Stalker 2: 11 Best Assault Rifles and How To Get Them

Assault rifles are among the most popular weapon choices in Stalker 2, and for good reason. They feature multiple firing modes, support a variety of upgrades, and deliver excellent damage in close to mid-range combat. These qualities make it essential to equip yourself with a top-tier AR rather than relying on an inefficient one. With so many options available in the game, we have compiled a list of the 11 best assault rifles in Stalker 2 and detailed how you can obtain each one.

NOTE: The numerical weapon stats in the tables correspond to the yellow bars displayed on assault rifle stats in the game. Five represents the maximum value and zero indicates the minimum.

Related: Stalker 2: Best Shotguns and How To Get Them

11. AR416

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	0.9
Penetration	1.1
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.9
Accuracy	3.5
Weight	4.56 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.56×45
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	15050

The AR416 is one of the easiest assault rifles to find or obtain in the game. While its base damage is slightly below average, its impressive penetration power and accuracy make it one of the best early-game assault rifles in Stalker 2.

One of the AR416’s highlights is its single-fire mode, which is highly effective for landing precision headshots, often taking down enemies with a single shot.

While excellent for rapid fire, the full-auto firing mode has a downside: it quickly depletes ammunition. This can be especially problematic during the game’s early stages when ammo supplies are scarce.

How to Get the AR416

You can acquire the AR416 early in the game while exploring the Lesser Zone. Here’s a breakdown of locations where you can find it:

1. Scientists’ Bunker (Southwestern Lesser Zone)
   Head to the Scientists’ Bunker point of interest (POI) in the southwestern part of the Lesser Zone. You can loot an AR416 from Petro Yerokhin’s body here.
2. Central Checkpoint (Southern Lesser Zone)
   Another AR416 can be found lying on a table inside the Central Checkpoint POI in the southern part of the Lesser Zone.
3. The Poppy Field Side Quest
   During the “Poppy Field” side quest, you can obtain a variant of the AR416 called “Unknown Stalker’s AR416.” To get it, you can trade the Religious Icon painting (found in the Poppy Field) with Pomor or kill Pomor and take the weapon. This is a modified version that comes with a grip and offers better accuracy, but only one exists in the game.

Outside the Lesser Zone, you will find a 100% durability AR416 at the Eastern Tunnel POI in the Cement Factory region. Look for a crate near the entrance to the depot area, and you will find an AR416 on it.

10. Grom S-14

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	1
Penetration	2.5
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.6
Accuracy	3.5
Weight	3.98 kg
Magazine size	20 rounds
Caliber	9×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	24814

The Grom S-14 is a significant upgrade from the AR416, offering higher damage and penetration power—two essential qualities for efficiently taking down mutants and heavily armored human enemies.

While its range and accuracy are comparable to the AR416, the Grom S-14 does come with some trade-offs. It has a smaller magazine capacity, holding just 20 rounds. However, what sets this weapon apart is its integrated grenade launcher system. Activating the grenade launcher replaces your reticle with a specialized projectile aim system, giving you a tactical edge in combat situations.

Despite its limited magazine size, the Grom S-14 excels when used in single-fire mode. Precision shots, whether to the head or the body, deliver excellent damage output, making it one of the best weapon choices in Stalker 2 for both strategic encounters and intense firefights.

