Introduction

There is a huge number of weapons in different classes that can be identified through the released videos. Like the creatures that inhabit the Zone, no doubt there will be plenty more weapons which will not be released until we have the game in hand. Armaments, within realistic limitations, can be upgraded or modified with suppressors, scopes and grenade launchers. Even heavy weapons such as the RPG7 are present, shown in the Weapons video. No doubt there will be an RPO or PRG-26, or even an emplaced AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher in the mix on release. In reflection this lack does suit the game, the storyline and its environment. There maybe the odd heavy weapon on vehicles, as with the KPV on the BTR armoured personnel carrier, particularly in the hands of the military, but all in all, its not going to be typical of Stalkers in the Zone. Modding and a decent editing system will allow for new scenarios and exploration with heavier weapons. All, hopefully, without upsetting what I am sure will be a first rate game balance.

Considering the reliability factor claimed in the promotional videos for the vehicles, it would stand to reason that weapons would be the same. This would be like America's Army, for instance. If the SA80 is to appear in the final release, as shown in the MP video, then one might wish to ditch it as soon as possible and reach for an AK :) The RPG elements of the game, like the need to eat and drink, may find a place for weapon's maintenance to avoid things going pear-shaped just when you least need it. I for one would like to see this embedded in the game, but I am sure many would not.

Also, although I've yet to see it feature in any videos, the RG6 grenade launcher is listed at several major Stalker sites. In the Intel-Samsung video there is also a M16 like rifle with odd "spikes" in the forestock which produces a unbelievable incendiary effect. It appears to have a SUSAT scope attached, as is on the SA80. Some threads have suggested it is some form of Gauss rifle. Hard to know, but I can, personally only hope weapons like this aren't too fantastic and disrupt the game balance. Remembering of course, developers can have a lot of fun and these WMD are not necessarily intended for the game.

Russian Pistols

Makarov PM

The Russian pistol's 9mm cartridge is not as potent as the Western 9mm Parabellum, and as with most pistols, shouldn't be used except in dire emergencies. Get something bigger and better as soon as possible. The Zone is not a nice place. These things are cheap, but also nasty. A silenced version is shown in the Weapons video. You need to reload it with every shot because the reduced gases prevent the pistol's action from cycling. Problem is, one shot take downs are very very unlikely. You have been warned.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 9x18mmM, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 8, Effective Range : 40m

Fort 12

This Ukrainian 9mm has a larger magazine capacity and is a worthwhile replacement for the much older Russian Makarov. Nothing spectacular, it is, nevertheless, something to get you out of a bind. Just don't try any heroics. Run, run, as fast as you can... to fight another day - and preferably with an assault rifle.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 9x18mmM, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 12, Effective Range : 50m

US Pistols

Beretta 92FS

This US military issue 9mm is seen in the hands of a Russian soldier in the DX9.1 Firefight video. I'm not a great fan of 9mm, nor this Italian handgun. I am hoping there will be a real handgun in there. Traditionalists from the US will be particularly encouraged to see a Colt .45 in the armoury. This is the standard issue sidearm in the US Army. Many US Marines still insist on using the old Colt. Perhaps if it was remarketed as an 11mm people would stand up and take notice once more.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 9x19mmP, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 15, Effective Range : 50m

Universal Service Pistol

The German designed pistol, the USP, was shown in the Weapons video but without further information you can not tell if it is a 9mm, .40 cal or a .45 ACP version. We would hope for the latter giving us more hope against armoured soldiers or crazed Zombies. We want more punch than any of the 9mm pistols can ever hope to give us. Remember though, if you're close enough to use a pistol, you're close enough to throw a grenade. Sadly, this is not the SOCOM pistol of the USP family, as that has a distinguishing barrel thread catering for a suppressor, intended for use by US Special Forces, amongst others. It also has a point for a Laser Aiming Module (LAM) attachment. Perhaps this version will be in the final release, the laser pointer giving players another unique toy to enjoy.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 9x19mmP, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 12, Effective Range : 50m

