Share Your Load Out

[Greyfire]

Stalkers. I am interested in discussing load outs. It is important the we understand the elegance of the battlefield. From one Stalker to the next, we see the battlefield differently, and we utilize tactics based on that intelligence. Sharing this information will make surviving The Zone slightly less painful.

Here is my report:

Currently I am using a UDP Compact as my side arm, Mark 1 EMR as primary, and Ram 2 as secondary. I am using the SSP 1001 Survey as my suit of armor.

UDP is great for rapid engagement when targets are moving on your position between reloads. I prefer this side arm for its penetration, accuracy, and range. It has great target acquisition and tracking as well. Many Stalkers are sticking with the rookie pistol - which is a great side-arm. However, it lacks a little in range. accuracy, and penetration - which are all more useful to me if my position is compromised and I need to either lay down fire to re-position or I need the head shot to be a lock at close range. Add a mag extension, a tactical silencer, and a laser pointer for optimal performance.

Mark 1 EMR with a mag extension is a great balance between AR and sniper. It has great penetration and damage. It has slow target acquisition but, once the target is acquired - it tracks really well. Its really suited well for the 8x scope, and if you end up having to use it in CQC - firing from the hip with a laser pointer will get the job done in a couple shots. If you're scanning your backgrounds, you can typically ambush two or three human targets with head shots. If there is enough distance, any remaining targets can be tracked and eliminated with a few body shots. I know a lot of Stalkers want to take an AR here, and I would agree that a Kharod is an effective AR platform by comparison. I just dont think it makes engagements with human hostiles any easier. If I miss a head shot, and targets are moving fast on my position - the Kharod just doesnt seem to have the stopping power to the body. In The Zone, if you're always scanning your backgrounds, ambush tactics work really well against humans. The semi-auto Mark 1 EMR with a mag extension can fire 20 shots before a reload. Focusing your upgrades on reducing recoil makes tracking targets almost over-powered. You can switch between targets without ever leaving the scope or losing LOS. Some Stalkers have rated this rifle mid-tier at best but, the best weapon in The Zone is the one you are most effective with. The biggest downside here is ammo but, you're only engaging in CQC with this weapon if its an emergency. The main use for the Mark 1 EMR is to ambush human targets. The M701 is an excellent rifle as well but, it doesnt track very well, allowing targets to move in close between shots.

Which shotgun you use is likely personal preference but, you need to take a shotgun. Period. Originally, I was using an M860 with a mag-feed. However, it just didnt have the stopping power I was hoping for. Also, its target acquisition seemed a little slow, and it doesnt track well at all. Its a great shotgun for the rookie, and you want to get one of these early, if you can. The beloved Saiga is also an excellent, high powered shotgun. Many Stalkers have recorded engagements with bloodsuckers being dispatched almost instantly with a Saiga. But, in the end, you have to choose. I chose the Ram 2 because I felt that target acquisition was quicker, and tracking was also better. There is a big difference in reload speed but, its not too bad. The Saiga probably has a better TTK in CQC but, the handling just doesnt feel as comfortable as the Ram 2.

Lastly - your suit is your life in The Zone. The SSP 1001 Survey is extremely effective at mitigating almost all hostilities in The Zone. Its only drawback is Psi protection but, we all struggle with that. The SSP 1001 Survey is affordable as a rookie, and the upgrades push this suit even further scoring high against ballistics, and anomalies, while allowing for max artifact slots. There isnt much to say here - this is simply one of the best suits in The Zone.

Thanks for reading my report. Post yours and we will discuss.

[65Roses]

2

[Munch!]

Here's my loadout

SVU-MK S-3
Saiga D-12
APSB
Diamond Exoskeleton

The SVU can be hard to find, at least it was for me and I got one about half way through the game. In the meantime I used a M701 or an SVDM-2. IMO the SVU is the best option, even with slightly less damage you get a higher fire rate, higher range and equal or higher AP.

The Saiga is my close-quarter/anti-mutant weapon of choice. Compared to the RAM they're almost identical weapons, the only difference being range (when upgraded) and ammo capacity. The Saiga may only hold 8 bullets but it is reloaded with a magazine, which is much faster than the RAM's individual loading.