How to Get the Grom S-14

There are several ways to acquire the Grom S-14 in Stalker 2. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Side Activity with Vadyk Firecracker (Chemical Plant Region)
   The easiest way to obtain the Grom S-14 is by completing a side activity involving the NPC Vadyk Firecracker, found at the Bloodsucker POI, north of the Army Warehouses. Look for him standing on the broken roof of a house. Vadyk will ask you to eliminate a Pseudogiant mutant that was attracted to his guitar music and attempted to attack him. After completing this task, Vadyk will reveal the location of his stash, which contains a Grom S-14. This gun variant comes with an extended magazine attachment, making it a more practical option for extended engagements.
2. Electrical Transformer on the Island (Chemical Plant Region)
   Another Grom S-14 can be found at the Electrical Transformer POI, located north of the Bloodsucker village. Cross the bridge to reach this area, where you will find Lesyk Scythe’s body with the Grom S-14 nearby.
3. Vendor at Yaniv Station (Yaniv Region)
   If you missed these early opportunities in the Chemical Plant region and have progressed to the Yaniv region, you can still purchase the Grom S-14. Visit the Wreck vendor at Yaniv Station, who sells the weapon in perfect condition with 100% durability.

Related: Best Armor Sets in Stalker 2 And How To Get Them

9. AS Lavina

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	1.2
Penetration	2.6
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.5
Accuracy	3.6
Weight	2.78 kg
Magazine size	20 rounds
Caliber	9×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	25764

Stealth is a viable option in combat, and weapons equipped with suppressors make it much easier to stay undetected. While finding the right attachments and locating Technicians to install them requires effort, the AS Lavina stands out as the best silenced assault rifle in Stalker 2.

The AS Lavina offers superior accuracy and penetration compared to the Grom S-14, but that is not all. Its standout feature is the integrated silenced barrel, allowing you to take down enemies quietly from a distance. Precision headshots in single-fire mode make it exceptionally effective in stealth scenarios.

The AS Lavina is also a much lighter weapon in weight than Grom S-14, making it the best assault rifle to carry in your inventory in Stalker 2.

How to Get the AS Lavina

There are several ways to acquire the AS Lavina in Stalker 2. Here is where you can find it:

1. Death Cave (Cordon Region)
   A broken durability AS Lavina can be found inside the Death Cave POI in the Cordon region. Head to the cave’s end, where you will spot a skeleton resting on a stone platform near a lamp. The AS Lavina is lying right next to it.
2. Quiet’s Camp (Wild Island, Noontide Base)
   During the main story mission Just Like the Good Old Days, visit Quiet’s Camp POI in the southern part of the Noontide Base on Wild Island. Once you reach the Quiet vendor’s room in the building, you will notice that the vendor and other NPCs are no longer there. You can now access Quiet’s shop and find the AS Lavina in brand-new condition on a shelf.
3. Transmission Pylon Stash (Burnt Forest)
   Another AS Lavina can be found inside a stash bag beneath a Transmission Pylon in the Burnt Forest region. To locate it, head to the eastern part of the Burnt Forest, just past the Perun’s Hill POI. The assault rifle is inside the stash bag.

8. Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	1.1
Penetration	1.5
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.9
Accuracy	4.5
Weight	2.65 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.45×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	20182

The AKM-74S is a solid choice for an assault rifle in Stalker 2, but its base variant leaves room for improvement. To truly maximize its potential, we recommend going for Valik Lummox’s custom-designed AKM-74S. This unique version boasts significantly improved accuracy, thanks to its larger scope, making it a must-have for sharpshooters.

The Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S excels in single-fire mode, where its upgraded scope lets you easily pick off targets from long distances. While its penetration power doesn’t quite match heavy hitters like the AS Lavina or Grom S-14, its exceptional accuracy and raw stopping power more than make up for it. This weapon’s rarity—it’s the only one of its kind in the game—further cements its value as a top-tier assault rifle.

How to Get Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S

You can acquire Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S during the side quest Warlock’s Debtor. During the quest, you will encounter Valik Lummox, who is being harassed by bandits demanding repayment of a debt. Rescue Valik by dealing with the bandits, and in return, he will share the location of his stash.

Valik’s stash is located in the Water Tower POI, just north of the Zalissya Bar in the Lesser Zone. This region is accessible early in the game, and getting your hands on Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S very early will set you up till the mid-game with this gun in Stalker 2.