European Pistols

Browning Hi Power

This Belgium handgun is one of the most well regarded of all pistols having been in service with numerous military and police services world wide. Units like the SAS have been using them for years. It is a little hard to handle compared to most 9mm weapons but is reliable and has it where it counts. Superior modern models such as the Swiss SIG Sauer have come to replace thousands upon thousands of Hi Powers in Armed Services throughout the world but these classics will be found almost everywhere for years to come, and at a very reasonable price compared to their contemparies.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 9x19mmP, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 13, Effective Range : 50m

Walther P99

Like the USP, this pistol is shown in the Weapons video. In the grey finish, it features a stylish stainless topslide. Not the most ideal for combat but hey, you gotta look good while you're in the Zone, right? Perhaps it will be offered in a different calibre giving an alternative ballistic performance to typical 9mm weapons, but a stalker will have the concern of limited ammunition if they run with, for example, a .40 Smith and Wesson model. Things are already getting pretty desperate if you are down to a pistol, and no one wants to be scrounging about for ammunition when there is more profit in artifacts. Civilian versions are limited to a 10 round magazine. The .40 calibre round packs just a little more punch than the 9mm parabellum. This modern handgun is brought to you by the same company which produced the legendary wartime Walther P38.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 40 S&W, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 16, Effective Range : 50m

Shotguns

SPAS 12

The Special Purpose Assault Shotgun is seen in the DX9.1 Fire Fight video. This weapon can fire semi automatic or pump. The latter enables lower powered ammunition to be used, where manual operation is required. There is a brace allowing for single handed operation but this is not advised. Using specialised Tungsten Carbide slugs it is possible to penetrate the side of an APC with one of these babies... but again, its not advised.

Type : Shotgun, Ammunition : 12 Gauge, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 7, Effective Range : 50m

TOZ34

This is a high quality double barrel 12 gauge shotgun with a full length barrel allowing for the best possible accuracy using shot ammunition. On breaking open the action spent cartridges are automatically ejected speeding up the otherwise slow process of a reload. Don't be trying to engage targets beyond very close ranges otherwise the spread of shot will soon dissipate making the weapon ineffective. On the other hand, the shotgun is the ultimate close combat weapon if employed correctly. Use it for clearing rooms, taking doors off their hinges and blowing away mutant rats. At point blank range watch the Zombies hit the dust, just be mindful of the need to reload. Cover is good.

Type : Shotgun, Ammunition : 12 Gauge, Feed : Manual, Capacity : 2, Effective Range : 50m

Russian Assault Rifles

AK47 / AKM

The classic AK is sure to be found in great numbers in the Zone and is both cheap and reliable. It does not have all the flash of more modern design but it is effective despite being not the most accurate weapon of its kind in the world. The round performs well against even armoured targets and ammunition is more plentiful than any other in this part of the world. The AK also has a full range of accessories available including the BG15 grenade launcher, suppressors and scopes. The AKM is a AK "Modified" whereby the design was upgraded for improved mass production, but for all intents and purposes is the same weapon. A groove in the forestock and a sloped flash eliminator is the easiest way of identifying the new slightly newer weapon over original. Versions have popped up right through Eastern Europe and Asia. Examples include the Chinese Type 56 with its non-detactable "pig sticker" bayonet, to the Romanian version with a pistol grip on the forestock and very new CZ2000 series which is chambered for 5.56mm NATO ammunition.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 7.62x39mm, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 400m

AK74

The ever faithful Kalishnikov is as ubiquitous as ever in the Zone. The older '74 is chambered for 5.45x39mmB ammo but has gone out of favour with the older 7.62mm round from the AK/AKM series, and the newer 9x39mm. It is unknown if the AK47 features in the Zone. Like the original there are folding stock models intended for paratroops and chopped carbine models like the AKR intended for special forces. The Russians soon found the lighter intermediate cartridge to be ineffective and it has, in all practicality, been abandoned. The AK74 is most likely to be found in the hands of the military personnel moving throughout the Zone.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 5.45x39mmB, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 400m

