#STALKER 2 datamining reveals completely nonsensical weapon balancing

Oh boy. If you happen to had been struggling to make sense of what GSC Sport World was doing when balancing STALKER 2: Coronary heart of Chornobyl‘s weapons, I can let you know now that chasing realism wasn’t it. Datamining has proven that this recreation’s weapons make completely no sense in anyway, as many have suspected.

Choosing the proper gun in STALKER 2 is not any imply feat. Not solely will you could have entry to a choose few low-tier armaments early on, however it now seems that you simply gained’t even have the ability to stick together with your trusty AK for lengthy, both. In line with SMGJohn_EU’s findings whereas data-mining the sport, STALKER 2 is far more of an RPG with regards to gun and weapon development than I anticipated it to be. In different phrases, the truth that Skif’s Makarov fires 9×18 Doesn’t matter in any respect for balancing functions. It simply hits tougher than many different weapons do! Enjoyable.

Datamining of STALKER 2 exhibits that GSC Sport World wasn’t making an attempt to create a tactical shooter in any respect

Slowly however definitely, we’re studying an increasing number of about STALKER 2‘s backend and manufacturing. In some methods, this dispels sure myths which may’ve developed round its launch, however it additionally helps the neighborhood set the suitable expectations.

For instance, we now know for certain that each one weapons aren’t made to be equal in STALKER 2, and that you simply completely want to be transferring on from one gun to the following as you trudge by way of the Zone. As SMGJohn_EU’s complete weapon datamining exhibits, there’s a surprisingly (and annoyingly) linear line of development with regards to weapons, and you can’t realistically count on Valik Lummox’s AK to have the ability to tackle high-tier Monolith troopers. This explicit weapon is, the truth is, considerably weaker than even the baseline AKM rifles you’ll discover off of random useless Stalkers.

Form of ridiculous, isn’t it?

As per the information mine, GSC Sport World truly needs you to slowly however definitely make your means in direction of high-tier, unique armaments no matter your choice. Relating to 5.56 weapons, for instance, the 416 is a “low-tier” variant, the GP-37 is a mid-tier choice, and the Kharod is a top-end alternative bar none. In actuality, all three of those weapons must be successfully the identical outdoors of dealing with traits and ergonomics.

Now, to be completely honest, one thing related was in play with the previous STALKER video games of yore. Although they felt extraordinarily tactical and practical again within the day, they too had low, mid, and high-end decisions for all accessible calibers. Gamers had been anticipated to maneuver on from one tier to the following as they progressed. Actually, it was simply the mods for the previous STALKER video games, like Name of Chernobyl, that tuned its weapons to be extra various and fewer RPG-ified. This makes STALKER 2 appear downright old-school within the balancing division.

Additional, having a baseline sense of development from one weapon kind to a different does have advantage from a gameplay viewpoint. STALKER 2‘s default balancing makes it in order that Skif is at all times on the hunt for a greater gun, which ensures selection for the common participant. If you already know one thing about how weapons and ammunition work in actuality, although, this complete reveal is sure to make you cringe.

Even with all of this in thoughts, I do nonetheless suppose STALKER 2 is a superb recreation. Not essentially wonderful in a lot the identical means as Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle, which is taking the world by storm, however regardless. Whereas Indy is releasing in a sophisticated and pleasant state, STALKER 2 goes to want months (if not years) of extra growth and a complete posse of modders earlier than it achieves its true greatness. That’s okay, I suppose. So long as I’ve a gun balancing mod of some type, the whole lot else appears extra manageable within the grand scheme of issues.