Related: Stalker 2: Best Artifact Detectors and How to Get Them

7. GP37

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	0.8
Penetration	2.2
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	2.3
Accuracy	4.3
Weight	3.96 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.56×45
Firing Mode	Single, Triple, Full Auto
Coupons	17147

The GP37 is the best mid-game assault rifle in Stalker 2, and no matter where you find it, it always comes equipped with a standard scope. This makes it perfect for landing highly accurate shots, further cementing its place as one of the best weapons in the game.

What truly sets the GP37 apart is its versatility. The rifle features three firing modes: single fire for precision headshots, triple-shot bursts for quick damage, and full-auto mode to unleash an entire magazine on mutants or hostile NPCs.

While the Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S serves well through the early and mid-game, once you gain access to the Zaton region, it is time to upgrade to the GP37. This rifle boasts superior penetration power, making it a much better option for mid to late-game combat.

How to Get the GP37

There are multiple ways to acquire the GP37 in Stalker 2, whether by purchase or exploration:

1. Purchase from Eugene (Rostok)
   The easiest method is to buy the GP37 from Eugene, the vendor in Rostok. However, if you do not have enough Coupons, there are several free options available in the Zaton region.
2. Cave Network (Zaton Region)
   Head east from the Gas Station POI to reach the Cave Network. Inside, you will find a body with a GP37 on it.
3. Dredger (Zaton Region)
   Southeast of the Cave Network, you will come across the Dredger POI. Look for the GP37 placed on a table by the windows. This version is in perfect condition with 100% durability.
4. Port Cranes (Zaton Region)
   Travel east of the Shevchenko POI to find the Port Cranes. Inside the lockers, you are highly likely to find another GP37.
5. Church (Swamps Region)
   In the Swamps region, head to the Church POI. Here, you will find a GP37 along with a High-Capacity magazine sitting on a table. But to reach the gun and the attachment, you need to enter the room by breaking the door latch through the hole in the right room.

6. Fora-221

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	0.9
Penetration	2.1
Rate of Fire	4.95
Range	1.9
Accuracy	3
Weight	3.82 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.45×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	15044

The Fora-221 is a compact assault rifle equipped with iron sights, a grip, and a 30-round magazine. It is a next-generation AR that outshines older models like the AKM-74U and AKM-74S.

What truly sets the Fora-221 apart is its remarkable accuracy, even when using just the standard iron sights. However, the weapon’s standout feature is its unparalleled upgrade potential.

With a wide range of compatible attachments, you can customize the Fora-221 to become one of the best assault rifles in Stalker 2. This versatility is why we have ranked it sixth on our list of the top assault rifles.

How to Get the Fora-221

There are several ways to acquire the Fora-221 in Stalker 2, with options ranging from completing quests to exploring various regions:

1. Complete the “Uninvited Guests” Side Quest
   The most straightforward way to get the Fora-221 is through the side quest Uninvited Guests, given by Myrtkas in the Concrete Forest at the Cement Factory. Myrtkas asks you to retrieve his gun from an underground tunnel system guarded by two Burer mutants, known for their ability to manipulate weapons. If you manage to defeat both Burers, you will have the option to either keep the Decider weapon (an early variant of the Fora-221 with a green paint job) or return it to Myrtkas. Note that this version lacks attachments and comes in poor condition, meaning you will need to repair it before it becomes fully usable.
2. Claw POI (Zaton Region)
   Head to the Claw POI near the Gas Station in the Zaton region. Inside this cave, you will find a stash bag on the ground containing the Fora-221.
3. Swamp Near Rostok
   In the swamp between the Buryakivka and Volkhov SAM POIs north of Rostok, you can find a Fora-221 hidden inside a rotten tree stump surrounded by rocks. This version is in perfect condition with 100% durability.
4. Search the Scientists’ Bunker (Yantar Region)
   In the northwest of the Yantar region, head to the Scientists’ Bunker POI. Climb to the roof, where you will discover another Fora-221 waiting to be claimed.