Other Russian Assault Rifles

OC14 Groza

This bullpup rifle is compact and hits very hard. The AK74 round seems to have been abandoned but the Groza (Thunder) series of rifles is also chambered for the AK's 7.62x39mmB round. It can mount a BG15 40mm grenade launcher and a suppressor but a scope addition has yet to be seen. This version hits somewhat harder than an M16 and is very compact, though, in the new 9mm rifle cartridge it does suffer from a reduced magazine capacity. The one below has a 40mm BG15 grenade launcher attached while there are scoped options and silenced versions as well.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 9x39mm, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 20, Effective Range : 400m

VAL

The Avtomat Spetsialnij (AS) is a suppressed weapon and therefore ideal for a more stealthy approach. It uses a special version of the new 9mm range of Russian rifle rounds and is designed for covert operators. It comes somewhere between an assault rifle and a sniper rifle. subsonic rounds reduce the range but this is no handicap, while the nature of the ammunition lends itself well to defeating modern body armour, which is becoming more and more common in the Zone and elsewhere.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 9x39mm special, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 10 or 20, Effective Range : 300m

US Assault Rifles

LR300

This M16 clone somewhat better in design, but identically functioning. We may see a scope option for this rifle. It is a simple to operate weapon in a conventional layout though not a hard hitting weapon by any means. You typically need several well placed shots to take down even an unarmoured target. The image below shows this rifle equipped with a M203 40mm grenade launcher, a US made equivalent to the BG-15. This readily increases your firepower, particularly against area targets. Many different variants of the M16 have come about and been copied, from the M4 carbine to the super chopped XM177E3 Colt Commando of Vietnam fame, and the Colt Delta light sniper rifle. The Canadian Dieamco C7 is used by Royal Marines Commando Patrol Boat Troop and the Parachute Regiment's Pathfinder platoon, while the C8 carbine model is favoured by the three global elements of the SAS in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 500m

European Assault Rifles

F2000

This Belgium bullpup rifle has its working parts to the rear, in the buttstock, as with the 9x39mm Russian Groza. To allow for left handed shooters and enabling the full use of right hand cover, the F2000 throws its empty brass forward rather than off to the right, where left handed firer's cheek is placed. This advanced rifle comes as standard with a computerised targeting system and when mounting an under barrel 40mm grenade launcher is somewhat more ergonomic than conventional designs.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 500m

SA80

The SA80 is the standard issue British Army rifle and is, like the OC14, of bullpup configuration. Unfortunately problems of reliability have plagued this weapon since its beginnings and the only redeeming feature appears to be the SUSAT low light scope which helps to contribute to the rifle's impressive accuracy. And the sling isn't bad either by all accounts. Makes sure you've got plenty of duct tape and rubber bands to keep this piece of plastic together. If reliability is to play a role in Stalker it is suggested you find yourself an AK as soon as possible. The SA80 has only been seen in the MP video, and may not feature in the final release. The Light Support Weapon (LSW) is a heavy barrel version featuring a bipod and rear stock mounted pistol grip, but it lacks a belt feed which has lead many gunners in the British Army to use the FN Minimi wherever possible.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 500m

Sniper Rifles

SVD

The classic Dragunov sniper rifle, or Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova if you must know the full blown Russian name. It is equipped as standard with a PSO-1 scope which provides low light passive infrared. Using the simple range finder provided with the sight's reticule, a sniper can easily estimate a target's range which is a welcomed aid to those more distant shots. You can fix a standard issue AK47 bayonet in dire emergencies. The Russian history of sniping is very extensive and there have always been a high number present in their Motor Rifle units. Single shot semi-automatic, the SVD is essentially a long barreled AK machined to higher tolerances for the required accuracy.

