Stalker 2: Drowned Assault Rifle – Location, Upgrades and Tips

Key Takeaways:

1. The Drowned is a unique AK rifle that can be acquired early in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl with standout features like a grenade launcher and rapid reloads.
2. Found in the Garbage region near the Slag Heap, this weapon comes with trade-offs: it starts at zero durability and requires costly repairs.
3. Deciding whether to keep or return the weapon is a moral and strategic choice, but keeping it offers unique advantages in combat.

In the unforgiving world of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, survival hinges on the quality of your gear. Among the vast arsenal available in the Zone, one weapon stands out for its early-game potential: the Drowned. This modified AKM-74S offers impressive utility for those willing to invest in repairs and ammo. Whether you’re a scavenger looking for an edge or a purist completing side quests, this guide will help you locate, evaluate, and decide whether the Drowned is worth keeping.

Finding the Drowned in Stalker 2: Location Guide

The Drowned is hidden in plain sight, making it an easy-to-miss gem for players exploring the Zone. Here’s exactly how and where to find it.

Where to Look:

• Region: Garbage, south of the Slag Heap.
• Mission Prerequisite: Complete the “Behind Seven Seals” quest to unlock access to the Garbage area.
• Coordinates: Near the pond by the dirt road leading to Loner town. It’s propped against a chunk of concrete, just waiting to be picked up.

NPC Encounter:

When you arrive, you’ll meet Boo, a Stalker lamenting his lost rifle. Boo claims to have dropped the Drowned but seems unwilling to retrieve it himself. Depending on your approach, you can:

• Speak to Boo before picking up the rifle, and he’ll ask for your help retrieving it.
• Collect the Drowned first, after which Boo will ask for its return.

Should You Keep the Drowned or Return It to Boo?

This moral quandary might tug at your conscience, but here’s the practical breakdown:

Reasons to Keep It:

1. No Rewards for Returning It: Boo offers no immediate benefit or tangible rewards if you give the gun back.
2. No Hostility: Boo won’t retaliate or harm you for keeping the weapon.
3. Unique Weapon Features:
   • Dual Magazines: Faster reloads every alternate cycle.
   • Grenade Launcher: Adds tactical versatility with rare VOG-25 grenades.

Reasons to Return It:

• Role-Playing as a Kind Stalker: If you prefer to align with ethical gameplay choices, returning the weapon suits that narrative.
• Potential Future Impact: While no lasting consequences are confirmed, future updates or hidden mechanics could tie Boo’s gratitude to later rewards.

The Drowned’s Strengths and Weaknesses

While the Drowned is undeniably unique, it comes with trade-offs that can make or break its viability in the field.

Strengths:

1. Early-Game Advantage:
   • An attached grenade launcher provides significant firepower, especially against groups of enemies or tougher opponents.
   • The taped magazines allow for faster reloads, a lifesaver in critical situations.
2. Modifiable: Like most weapons in Stalker 2, the Drowned can be upgraded to enhance its performance.
3. Unique Design: It stands out visually and mechanically from standard AKM-74S rifles.

Weaknesses:

1. Zero Durability:
   • The rifle starts in a completely degraded state, making it unusable until repaired.
   • Repairs cost 11,500 coupons, which is a steep price early in the game.
2. Grenade Ammo Scarcity:
   • VOG-25 grenades are rare, and carrying them adds to your inventory burden.
3. Not Sellable:
   • Due to its poor initial condition, the Drowned cannot be sold for profit.

Is the Drowned Worth Keeping?

The answer depends on your playstyle and resources. If you enjoy collecting unique weapons and have the means to repair it, the Drowned is a solid choice. However, if you already possess a well-maintained rifle, the cost and effort to restore it might not be worthwhile.

How to Upgrade the Drowned for Maximum Performance

If you decide to keep the Drowned, upgrading it is essential to unlock its full potential. Visit a technician in the Zone and consider these enhancements:

• Durability Upgrades: Essential to mitigate the rifle’s initial poor condition.
• Accuracy and Stability Mods: Improve handling and performance during firefights.
• Grenade Launcher Tweaks: Optimize the underbarrel attachment for seamless integration with your playstyle.

Tips for Making the Most of the Drowned

1. Stockpile Coupons Early: Start saving resources to afford repairs and modifications.
2. Hunt for VOG-25 Grenades: Check merchants, loot caches, and high-risk areas for these rare explosives.
3. Pair with Upgraded Armor: Ensure you have robust protection before engaging in tougher missions with the Drowned.

FAQs

Q1: Can I repair the Drowned myself?
No, repairs must be done by a technician and cost 11,500 coupons.

Q2: Are there other unique weapons like the Drowned in Stalker 2?
Yes, the Zone is littered with unique weapons. Keep exploring and completing missions to uncover more treasures.

Q3: What happens if I give the Drowned back to Boo?
As of now, there are no known rewards for returning the rifle. Boo doesn’t offer any significant benefits for your generosity.

Q4: Where can I find VOG-25 grenades?
These grenades are rare but can occasionally be purchased from merchants or found in loot caches around the Zone.