5. Kharod

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	1
Penetration	3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	2.3
Accuracy	4.3
Weight	4.16 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.56×45
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	27597

The Kharod assault rifle is a standout choice in Stalker 2, even with its standard iron sights. It boasts some of the highest accuracy among assault rifles, making it a reliable option for both precision and versatility.

With a 30-round magazine and both single-shot and full-auto firing modes, the Kharod can easily handle entire squads of Monolith soldiers or bandits closing in on you.

The Kharod is not just effective against human NPCs—it is also a top-tier assault rifle for dealing with mutants. Thanks to its impressive penetration power, mutants like Bloodsuckers, Pseudogiants, and Burers are no match when you unload an entire magazine. The Kharod eliminates these threats faster than most other assault rifles in Stalker 2.

How to Get the Kharod

Acquiring the Kharod is not straightforward, as it is one of the best assault rifles in Stalker 2. Here are the main ways to obtain it:

1. Purchase from Wreck at Yaniv Station
   If you have plenty of Coupons, head to Wreck’s shop at Yaniv Station in the Yaniv region. He sells the Kharod in perfect condition with 100% durability, making this the easiest but priciest way to obtain the weapon.
2. Near Trailer Dump POI
   For a free option, travel to the Trailer Dump POI north of the Yantar Production Complex. From there, continue toward the Scientists’ Bunkers and look for a cluster of buildings near the riverside. Inside one of these buildings, you will find the Kharod on a shelf. However, you will need to enter the room by punching in the passcode, which is 5578.
3. Near the Mobile Enterprise Building POI
   In the Jupiter region, visit the Mobile Enterprise Building POI. Once there, make your way to the garage and climb to the roof. Drop through the hole in the roof, and you will find a 100% durability Kharod AR there.

Related: Stalker 2: The Forge of Progress Walkthrough Guide

4. Sotnyk

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	1.4
Penetration	3.3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	2.7
Accuracy	5
Weight	5.03 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.45×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	168260

The Sotnyk is widely regarded as the best assault rifle in Stalker 2. It would have easily taken the second spot on our weapon ranking list if not for one major drawback: it is tied to the end-game content.

Unfortunately, you cannot wield this weapon during your regular exploration of the Zone. By the time you acquire the Sotnyk, the story mission locks you into progressing the main narrative, limiting its use in the open world.

Despite this limitation, the Sotnyk is so powerful and well-designed that you would not want to rely on any other weapon for the final missions. This assault rifle, the personal weapon of Degtyarev, comes equipped with an excellent scope, a suppressor, and a 30-round magazine.

With its high accuracy and outstanding penetration power, the Sotnyk outclasses every other assault rifle in the game. It is just unfortunate that its use is restricted to the late-game story content only.

How to Get the Sotnyk

The Sotnyk is obtainable only during the end-game mission Down Below, which serves as the point of no return in Stalker 2. To secure the assault rifle, follow these steps:

1. Avoid Aligning with Spark or Ward Factions
   During the mission, make sure you do not side with either the Spark or Ward factions. This choice ensures that you will gain access to certain areas critical to acquiring the Sotnyk.
2. Return to the Enerhetyk Palace of Culture
   As part of the mission, you will revisit the Enerhetyk Palace of Culture in Prypiat. After obtaining the X7 suit, look for the Sotnyk on the table near Strelok.

3. Dnipro

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	1.2
Penetration	3
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.9
Accuracy	3
Weight	3.73 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.45×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	32927

The Dnipro stands out as a top-tier assault rifle in Stalker 2, thanks to its exceptional penetration power and pinpoint accuracy—even when used without a scope.

