In the world of STALKER 2, survival is constantly hanging by a thread, thanks to the myriad dangers lurking around every corner of this open-world shooter. The Zone is teeming with peril—from armed groups of stalkers to strange, deadly anomalies. Yet, it’s the mutants that top the list of menaces. These terrifying creatures not only prey on stalkers but also wage war on each other and anything else that stumbles into their path.
Among the 16 distinct mutants in STALKER 2, you’ll find horrifying former humans twisted by radiation, bizarrely mutated animals, and nightmarish hybrids of the two. Tackling these beasts is no small feat, but with the right tactics and gear, you’ll eventually overcome them.
Having been immersed in the STALKER series over the years and clocked over 70 hours in STALKER 2, I’m well-equipped to offer some invaluable advice on handling these mutants. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about each mutant, including recommended weapons and strategies.
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### STALKER 2: How to Handle Rats
Rats in The Zone might not initially seem like a big threat, but let them gather in swarms, and you’re in trouble. While they can be found early in the game, these pests quickly surround and nibble you to death unless you take them out from a safe distance.
Using bullets on them is inefficient due to their numbers. Instead, when you hear the tell-tale chittering, find the nearest crate or high object, and toss a grenade into the pack. This should instantly decimate most of them—the rest can be taken out with a follow-up grenade if necessary.
### STALKER 2: Dealing with Rodents
Next up are the rodents—essentially oversized bipedal rats. Typically encountered in groups, they attack by hopping toward you before lunging to inflict damage.
With their frail constitution, the ideal approach is to shoot them with a pistol. They tend to drop with one shot, making other types of ammo overkill. Jump onto props to get some breathing room when overwhelmed, although this can cause them to flee and regroup.
### STALKER 2: Handling Blind Dogs
Blind dogs are mutant canines that are quicker and more coordinated than other early threats. What they lack in individual power they make up for in speed, attacking in packs and circling you swiftly.
Stay alert for their growls and barks as an early warning. To fend them off, retreat while unloading your pistol, SMG, or rifle. Shotguns are effective but beware of ones with limited capacity, like the Boomstick.
If they manage to encircle you, your best bet is to pick a direction and sprint out, turning back to shoot them or leading them into anomalies for a strategic advantage.
### STALKER 2: Confronting Fleshes
Fleshes are grotesquely mutated pigs, slower than blind dogs but significantly hardier. These mutants often travel in small groups and use surprising leaps to close the gap.
The tactics you employed with blind dogs work here too. Keep a safe distance and dodge their leaping strikes, taking them out with precise shots as you move.
### STALKER 2: Battling Boars
Boars, resembling wild swine, are fierce and highly aggressive, often charging head-on. Sidestep and dodge their charges to avoid being knocked down, which would leave you vulnerable to follow-ups.
A solid shotgun works wonders on boars, as pistols might lack stopping power. Keep mobile to prevent being bulldozed by their relentless attacks, and take advantage of their inability to leap by using elevated terrain to catch your breath.
### STALKER 2: Facing Bloodsuckers
Bloodsuckers are brutal, tall mutants with the ability to vanish from sight. They’re more dangerous than ever in STALKER 2, combining stealth with devastating attacks.
Victory over bloodsuckers demands keen observation and timing. Keep an eye out for their shimmering invisibility and hit them with a shotgun when they make their move. High penetration shotguns like the Saiga-12 are ideal.
Safe high ground offers a reprieve, though bloodsuckers may adapt to your tactics and attempt to roar, disorienting you temporarily.
### STALKER 2: Overcoming Poltergeists
Poltergeists manifest as glowing orbs of energy. They hurl nearby objects with oppressive force, making close combat challenging.
Get in close, weave through their thrown debris, and attack the energy orb with a rifle or shotgun. Close-range confrontation is best, as distance only prolongs the battle.
Beware different variations, like the fiery poltergeists. Although trickier in past games, in this sequel, they’re somewhat easier due to less health.
### STALKER 2: Defeating Zombies
Zombies, former stalkers twisted by psi-radiation, shamble in eerie silence, yet they maintain rudimentary weapon skills. Their precision is off, but they’re still dangerous.
You can only permanently down them with headshots; otherwise, they eventually rise and resume their assault. In combat, take cover and pick them off one by one, avoiding open spaces where their scattered shots can catch you off guard.
### STALKER 2: Taming Controllers
Controllers, memorable bald mutants with psi-wave attacks, impair your senses, making close encounters perilous.
Combat them by managing psi-radiation effects with consumables, seeking cover to break their line of sight as you fire. Grenades also work well given their slow pace.
### STALKER 2: Conquering Burers
Burly burers pose diverse telekinetic threats, from levitating objects to hurling your own weapons back at you. Keep out of their sight to avoid losing your gun and utilize multiple cover points to keep moving.
Be aware of their shields and chip away at them when they’re vulnerable. Gather loose weapons in their vicinity to prevent their use against you.
### STALKER 2: Subduing Snorks
Snorks—former humans reverted to a bestial state—are formidable yet frail foes that strike swiftly in packs.
Balance offense and evasion, shooting as they leapt towards you, then retreating to draw them away before picking them off.
### STALKER 2: Dispelling Psy-Dogs
Psy-dogs, mutated wolves, are adept at multiplying their appearance through illusions, making them a frustrating enemy to dispatch.
Escape when possible, but if necessary, quickly identify and eliminate the real psy-dog when it reveals itself through offensive actions. Target it with concentrated shotgun shots to end the conflict.
### STALKER 2: Neutralizing Cats (Bayun)
Cats, known as Bayun, are cunning creatures that lure you in with fabricated cries. They’re nimble and inflict heavy damage while clawing relentlessly.
Proceed cautiously towards sounds of distress and have a shotgun ready in case of an ambush. Open spaces provide you the advantage of movement to counter their attacks.
### STALKER 2: Vanquishing Mutated Deer
These rare and mutant deer employ mind-control over other wildlife to assault you.
Focus fire on the deer to break its hold over minions and nulify its ability to summon more allies. Stay mobile and prioritize high-damage attacks to minimize engagement duration.
### STALKER 2: Overpowering Chimeras
Chimeras, the peak of The Zone’s ferocity, are the most formidable mutants due to their dual heads and immense might.
Avoid conflict if possible, but engage with caution if necessary. Use high-damage shotguns and environmental exploits to trap or distract them, whittling down their health.
### STALKER 2: Outlasting Pseudogiants
Pseudogiants, hulking behemoths with overwhelming strength, are daunting adversaries with relentless attack patterns.
If fleeing isn’t an option, juggle evasion with steady damage from powerful firearms. The most effective strategy involves maintaining distance, using cover wisely, and knowing when to mount a counterattack.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl invites players to test their mettle against these terrors, available now on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. Whether purchasing at retail or via subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, it offers one of the year’s most thrilling gaming experiences.