The APSB is a very expensive and more uncommon pistol than most others. Regardless, its AP, mag size, recoil, and burst fire can make even any monolith scum swiss cheese. Until one can be found just use skif's pistol.

Lastly the Diamond Exoskeleton is an end-game armor 2nd to only the Liberty Exoskeleton. So it is the last cog in this machine of a loadout, in the meanwhile the PSZ-12V Bulat worked wonders before I got my hand on it, and it can be found right as you leave the lesser zone.

[zpc]

I fell in love with the APSB as a sidearm and im using the Saiga / Partner as main weapons. Also using the Spitfire as backup weapon if I need some spray'n pray. Occasionally I'm using the Hunter to have some bolt-action fun. Yantar is e.g. quite satisfying for that - or a certain cooling tower sidequest

For armor I'm a sucker for exoskeletons. As I'm making it a point to enter Prypiat asap after the Lesser Zone I'm using Shturm / Ruby for the most part of the game Diamond being the obvious upgrade towards the end. Other suits I never bother upgrading (because costs...) - but early game I use light merc suit and others once they break down (as I never repair them - because costs).

For the grande finale this time I'm hoarding ammo for the Glutton (might be switching to Beast at some point, not sure yet ...). You know, just to have some fun.

[Yorm]

5.45 converted Carmel (Kharod). Best handling by far, very broad attachment options, common round. Headshots with short bursts are very easy to land, and from rather far away. I could see, however, the appeal behind SVU.

Saiga. As mentioned, good effective range, plus clip reload (with a 20-round clip attachment available).

Skif's pistol. Cheap solution for trash enemies. Also, weighs next to nothing and cannot be knocked out of your hands (eat that, burers). Stechkin (APSB) would've been a better choice if it had fire modes - there's a mod for that if you want to.

As for armor, Diamond exoskeleton is the clear winner if you can afford repairs (yes, there are mods for that as well). Before that PSZ-9I Falcon seemed the best option, not to mention that it can be picked up for free right after getting out of the Lesser Zone if you know what you're doing.

[Spada]

I‘m running with bolts and throw them at anyone i come across

[За Монолит]

In Cordon right now; following main story and any side objectives I find.

a1) Freedom Seva
1) Clustermuck Rifle
2) Arena shotgun (Forgot the name)
3) X Edition Rhino

Freedom Seva for anomalous x protection balance (and bc I am waiting to get an Exo or ANY Clear Sky outfit)
Clustermuck rifle is SUPER good for taking out any enemies, been getting me through a VAST majority of the game, ran the AKM-74U for a while, fully upgraded with attachables
Arena shotgun is just a unique Spas, great gun for mutants
The DLC Rhino is super good for running and gunning weak-to-medium-armored stalkers, headshots on any armored stalker is an instakill

[Fluffy Newfoundland]

When i finished the game i had :

1) Dnipro
2) Saiga (the Ultimate Edition variant)
3) Rhino (Same, Deluxe or Ultimate Edition variant)
4) Diamond Exo-Skeleton (This exo is better than the one you get with the Ultimate Edition, such bs)

[eDo]

Originally posted by Fluffy Newfoundland:

When i finished the game i had :

1) Dnipro
2) Saiga (the Ultimate Edition variant)
3) Rhino (Same, Deluxe or Ultimate Edition variant)
4) Diamond Exo-Skeleton (This exo is better than the one you get with the Ultimate Edition, such bs)

shturman exo gives you 70% less wear

[Fluffy Newfoundland]

Originally posted by eDo:

Originally posted by Fluffy Newfoundland:

When i finished the game i had :

1) Dnipro
2) Saiga (the Ultimate Edition variant)
3) Rhino (Same, Deluxe or Ultimate Edition variant)
4) Diamond Exo-Skeleton (This exo is better than the one you get with the Ultimate Edition, such bs)

shturman exo gives you 70% less wear

I that a hidden stat ? I believe the Diamond when upgraded also. And the Shturman weight 15kg instead of like 6/8 kg. Cause the only difference i found was like 2 different upgrade that wasn't worth. (Like 5% stamina regen on a different upgradable part than usual)

[eDo]

Originally posted by Fluffy Newfoundland:

Originally posted by eDo:

shturman exo gives you 70% less wear

I that a hidden stat ? I believe the Diamond when upgraded also. And the Shturman weight 15kg instead of like 6/8 kg. Cause the only difference i found was like 2 different upgrade that wasn't worth. (Like 5% stamina regen on a different upgradable part than usual)

no hidden stat just double check and add the % you get together for less wear on the shturman vs the diamond

yea diamond has a bit better weight and some protection but shturm is so much less expensiv to repair - that has more value to me then the carryweight or the slightly better protection stats

[Fluffy Newfoundland]

Originally posted by eDo:

Originally posted by Fluffy Newfoundland:

I that a hidden stat ? I believe the Diamond when upgraded also. And the Shturman weight 15kg instead of like 6/8 kg. Cause the only difference i found was like 2 different upgrade that wasn't worth. (Like 5% stamina regen on a different upgradable part than usual)

no hidden stat just double check and add the % you get together for less wear on the shturman vs the diamond

yea diamond has a bitte bitter weight and some protection but shturm is so much less expensiv to repair - that has more value to me then the carryweight or the slightly better protection stats

True i guess, but i mostly used my Exo-Skeleton for the last mission, so repair is out of the question at that point.

[eDo]

Originally posted by Fluffy Newfoundland:

Originally posted by eDo:

no hidden stat just double check and add the % you get together for less wear on the shturman vs the diamond

yea diamond has a bitte bitter weight and some protection but shturm is so much less expensiv to repair - that has more value to me then the carryweight or the slightly better protection stats

True i guess, but i mostly used my Exo-Skeleton for the last mission, so repair is out of the question at that point.

ya i see but what if you play just throught the story till prypiat till the last mission - no exploring - and you do all the stuff at this point just befor the last mission you know ;)

[Greyfire]

Originally posted by Munch!:

Here's my loadout

SVU-MK S-3
Saiga D-12
APSB
Diamond Exoskeleton

The SVU can be hard to find, at least it was for me and I got one about half way through the game. In the meantime I used a M701 or an SVDM-2. IMO the SVU is the best option, even with slightly less damage you get a higher fire rate, higher range and equal or higher AP.

The Saiga is my close-quarter/anti-mutant weapon of choice. Compared to the RAM they're almost identical weapons, the only difference being range (when upgraded) and ammo capacity. The Saiga may only hold 8 bullets but it is reloaded with a magazine, which is much faster than the RAM's individual loading.

The APSB is a very expensive and more uncommon pistol than most others. Regardless, its AP, mag size, recoil, and burst fire can make even any monolith scum swiss cheese. Until one can be found just use skif's pistol.

Lastly the Diamond Exoskeleton is an end-game armor 2nd to only the Liberty Exoskeleton. So it is the last cog in this machine of a loadout, in the meanwhile the PSZ-12V Bulat worked wonders before I got my hand on it, and it can be found right as you leave the lesser zone.

Ah yes - I forgot to mention the SVU. It is a wonderful weapon. The downside for me is tracking. It does track well but, I feel the Mark 1 EMR is still slightly better. That said, you have a strong load out, Stalker, and extensive knowledge of your equipment. May we meet by the fire full of war stories and vodka.

[dbond1]

I'm just past Malachite in main story and this is my loadout

PSZ-9I Falcon
Kharod
Saiga
Dead Eye

I swap a lot though. I've found and sold a lot of suits but I've kept the Tourist, Seva-I and Falcon. Sometimes I head out for a patrol, just going out to see what I can find or see what I can kick up and go very light with the Tourist and Merc plus Skif's pistol. That loadout's like under 30kg.

I use a Dnipro a lot too. Never use sniper rifles, the Lynx has been in storage since I got it.

[𝒟𝒶𝓇𝓀𝑜𝓃𝑒259]

I'm someone who loves using the Sunrise suit, I found a compass really early so I can just use it for a while now.
For now:

The Combatant
M860 cracker
Skiffs Pistol/ Deadeye
Sunrise Suit
Mark ! Helmet

After SIRCA, I'll switch to this stuff I have saved in my stash:

The Decider
Spas-14
Gambit
SEVA Suit