Type : Sniper Rifle, Ammunition : 7.62x54mmR, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 10, Effective Range : 1000m

SVU

The Snayperskaya Vintovka Ukorochennaya is a modified SVD in bullpup configuration, designed to be more compact for a highly mechanised Russian Army. Intended for VDV paratroops, these forces declined it due to its poor performance over the original and limited capacities in a typical combat environment. Other, more covert units such as the FSB have since picked it up. A major user is the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the MIA. The muzzle device is an aid to reducing report but more importantly helps to keep the bullpup rifle balanced, and counter muzzle climb and reduce felt recoil from the full power round being fired from such a compact weapon. The automatic version, the SVU-A is not popular with users being unable to sustain the required high volumes of fire needed in typical combat environments.

Type : Sniper Rifle, Ammunition : 7.62x54mmR, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 10, Effective Range : 800m

Special Sniper Rifles

VSS

The Vinovka Snaiperskaya Spetsialnaya or Special Sniper Rifle is very similar to the AS assault rifle above. This rifle comes with the PSO1 scope common to the SVD and is selective fire. Though ammunition is subsonic, with the aid of the provided scope accurate shots are possible out to typical combat ranges. Greatly reduced report from the VSS presents a much greater survivability for the sniper using this weapon in the Zone. Semi-automatic mode makes this weapon handy in a close contact firefight when the need arises but you just need to be mindful of the 'dead man's click'.

Type : Sniper Rifle, Ammunition : 9x39mm specialised, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 10 or 20, Effective Range : 400m

Machine guns

PK

In the DX9.1 Firefight video we see this Russian GPMG (General Purpose Machine gun) on a mount behind inadequate sandbagging. This may just be a positional option during the game, but perhaps we will get to carry one as well. A general purpose machine gun can come in handy sometimes. It remains to be seen if too much suppressive fire will melt the barrel. No characters use the weapon so it remains to be seen if it is simple aesthetics. If that were so, it would be a real shame. I doubt it though.

Type : Machine gun, Ammunition : 7.62x54mmR, Feed : Belt, Capacity : Linked, Effective Range : 1500m

KPV

This heavy machine gun is considered by some to be a light cannon. It falls somewhere between the .50 calibre weapons and a 20mm cannon. It is the main armament of the BTR 70 APC which is featured in the Zone. It may also make an appearance as a positional defence weapon and would be very useful in engaging armoured airborne targets like the Hind featured in the press release video. This will be especially critical if surface to air missiles (SAM) are not introduced into the game.

Type : Machine gun, Ammunition : 14.5x114mm, Feed : Belt, Capacity : Linked, Effective Range : 3000m

Grenade Launchers

RG6

The RG6 is a rotary six shot 40mm grenade launcher, similar to the South African MGM40. It provides superior firepower over under barrel single shot models but the operator will still want a pistol or carbine at hand in case things get a little sticky. It is shown at obilvion-lost.com and a video release recently downloaded. Hopefully it makes an appearance. Considering the RPG, and at least the BG15 are in the Zone, this might be excessive, like the AGL option suggested below.

In the same video there is a M134 Mini gun which I definitely think is over the top considering this is not a man portable weapon and we don't want Stalker to become some updated version of Quake. Fine if it is found rarely as a static defence weapon but to be common throughout the Zone would be ridiculous.

Type : Grenade Launcher, Ammunition : 40mm, Feed : Cylinder, Capacity : 6, Effective Range : 200m

Mini guns

M134

This is probably the only weapon the writer really objects to being in the game. It makes for too much of a sense of Quake, and is not for a realistic game like Stalker. A Mini gun is not intended as a man portable system and has severe issues in being deployed in this manner, weight and ammunition consumption just for starters. It would be fine perhaps, to see a half a dozen of these things in the entire Zone, but balanced by the fact that they would frequently fail due to battery depletion or malfunction. Positional defence in a few key points at military bases is not unrealistic, but other than that, leave such weapons for the Hind.

