What happens when you die in Stalker 2?

Stalker 2 is unforgiving. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to brutal harshness. On your journey across the barren wastelands, you will meet a lot of powerful enemies and countless other hazards, which means by the time you are done with the game, you will die hundreds or even thousands of times. Don’t worry about keeping count, as the game explicitly tells you how many times have you met your maker.

But what happens when you die in Stalker 2? If you are wondering the same, the short answer is that you will have to load your last save file. You will lose all of your progress until that save, and the death counter will go up by one every time you die.

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How to avoid dying in Stalker 2?

Keep your inventory light whenever you go out (Image via GSC Game World)

It’s hard not to die in Stalker 2, especially if you are a newbie. However, with a bit of experience and some caution, you can keep your death count on the lower side. Here are some tips you should keep in mind that can help you survive:

Take only what is necessary

Carry only essential supplies, like energy drinks, food and some vodka to counter radiation. The environment provides plenty of scavenging opportunities, so there’s no need to overload your inventory with too many supplies. Keeping your weight low lets you haul the most important things in Stalker 2—firearms. Keep your Rifles and shotguns close and sell any that you find while exploring. Avoid carrying broken guns marked with a red icon—vendors won’t buy them.

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Repair, repair, and never forget to repair

Hazards like anomalies and rough terrain will degrade your weapons and armor over time. Regular maintenance is imperative, as damaged equipment can fail when you need it most. Keep an eye on durability indicators in your inventory, but always check your surroundings before opening menus since the game doesn’t pause while you take your sweet time browsing menus.

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Save as much as you can

Be cautious around the hazards (Image via GSC Game World)

While the autosave system performs adequately during missions, you will never see your death coming in Stalker 2. Use multiple save slots as a precaution to avoid losing too much progress every time you die.

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Headshots!

Combat in STALKER 2 is unforgiving, with enemies often being surprisingly durable. You will need to save your ammo, and the most efficient way to do so is by aiming for headshots. Most humanoid enemies go down with a single well-placed shot, saving time and bullets.