In STALKER 2, the odds are against you, and you’ll frequently be outnumbered as you explore the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. As such, many STALKER 2 players will attempt to use stealth to pass by foes unnoticed or silently take out enemies without alerting others. However, you’ll quickly notice that the stealth system in the game is very finicky.
Does stealth work in STALKER 2?
STALKER 2 technically has a stealth system. However, it’s either bugged at launch or just poorly implemented. When you start the game, you only have access to one stealth weapon: your combat knife. If you get close enough to a human enemy, you can use it to perform a standard-issue stealth kill. However, this ability is largely useless outside of buildings since human patrols typically move to quickly and erratically to sneak up on.
As you continue playing through STALKER 2 you get more stealth options, including silencers. These are much more useful if you’re trying to keep a low profile, especially equipped on a rifle. However, you’ll often end up aggroing enemies even when using these.
Unfortunately, STALKER 2’s AI is a bit busted regarding stealth. It’s hyper-aware, can spot you at great distances, and if you aggro one enemy, everyone in the area instantly knows your location. If you can break sight with the enemies pursuing you, they investigate your last location, giving you a chance to run. However, this mechanic works inconsistently and can’t be counted on during a fight.
The only places where stealth works relatively well are in areas where the devs handcrafted enemy placement and patrols. You’ll run into foes in places that were obviously meant to allow you to kill them silently. Outside of these locations, if you want to use stealth, you’re best off using a rifle with a scope to pick off targets from afar. It’s possible to kill foes from far enough away that their allies can’t spot you, and they’ll either aggro briefly or not at all. Otherwise, the mechanic isn’t really worth trying.