Type : Mini gun, Ammunition : 7.62mm, Feed : Chute, Capacity : 200, Effective Range : 1000m

Support Weapons

Fragmentation Grenade

If its close enough for a pistol, its close enough for a hand grenade. For when your enemies of the Zone need a little more iron in their diet. We can also hope for smoke grenades, both hand and for the under barrel grenade launchers. Others such as WP, stun or thermite may feature but this is unlikely. The greatest benefit of grenades is their ability to be employed indirectly onto a target area, over walls, into rooms via windows, into slit cover, with reasonable accuracy. Different designs have different effects but in general they count on metal fragments or ball bearings for their lethal effect. Concussion waves also stun those in the target area and can kill. The example below is the US made M26 fragmentation grenade. The British L2, and the Russian RGD-5 are also found frequently in the Zone.

Type : Hand grenade, Ammunition : Fragmentation, Feed : N/A Manual: 1, Effective Range : 10m

RPG7

The 85mm HEAT (High Explosive Anti-tank) weapon is prolific throughout the Middle East and Eastern Europe. It is both simple to operate and effective against even the latest armoured vehicles given it is operating with the latest warheads. This is the heavy duty support firepower for Stalkers and military forces operating in the Zone alike. Remember that or though it can be used against personnel, the warhead limits effectiveness and using it to cause building collapses is often more effective. The RPG is also handy for creating mouse holes in walls to enter a room when doors are likely to be booby trapped. Be wary of the backblast. The RPG16 is a modified version which is collapsible intended for Blue Beret paratroops.

Type : Rocket Launcher, Ammunition : 85mm HEAT, Feed : Manual, Capacity : 1, Effective Range : 300m

Possible Pistols

CZ100

This pistol from the Czech Republic from CZ his filtering its way throughout the West and has become quite popular. The manufacturer has always valued the trade value and has therefore produced many weapons in western calibres. The CZ100 is no exception and here it is chambered for the very common 9mm parabellum. With so many western Stalkers frequenting the Zone there will never be a shortage of this ammunition. It is more likely to be found in this part of the world than, for instance, the Walther P99.

Type : Pistol, Ammunition : 9x19mmP, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 12, Effective Range : 50m

Possible Submachine guns

Bizon

Used by Interior Ministry troops, the Bizon uses the Makarov pistol round but in a slightly unconventional twist exchanges a box magazine for a high capacity rotary drum arrangement which attaches under the receiver. Less frequent magazine changes have to be a bonus. A folding stock allows for easy stowage inside vehicles and during parachute drops. Other than the loading mechanism, operation is identical to the AK series of rifles.

Type : Submachine gun, Ammunition : 9x18mmM, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 64, Effective Range : 200m

MP5

This most prolific submachine gun designed by German firm Heckler und Koch will have made its way in greater numbers to the Zone thanks to foreign interests. The SD variant would be very handy for taking down sentries covertly. Ammunition should be as plentiful and the recoil is light. A closed bolt operation makes the MP5 very accurate and has, despite a complex design, become the weapon of choice amongst Special Forces around the globe. It was made famous by the SAS during the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege. The version below is the A3 featuring a collapsible stock. The forestock has a torch mount which can come in handy sometimes, though it gives any potential threat a wide-armed invitation.

There is also the more recent UMP series which are modified and updated and come in the US calibres, .40 Smith and Wesson and the classic .45 ACP as well as 9mm. The two former rounds are somewhat more effective and are becoming very popular alternatives to the standard issue option. The UMP45 suffers from a slightly reduced 25 round magazine but definately makes up for it by the punch it offers.

Type : Submachine gun, Ammunition : 9x19mm, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 200m

Possible Personal Defence Weapons

MP7

The new PDW (Personal Defence Weapon) from HK features in Half Life 2 and would make a welcome addition for dealing with armoured soldiers at close range, and more brutish mutants. If not, perhaps FN's P90 would be a likely alternative. The MP7 fires a 4.6x30mm round which packs the same punch as an assault rifle enabling it to penetrate Kevlar body armour, but it only has the same practical range as a submachine gun. Such weapons are excellent for clearing rooms in house to house fighting and also make superb back up weapons if you can get your hands on them. Remember, switched to single shot, they are essentially a long range pistol.

