are less precise and follow a more predictable pattern as they invariably choose the most direct route towards their target. However, it’s crucial to know that these creatures can only be effectively neutralized by a headshot; they may appear defeated by body shots or explosions, but they have an uncanny ability to rise again and resume their aggressive behavior.
Fortunately, their plodding and routine behavior makes taking down headshots quite manageable. Just find some sturdy cover and eliminate them one by one from safety. The last thing I’d ever want is to face a horde of zombies in an open area, as they could all converge on me simultaneously, making it extremely tough to maintain my aim.
STALKER 2: How to kill controllers
One notable mutant in STALKER is the Controller, a humanoid figure without hair who typically wears jeans and bandages across their torso. The Controller stands out among other mutants due to its ability to launch ranged attacks. If it becomes aggressive towards you and you’re within its sightline, it will make a pulling motion, effectively “pulling” your mind from your body and bombarding it with psi-waves. This attack doesn’t inflict physical damage, but it can cause significant disorientation and expose you to high levels of psi-radiation.
As a game enthusiast, I can tell you that being close to a controller in the game causes a gradual accumulation of Psi-radiation. This passive exposure triggers hallucinations of bizarre sound effects, terrifying mutant creatures attacking me, and aggressive stalkers who unleash gunfire. Although these entities are merely illusions, they inflict actual harm on both my character and armor, making it crucial for me to eliminate the controller swiftly.
A more straightforward approach to handling controllers involves using psi-block consumables if available, to minimize the impact of their psychic radiation. Then, take aim for headshots using a rifle or shotgun while utilizing cover to break the line of sight when the mutant counters. This strategy helps you dodge the controller’s “grab attack” with relative ease, making combat less challenging compared to open spaces. Throwing grenades at the controller’s location is another efficient tactic, given its sluggish speed.
STALKER 2: How to kill burers
Burers — short, stocky, and hooded humanoid mutants with heavy footsteps — are similar to poltergeists in that they occasionally pick up objects close to you with telekinesis and throw them at you, though this is only one of their tricks. They’re also capable of levitating nearby guns and making them shoot at you, and can even yank your weapons out of your hands if you’re in their line of sight for too long. Additionally, they can throw up an impenetrable energy shield after taking a sizable chunk of damage, and the only way to hurt them again is to wait until it wears off.
Visibility is crucial when dealing with burers, as they won’t attack unless they can spot you. So, maneuver them around big objects like trucks or stacks of barrels, popping out occasionally for headshots while they circle corners after you, then dart back into cover once they raise their shields. Wait till the sound of their shield fades before repeating this process until they’re defeated. Don’t forget to gather scattered weapons in the environment so they can’t retaliate with them.
If circling a builder with a kite isn’t feasible, another strategy is to closely cling to a substantial barrier and ambush them when they’re exposed. High-powered sniper rifles significantly enhance this approach, but be swift to grab the weapon back if the builder retrieves it from your grasp. Failing to do so will cause the rifle to float away and fire at you, potentially leading to a fatal outcome.
STALKER 2: How to kill snorks
As a researcher, I’ve encountered beings known as Snorks, which appear to be the remnants of early soldiers who ventured into The Zone years ago. These creatures are distinguishable by their partially detached gas masks and propensity to move on all fours. It’s not uncommon to encounter a single Snork, but they typically travel in groups of 4-5. Their attack strategy involves agile leaps towards their target, inflicting damage through sharp claws and powerful kicks.
Observing Snorks, I find them to be formidable foes in a delicate package. Their attacks are potent, but their health seems scant, making them vulnerable to rapid rifle fire or a few shotgun blasts. Yet, they’re agile in combat and are quick to dodge your shots while closing in on you. This nimbleness adds an extra layer of challenge when trying to eliminate them.
I’ve found that the best way to deal with snorks is to hit them with rifle or shotgun fire as they jump at you, then sprint away for several seconds before turning around to open fire on them again as they give chase. Keep doing this until the mutants are dead, making sure to do lateral sprint-jumps to dodge attacks as necessary.
STALKER 2: How to kill psy-dogs
Psy-dogs are genetically altered wolves that represent an advanced version of guide dogs, with the main distinction being their unique ability to generate around a dozen illusory duplicates. These illusions can be eliminated in a single round by any weapon, but they have the power to inflict damage on you and consume your ammunition.
It can be disconcerting that psychic dogs, or ‘psy-dogs’, lack a reliable method for determining which one among them is the actual mutant. The only certain way seems to be through destructive testing, and even after identifying one, the problem escalates quickly as the mutated dog often spawns more clones in a short span of time. Consequently, it’s advisable to either flee or seek assistance from nearby stalkers when encountering psy-dogs. Engaging them alone isn’t typically beneficial due to the ensuing hassle.
If it becomes necessary for you to eliminate one of them, attempt to swiftly approach with a shotgun after identifying which one poses a threat. Given its relatively low durability, it should fall in just a few shots. Keep an eye on it while engaging, as it might emit a roar and leap into the air, creating additional copies. This could help you maintain your aim.
