The mutants in Stalker 2 are a haunting reminder of the Zone’s deadly power. Twisted by radiation and anomalies, these creatures are neither fully human nor animal anymore.
They make the Zone unpredictable, so every step feels like a gamble. This article will guide you through how to defeat each mutant.
How To Beat Every Mutant
Mutants are highly dangerous and are often best avoided unless they block your way or protect something valuable.
They do not drop loot, so wasting ammunition on unnecessary fights is rarely worth the effort.
But when things turn into a fight, being ready is what counts. Here’s how to defeat each mutant in the Zone and outwit the horrors stalking you.
Rodents & Rats
Rodents and rats are low-threat mutants typically encountered in sewers and basements.
click to enlarge
+ 15They might not be strong alone, but they swarm in huge groups and take down their targets.
Shooting them with a pistol or tossing grenades is the most efficient way to handle these swarms.
If overwhelmed, get to higher ground to escape their bites and finish them off from a secure spot.
Just so you know, the rodents will scatter and hide if you take too long, then show up again when you go down.
Keep your distance to avoid making things worse.
Blind Dogs
Blind dogs are common in the Zone, usually running in packs and using their speed to flank their prey from the sides.
click to enlarge + 15They don’t back down, often circling you before attacking. Their speed makes it hard to escape.
Listen for their barks and snarls as a warning they’re close. Use a shotgun or a rifle to backpedal while firing at the advancing pack.
Run through the least guarded spot to get out. Pushing them into anomalies gets the job done without using bullets.
Fleshes
Fleshes resemble grotesque pigs but walk on insect-like limbs.
click to enlarge + 15They mainly attack by lunging at you, which can knock you over. To defeat them, move past their lunges and hit when they’re off balance.
Shotguns are particularly effective due to their high damage output, but any high-capacity firearm can work.
Their health is average, so steady fire will defeat them quickly.
Boars
Boars are hostile and use charging attacks to knock you over, exposing you to follow-up strikes.
click to enlarge + 15They often appear in groups, increasing the danger. Get past their blows, then strike back while they're off guard.
Shotguns or assault rifles work best. If you can find elevated terrain or a safe structure, use it to reload or heal while avoiding their attacks.
Bloodsuckers
Bloodsuckers are some of the most vicious mutants in the Zone.
click to enlarge + 15These towering humanoid beings turn invisible to sneak up on and ambush their prey.
They attack with high-damage claw swipes and can roar to disorient you.
To counter them, look for the shimmer of their cloaking and use a flashlight if fighting at night.
Shotguns are ideal for dealing heavy damage when they decloak to attack. Getting to higher ground gives you a chance to heal or reload.
Poltergeists
Poltergeists are ghostly beings that manipulate objects with telekinetic powers to attack their enemies.
click to enlarge + 15You can usually tell they're nearby by the creepy whispers and floating objects.
Getting close is important since ranged attacks don’t work well with their mobility.
Focus your attacks on their visible form and dodge the thrown objects.
Some variations, like pyrogeists, bring fire anomalies with them, so you’ll need to be extra careful in fights.
Snorks
Snorks are mutated humans that move on all fours and attack, darting at their targets with alarming speed.
click to enlarge + 15While their attacks are deadly, they have relatively low health. Anticipate their leaps and shoot them mid-air with a shotgun or rifle.
When they close in, sprint away, then turn to fire as they chase. Their speed makes them tricky to defeat, but with the right timing, they can be beaten.
Bayuns
Bayuns, aka mutant cats, are cunning predators that mimic human voices to lure unsuspecting stalkers.
click to enlarge + 15Once close, they pounce with powerful claw attacks. Keep your shotgun ready when you hear any suspicious cries for help.
Open spaces work best for fighting bayuns, as confined areas allow them to exploit their agility.
Hit fast during their charge, and don't let them escape to regroup.
Psy Dogs
Psy dogs are an upgraded form of blind dogs, capable of creating illusory duplicates of themselves.
click to enlarge + 15Even though they're just illusions, they can still do damage and drain your resources.
Focus on dodging their attacks until you identify the real psy dog. Once located, eliminate it with a high-damage weapon like a shotgun.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pull back to safety instead of staying in a long battle.
Zombies
Once stalkers, these zombies have been stripped of their will by psi-radiation.
click to enlarge + 15While they are slow and follow a predictable pattern, their firearms make them a threat when they work together.
Aim for the head because body shots won’t finish them off.
Stay behind cover to avoid getting hit, and pick them off one by one to keep from getting swarmed.
Armored Elk
Armored elk are rare, tough mutants that call in smaller creatures to help them fight.
click to enlarge + 15They use a screeching attack to disorient their enemies. Ignore the summoned minions and focus all your firepower on the elk itself.
A shot to the head with a shotgun or assault rifle will do the trick. Keep yourself moving to miss its hits and confusing shrieks.
Controllers
Controllers are humanoid mutants that attack your mind with psi-waves, causing hallucinations and mental disorientation.
click to enlarge + 15These hallucinations can mess you up, so get rid of the controller fast.
Take psi-protection items before jumping in, and aim for headshots with rifles or shotguns.
Break line of sight to avoid their psychic grab attack, and dispatch any zombies under their control first.
Burers
Burers are short, telekinetic mutants skilled in disarming others and generating energy shields for defense.
click to enlarge + 15Hide behind the cover to protect yourself from their thrown items. Wait for the shields to drop before striking.
Maintain medium range and be prepared to retrieve your weapon if it is pulled from your hands.
Powerful weapons such as sniper rifles or shotguns are most effective for quickly eliminating them.
Pseudogiants
Pseudogiants are huge, armored mutants that can take you out with one hit.
click to enlarge + 15They can rush forward, stomp to generate shockwaves, and even toss objects with telekinetic power.
Engage them only when necessary. Heavy weaponry like RPGs or machine guns are used to target their weak points.
Keep moving to avoid their stomps and ground slams. Use large obstacles to create distance during the fight.
Chimeras
Chimeras are apex predators that are fast and tough enough to survive anything.
click to enlarge + 15They leap at their targets with deadly precision, shifting their course to keep up with you.
Use a powerful shotgun or sniper rifle to inflict maximum damage.
Fighting them in tight spots or from higher ground can slow them down, giving you the upper hand.
If possible, avoid engaging a chimera unless necessary.
Get a firm grip on these strategies, and you’ll be well-equipped to face the horrors of the Zone. How do you usually handle swarming mutants like rodents and rats?