STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is quirky to say the least, come prepared with our top-level guide

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl invites scavengers, intruders, and thrill-seekers from everywhere to immerse themselves in a meticulously recreated part of Ukraine. Hazards are present at every turn, whether from ravenous mutants or seasoned mercenaries. Similar to Dark Souls and Bloodborne, the game includes unique features and strange elements that you should understand before progressing too far.

Here are some essential tips for newcomers that you should be aware of before embarking on your first journey into the Zone in STALKER 2.

The Risks Of Save Scumming

STALKER 2 allows for just three game slots. However, within each of these slots, I can only save up to 50 individual game files on my PC. If I try to save more than that, I’ll need to replace one of my existing saves.

Additionally, the game doesn't let you add notes or mark what you're doing when you create a save file. The only thing you have to help remind you later is a standard image from the area of the Zone where you were when you saved, along with the time and date it was first saved or last changed. While this is acceptable, it can be a bit inconvenient.

Yet, if there's an autosave function in place, you might accidentally overwrite a file that you really need to go back to in order to continue the game the way you want. It's important for you as the player to pay close attention to your save files and avoid overwriting them carelessly.

When you start a gaming session, make sure to pay attention to the save file you create at the beginning. Keep track of any additional save files you make as you continue playing. You might find yourself needing them later when you discover that you've accidentally made a mistake in the game.

Be Aware: You're Being Watched

STALKER 2 features several endings—four according to the promotional material, though I wouldn't be shocked if there are even more. In previous games in the STALKER series, the number of times you die while using a specific save slot can influence the endings you experience, and I have a feeling that this might hold true for this installment as well.

The game offers extensive playtime, potentially reaching a hundred hours or even more when you factor in side quests and additional activities. If achieving the "best" ending isn't a priority for you, feel free to explore and enjoy everything the game has to offer. Just keep in mind that the consequences of any character deaths will affect your final score in that particular save file, and there's no way to reverse those effects.

STALKER 2 is all about embarking on lengthy journeys through a harsh and challenging world. However, the surroundings have plenty of resources to help you sustain yourself as you explore. If you decide to venture into uncharted territory where you can find new supplies, there’s no need to overpack with energy drinks and a ton of snacks. A smaller quantity—perhaps just a few drinks and some vodka to counteract radiation—along with scavenging for other essentials, should suffice to keep you going.

Maintaining a low weight is crucial since you won't be leveling up in this game. Unlike RPGs, you can’t boost your strength to increase your carrying capacity. Instead, you’ll need to haul a significant amount of valuable items, particularly rifles and shotguns—ideally six or more at once—to generate enough funds for essential purchases and to fix your favorite equipment. This means that the less condensed milk you carry, the more guns you can bring back to your camp.

In the end, steer clear of carrying damaged weapons that have a red symbol in your inventory. Shopkeepers won't accept them, and unless you come across something truly unique, it’s more practical to purchase a new gun rather than fix an old one.

Make Gear Repair A Top Priority

Wandering through knee-deep river water and encountering strange phenomena – like a floating patch of glass shards or an eerie gust of wind that can knock you off balance – can seriously put your health at risk. While you can patch up a wound, it’s much tougher to repair the clothes you’re wearing. Even your weapons will begin to show signs of wear within the inventory screen, allowing you to monitor the condition of your gear in real-time. Keep in mind, the game continues while you navigate through the menus, so it’s wise to be aware of your environment before you pull out your PDA.

Based on my own experience, once you've used up about 10% of your suit's durability, you could be facing repair costs in the thousands of coupons. If you stop right then and head home with less than 20% wear and tear, you might keep your expenses under 10,000, depending on what gear you have on. However, if you go beyond that – especially with the more advanced armor and weapons you'll find in the mid to late stages of the game – you’ll end up with some significant repair bills. It’s essential to carefully manage your finances to avoid getting stuck outside with damaged gear or, even worse, a jammed case in the receiver of your once-reliable AK.

While semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms can be exciting with their various settings, attachments, and sights, nothing beats the simplicity and reliability of an affordable, easy-to-fix smoothbore shotgun paired with a dozen 20-gauge slug cartridges. It’s a good idea to carry around 50 rounds of buckshot for extra security, and remember to get up close when engaging. Sometimes, taking down one enemy and then focusing on another is the key to surviving a gunfight in STALKER 2.