Best Shotguns in Stalker 2 and How to Get Them

Key Takeaways:

1. Shotguns Are Kings of Close Combat: Their raw power and penetration make them essential for surviving the Zone.
2. Know the Best Choices Early On: Picking the right shotgun can drastically improve your survivability, especially when facing tough enemies.
3. Strategic Upgrades Save Resources: Upgrading and repairing weapons should be approached strategically to balance performance and cost.

When wandering through the treacherous Zone in Stalker 2, survival hinges on your ability to quickly dispatch threats. Enter the shotgun your best friend in close-quarters combat. From disintegrating bandits to dropping mutants, the right shotgun can make or break your adventure. This guide walks you through the 9 best shotguns in Stalker 2, their stats, pros and cons, and how to acquire them.

1. Boomstick – The Starter’s Best Friend

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 1
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 0.5
• Accuracy: 1.8
• Weight: 1.94 kg
• Magazine: 2
• Firing Mode: Single fire

The Boomstick is your quintessential beginner weapon compact, reliable, and devastating up close. This sawed-off double-barrel shotgun thrives in early-game encounters, where enemies are unarmored. Its limited range and low penetration make it less effective against tougher foes later on.

How to Get:

• Zalissya Vendor: Purchase from Hamster, the first vendor you meet in the Lesser Zone.
• Looted: Frequently found on defeated human enemies in early-game areas.
• Backup Source: Buy from Huron in the Slag Heap if yours is lost or damaged.

2. Toz-34 – Boomstick’s “Big Brother”

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 1
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 1.2
• Accuracy: 2.2
• Weight: 3.14 kg
• Magazine: 2

The Toz-34 brings versatility to the table with better range and accuracy than the Boomstick, thanks to its longer barrel. This makes it a great option for slightly extended encounters while retaining its close-quarters prowess.

How to Get:

• Zalissya Vendor: Purchase from Hamster early in the game.
• Side Quest Reward: Complete “Piece of Cake” from Squint.
• Loot: Occasionally found on human enemies but often with low durability.

3. SPSA-14 – Your First Heavy Hitter

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 2.5
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 1
• Accuracy: 1.9
• Weight: 4.4 kg
• Magazine: 8

The SPSA-14 is a mid-game marvel, offering increased penetration and improved pellet spread, making it highly effective against armored foes. Its ability to fire dart or slug shells adds a tactical edge.

How to Get:

• Locations:
  1. Lokomotyv Vehicle Station in the Cordon region.
  2. Perimeter Dam in Burnt Forest.
  3. Scientist Bunker in Yantar.

4. M860 Cracker – Raw Power and Punch

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 2.1
• Rate of Fire: 3.1
• Range: 1
• Accuracy: 2
• Weight: 3.2 kg
• Magazine: 6

With its excellent penetration and minimal recoil, the M860 Cracker is a crowd favorite for dispatching mutants like Bloodsuckers. Its versatility makes it an essential upgrade for mid-game battles.

How to Get:

• Purchase from Huron in the Slag Heap.
• Found in Nestor’s stash during “The Price Goes Up” mission.

5. Predator – Precision Meets Power

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 2.1
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 2.4
• Accuracy: 3
• Weight: 3.2 kg
• Magazine: 8

The Predator stands out for its incredible accuracy and improved range. It’s a must-have weapon when engaging heavily armored enemies, particularly in late-game scenarios.

How to Get:

• Found at the Izumrudne POI in Zaton.

6. Sledgehammer – The Arena Champion’s Reward

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 3
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 1
• Accuracy: 2.1
• Weight: 5.2 kg
• Magazine: 8

This beast combines rapid fire with devastating power, making it one of the best weapons to face Monolithian soldiers and mutants.

How to Get:

• Defeat the Tyrant in the Freedom Colosseum in Rostok to claim it as your reward.

7. Saiga D-12 – The True Mutant Slayer

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 3
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 1
• Accuracy: 2
• Weight: 3.76 kg
• Magazine: 8

The Saiga D-12 dominates the late game with its unparalleled rate of fire and high penetration. With a drum magazine attachment, it becomes a death-dealing machine capable of clearing hordes with ease.

How to Get:

• Mission Reward: Complete “In Search of a Guide” in Zaton.
• Purchase: Buy from Wreck at Yaniv Station.
• Puzzle: Solve a jumping puzzle west of the Car Dump POI in Yantar.

8. Ram-2 – Versatile Powerhouse

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 3
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 1.3
• Accuracy: 2.5
• Weight: 3.5 kg
• Magazine: 14

The Ram-2 bridges the gap between raw firepower and tactical versatility. Its high magazine capacity and balanced stats make it invaluable for challenging encounters.

How to Get:

• Found at Energiya Vehicle Station in the Malachite region.

9. Texan – The Best of the Best

Stats:

• Damage: 5
• Penetration: 3
• Rate of Fire: 4.9
• Range: 1.2
• Accuracy: 3.5
• Weight: 7.7 kg
• Magazine: 14

The Texan is the Zone’s ultimate shotgun, boasting unmatched accuracy and firepower. Ideal for taking down the most formidable foes, including mutants and Monolithian elites.

How to Get:

• Located in the Abandoned Science Campus POI in Jupiter.

FAQ Section:

1. Can shotguns be upgraded in Stalker 2?
Yes, technicians in major hubs can upgrade shotguns to improve their stats, add attachments, or repair durability.

2. Are unique shotguns worth it?
Unique shotguns often come with exclusive attachments or upgrades unavailable on standard versions. However, their performance can sometimes be matched by fully upgraded standard variants.

3. What’s the best early-game shotgun?
The Boomstick and Toz-34 are excellent options for early encounters due to their high damage and availability.

4. How do I conserve Coupons while upgrading shotguns?
Focus on essential upgrades early in the game and avoid excessive enhancements to keep repair costs manageable.