In STALKER 2, The Zone is teeming with hazardous elements that can snuff out your existence in the blink of an eye. You’ll face numerous dangers, such as heavily armed NPC stalkers and those eerie anomalies that define the landscape. But the real menace lurks in the form of mutants—vicious creatures roaming The Zone, preying on anything that crosses their path, including fellow mutants.
In total, there are 16 kinds of these mutants, ranging from ex-humans twisted by radiation and psi-waves, to regular animals turned into brutal versions of their species through mutations. Some even seem to be a hybrid mix of both. While they’re tough to handle, the right gear and tactics can help you bring them down.
I’ve spent countless hours engrossed in STALKER games, particularly STALKER 2, with over 70 hours devoted to mastering its mutant challenges. I’ve gathered a bunch of tips and strategies that can ease your fight against these formidable foes. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide covering each mutant, including the best weapons and tactics to conquer them.
### STALKER 2: Dealing with Rats
The rats in The Zone may or may not bear mutations, but they’re still worth a mention. You’ll encounter these at the game’s outset. Individually, a rat won’t pose a threat, but when they swarm, they can overwhelm you with their biting frenzy if you aren’t prepared.
There’s always a horde of them, so using bullets is inefficient. Instead, once you spot them or hear their telltale chatter, position yourself on something high like crates. Then, lob a grenade into the writhing mass—it should take care of most of them. For any stragglers, another grenade will do the trick.
### STALKER 2: Tackling Rodents
Much like their smaller cousins, rodent mutants, oversized rats on hind legs, make their presence known. You’ll usually see them in packs of about 6-10. You’ll get harassed by their relentless hopping and biting but know they’ve got low health.
A pistol works best since any shot takes them down, preserving your more powerful ammo. You might want to climb onto structures to elude their attack, though this tactic will have them scamper off until you descend. Save this maneuver for catching your breath or reloading.
### STALKER 2: Battling Blind Dogs
Blind dogs present more danger, attacking rapidly and with the ability to encircle you if close. They announce their attack with barks and growls—a clear warning sign. Backpedal while firing at them with a pistol, SMG, or rifle to fend them off. Shotguns work too unless they require frequent reloading.
If they do manage to surround you, break free by sprinting in one direction and then picking them off while they pursue you. As a bonus, luring them into anomalies for an achievement makes for an interesting strategy.
### STALKER 2: Confronting Fleshes
Fleshes, mutant pigs with insect-like features, resemble tanks with their robust health pool. As tanky as they are, they are slower than blind dogs but carry out a leaping attack that covers surprising distances. Dash sideways to avoid it, all while maintaining a safe gap as you disarm them.
### STALKER 2: Adversaries like Boars
These beasts, similar in appearance to wild swine, are fiercer. They usually charge, so you should dodge to prevent being downed, leaving you vulnerable to follow-up hits. Utilize shotguns most effectively against them. They can’t leap like other creatures, so hopping onto a tall structure can save your hide.
### STALKER 2: Facing Bloodsuckers
The mere sight of bloodsuckers, with their tentacled visages, is enough to send chills down your spine. They’ve been a terror in STALKER since the beginning. They attack invisibly, cloaking until they’re ready to strike. Focus on detecting their faint shimmer and, when they close in, blast them with your most reliable shotgun. If needed, use elevated positions to catch a break, as they can’t reach you.
### STALKER 2: Taking Down Poltergeists
Engage this mutant—an odd orb of electricity floating around—by dodging the flying objects it hurls your way. Close proximity is key, as its attacks are more potent from a distance due to damage falloff. Track it and take shots when it attempts to shield itself.
### STALKER 2: Destroying Zombies
Psi-radiation-stricken stalkers, now zombies, retain just enough intellect to wield guns but otherwise behave like animals. Always go for headshots, as they’ll just rise again otherwise. Zombies are predictable, so keep cover and aim carefully.
### STALKER 2: Outmaneuvering Controllers
Controllers are terrifying mutants with the ability to mess with your mind with psi-waves, making you hallucinate. Stick to cover and pepper them with headshots. Psi-block consumables limit the effects, making them manageable foes.
### STALKER 2: Besting Burers
With telekinetic powers, burers are troublesome because they can rip weapons from your hands. Navigate the terrain to block their line of sight—this limits their abilities, allowing tactical shots from cover.
### STALKER 2: Besting Snorks
Accustomed to crawling on all fours, snorks are fast and dangerous. Use their agility against them, anticipating their jump attacks, and responding with quick and effective bursts of fire.
### STALKER 2: Handling Psy-Dogs
Psy-dogs are complex adversaries with illusions. Avoid wasting ammo on clones, and try to escape or find backup. If combat is inevitable, be quick to identify and eliminate the genuine threat.
### STALKER 2: Outsmarting the Cats (Bayun)
Bayun, sly feline mutants, can trap you by mimicking stalker calls. Carry a shotgun and approach carefully, as they can shred your armor in no time during combat.
### STALKER 2: Dominating Mutated Deer
Mutated deer are rare but dangerous as they summon other mutants. Ignore them and focus on dispatching the deer itself, staying mobile to thwart its mind-controlled minions.
### STALKER 2: Subduing Chimera
Chimera, the apex predator of The Zone, are mighty challengers. If escape isn’t an option, treat them like a hyper-lethal snork, outmaneuver, and hammer away when they’re committed to their moves. Seek high ground when available.
### STALKER 2: Overcoming Pseudogiants
Pseudogiants boast immense power and resilience. Kite around obstacles, using your firepower wisely to manage their onslaught—high-powered shotguns or even heavier artillery like RPGs can help bring them down, but only with skill and perhaps a touch of luck.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now out on Xbox Series X|S and PC, offering an immersive experience in its challenging world. Whether purchased outright or accessed via Xbox Game Pass, it’s proving to be a standout title this year.