This Ukrainian-made weapon is not just a tool of the military; it is also the choice of seasoned stalkers who are determined to survive the harshest mutant encounters and the perils of the Zone

How to Get the Dnipro

There are multiple ways to acquire the Dnipro assault rifle in Stalker 2, ranging from exploration to straightforward purchases:

1. Cooling Tower Region
   Head to the South Cooling Tower POI. Look for a fire whirl and a teleport anomaly near the area. Enter the anomaly, which will transport you to the top of the cooling tower. Once there, you will find the Dnipro rifle lying next to a small safe.
2. Lishchyna Facility in the Red Forest
   Travel to the eastern part of the Red Forest and visit the Lishchyna Facility POI. Inside the facility, you will find a Dnipro rifle waiting to be looted.
3. School No. 1 in Prypiat
   In the eastern building of School No. 1 POI in Prypiat, you will discover a teleport anomaly. Enter it, and you will be transported to a neighboring building. There, you will find a dead Ward soldier with the Dnipro lying beside his body.
4. Buy from Wreck
   If you prefer a more straightforward approach and have enough Coupons, you can purchase the Dnipro from Wreck at the Yaniv Station base in the Yaniv region. While this is the easiest method, it is also the most expensive, as it requires a significant number of Coupons.

Related: Stalker 2: What to Do With the PDAs ? – Answered

2. Special

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	2.1
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	1.7
Accuracy	2.5
Weight	6 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.45×39
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	23500

While the Special may not surpass the Dnipro in raw power, its early availability and lasting utility make it a standout choice in Stalker 2. This weapon is versatile enough to carry you through the early game and remains a reliable option well into the mid and late-game content.

Although the Special weighs 6 kg—making it the heaviest assault rifle on this list—it compensates with excellent base damage, solid penetration power, and impressive range thanks to its built-in scope.

On paper, the Special is a variant of the AKM-74U, but in practice, it is a far superior assault rifle option, outperforming most early-to-mid-game ARs you can find or purchase from vendors in Stalker 2.

How to Get the Special

To acquire the Special assault rifle, head to the Mill south of the Pig Farm POI in the Cordon region. Inside the Mill building, you will encounter Stets Leech.

• Option 1: Kill Stets Leech and loot the Special from him.
• Option 2: Heal Stets Leech and then return later to find him dead, allowing you to claim the Special assault rifle easily.

1. SOFMOD

Weapon Stats	Description
Damage	5
Penetration	2.1
Rate of Fire	4.9
Range	2.5
Accuracy	3.9
Weight	5.26 kg
Magazine size	30 rounds
Caliber	5.56×45
Firing Mode	Single, Full Auto
Coupons	42150

The SOFMOD is the ultimate assault rifle in Stalker 2, perfectly designed to help you survive the Zone’s relentless dangers. Alongside the Special AR, it boasts the highest base damage in the game’s assault rifle category. However, the SOFMOD edges out its competition with a superior range and lighter weight, making it the best assault rifle available in Stalker 2.

A high-tier variant of the AR416, the SOFMOD is equipped with a silencer, a grip, and a red dot reticle as soon as you pick it up for use. These upgrades make it an exceptional choice for stealthy yet devastating attacks, allowing you to one-shot most hostile human NPCs.

Best of all, the SOFMOD AR is obtainable early in the game and can remain effective well into the mid and late stages—just make sure to keep it repaired, as continuous usage will degrade its durability over time.

How to Get the SOFMOD

There is only one way to acquire the SOFMOD in Stalker 2:

1. Head to the Zaton Region
   Travel to the Railway Maintenance Facility POI, located north of the Canning Factory.
2. Locate the Garage
   Look for a building with a garage door near a red container. Enter through the garage door.
3. Find the Rifle
   From the entrance, take a left past the rusted van, then another left into the room. Inside, you will find the SOFMOD assault rifle resting on wooden crates, along with a few medkits and packs of 5.56x45mm M885 ammunition.

That is everything you need to know about the best assault rifles in Stalker 2 and how to get them. For more tips on the game, we recommend you check out our Just Business Quest Walkthrough, How to Fix Hot on the Trail Bug, and How To Sell Broken Weapons in Stalker 2 guides.

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