STALKER 2: How to kill cats (bayun)
As a fervent admirer, let me share my first-hand experience with the novel mutants found in STALKER 2 – the elusive “bayuns,” or cats as they’re colloquially known. These creatures are remarkably sly compared to their fellow beasts, and I can attest that they’ve got quite a knack for outsmarting unwary explorers like myself.
In certain instances during the game, a stalker may be summoning you deliberately, so it’s not always a certain trap. However, remain vigilant, keep your best shotgun handy, and be prepared to dash towards an open area if attacked. A spacious environment can facilitate easier dodging of attacks and encourages the stalker to charge straight at you, facilitating precise shooting opportunities.
STALKER 2: How to kill mutated deer
In STALKER 2, another recently mutated creature is the aggressive and hard-to-hunt deer-like animal. This creature is extremely rare and difficult to kill. Despite its similarity in appearance to a regular deer or elk, it exhibits much more aggression, actively pursuing you if it spots you.
As a researcher studying these extraordinary creatures, I’ve observed that the deer employs unique strategies to defend itself. It predominantly utilizes its ability to summon and mind control various mutants such as rodents, blind dogs, fleshes, and boars, compelling them to attack en masse. Additionally, it may charge at you with surprising speed, mimicking a boar’s charge in an attempt to knock you over. Lastly, it possesses a disorienting screech reminiscent of a bloodsucker’s scream, which can leave its adversaries momentarily confused.
Initially, it may seem wise to eliminate the smaller mutants first in order to reduce their numbers, but this approach is flawed as the deer will call more of them over. A more effective strategy would be to concentrate your efforts on the deer itself. Approach it cautiously and fire at close range with a shotgun while simultaneously jumping and sprinting away from its followers to avoid getting overwhelmed. The deer is quite tough, but if you aim for precise headshots using a shotgun, you should be able to defeat it relatively quickly.
STALKER 2: How to kill chimera
In STALKER 2, Chimeras are among the top predators within The Zone, known for their difficulty to defeat among all mutants. These unique, twin-headed creatures that resemble both man and lion possess extraordinary resilience, speed, and strength, making them a high-risk target in combat. If possible, it’s best to avoid engaging them, as your chances of survival are significantly lower unless you have a low (green) load capacity. To evade them effectively, try zigzagging when running, as they might still catch up with a leap if you run straight ahead.
If you find yourself unable to escape, confront the chimera as if it were a highly dangerous leaping fish – remember, that’s essentially what it is. Like a leaping fish, it tends to lunge at you and swerve left and right while charging. However, unlike a fish, this creature will try to leap towards your destination instead of your current position. So, give the impression of moving in one direction, then quickly change course once the beast jumps in that direction.
A point worth mentioning is that you could potentially trap the chimera by moving to higher ground or finding a space it can’t fit into. If fortune favors you, it may just stand still, allowing you to shoot both its heads continuously. It might also choose to hide when this happens, which could prevent you from taking advantage of your location.
In this situation, it’s clear that the most effective weapon for taking down the tough chimera is your strongest shotgun. Whether you use slugs or expanding ammunition, both will inflict significant damage on its sturdy hide. Firing an RPG at it can cause a lot of damage as well, but since it’s hard to catch the chimera off guard from a distance and get a clear shot, it might not be your best option in most cases.
STALKER 2: How to kill pseudogiants
As a tech enthusiast, I’d say: In the vast world of STALKER 2, there are few creatures as formidable as the Pseudogiants. These colossal beings, with their stumpy arms and powerfully muscled legs, are reminiscent of chimera in terms of potential danger. They’re as elusive as they are fearsome, just like a rare cryptid. Their health and armor are unmatched among the mutant population, making them tough adversaries indeed. Engaging in combat with one is a daunting task, for they possess a vicious arsenal of moves that can turn even the bravest stalker’s battle into a near-impossible challenge.
Its main tactic is rushing towards you swiftly, and if you can’t move out of its path fast enough, it inflicts severe damage, knocks you down, and follows up with devastating stomps – a sequence that nearly always results in your demise. Additionally, it can execute jumps and powerful stomps that generate a shockwave, which can knock you over unless you’re hiding behind a thick, sight-obscuring barrier. Lastly, this pseudo-giant has the knack of hurling objects at you telekinetically, just like poltergeists and buriers do when they roar, and it does so instantly.
In much the same way as a chimera, your best course of action is likely to flee when possible. However, if escape isn’t an option, dodge around big obstacles while firing at the pseudo-giant with your shotgun, ensuring you dodge its charges and heal yourself after each object it smashes into you. RPG blasts are particularly effective against this creature if you can launch one before it charges at you, and aiming should be relatively straightforward since unlike a chimera, it doesn’t try to dodge or weave. The PKP machine gun or its variants also prove effective against pseudo-giants, especially when used from higher ground where the mutant has difficulty reaching you to do damage.
As a researcher of gaming experiences, I’m thrilled to share that STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl has officially landed on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, making it one of the standout games this year for both Xbox and PC platforms. While it retails at an MSRP of $59.99, I’m excited to inform you that a discount is currently available at CDKeys. Furthermore, if you’re an Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you can enjoy this immersive game without any additional cost.
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2024-11-29 01:10