Type : Personal Defence Weapon, Ammunition : 4.6x30mm, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 20 or 40, Effective Range : 200m

Gepard

Being a Russian PDW, this weapon has the greatest chance of the PDW class to be found in the Zone. Compact and handy, it can take any 9mm round up to and including the 9x30mm Grom. This is a major bonus from the logistics point of view. No bigger than a large framed handgun the Gepard is extremely compact and would make a superb backup for a rifle.

Type : Personal Defence Weapon, Ammunition : various, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : various, Effective Range : 150m

Possible Shotguns

Saiga

In a similar configuration to the AK series, this is a highly effective combat shotgun. It provides devastating close quarter firepower from a boxed magazine rather than tubular magazines of pump guns like the SPAS12. There is no full automatic fire but an operator can engage multiple targets across a room in very rapid fashion indeed. The Saiga can also handle a range of lengths in shell including 76mm Magnum rounds. It is recommended that low powered ammunition is manually loaded to prevent jamming of the semi-automatic mechanism, other than this the weapon will operate flawlessly in the most atrocious conditions.

Type : Shotgun, Ammunition : 12 Gauge, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 5 or 7, Effective Range : 50m

Possible Rifles

G36

It would be nice to see a German assault rifle, and not too unlikely as weapons slowly filter over through former West to former East Germany. The timing for adoption for the M8 in the US military would be right, as by then there will be enough of them in circulation. A AG36 40mm or the M25 grenade launcher would make a nice companion. Still, this is all quite unlikely at this late stage of development and may have to be left up to the fan modding community. The M8 is simply a modified G36K, intended for service with the US Army around 2008. These carbines have reduced range and terminal ballistics are adversely affected, as has been shown in the field with the M16's carbine cousin, the M4. Below is the G36K, stock folded, the carbine version. "K" is for kurtz, the German word for short. There is some pressure from service personnel to rechamber to a more effective calibre such as the new Remington 6.8x43mm SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge). This has not so surprising comparisions to the Russian move.

Type : Assault Rifle, Ammunition : 5.56x45mm NATO, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 30, Effective Range : 500m

FN FAL

I can not complete this array of weapons without including my personal favourite. Before light assault rifles came into standard issue service, battle rifles firing full powered ammunition, such as the FN FAL, G3 or M14 were the rifleman's best friend. Typically a reduced magazine capacity was well and truly made up for with the stopping power of 7.62mm ammunition, which also offered greater range. We also want all the help we can get against stronger mutants and soldiers in the Zone who will often be armoured. The weapon depicted below is a carbine version fitted with a 30 round magazine intended for close quarter battle (CQB). Full length models are not good for climbing through window frames or carrying into the back of vehicles, but out in the field, fitted with a decent scope they make for a excellent tactical light sniper rifle.

Type : Battle Rifle, Ammunition : 7.62x51mm NATO, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 20, Effective Range : 700m

Possible Sniper Rifles

Accuracy International

Something quite apparent is the lack of a bolt action rifle, which more than likely would be a sniper weapon. It will provide great range in the Zone, balanced by a inherently slow reload rate. If such a rifle were to be chambered for .300, .338 or even .50 cal as are options for the AI rifle here, we can be provided with superior anti-personnel capacity while also having some serious options for the anti-material role as well, particularly against vehicles. I'm not sure how difficult it would be to mod such weapons deeming there appears not to be any bolt actions to feature in release. The physical kinetics are not present to make for a graphically smooth operation. There might be a train of thought which says, in a place like the Zone, with so many spots for potential sniping hides, a lack of such a rifle retains game balance. I will, for one, be sad if there is no such weapon in place. The weapon sample below is a Scharfschutzengewehr G22, German version of the Accuracy International, which is chambered for 7.62x67mm (.300 Winchester Magnum), and uses German optics.

If you don't like camping, if you hate snipers, you're not going to be in for a good time with Stalker. Snipers and tactics are a part of warfare, and they most certainly are part of the Zone. Considering Russian military history it is surprising that there isn't even an old Mosin Nagant in the arsenal.

Type : Sniper Rifle, Ammunition : .300 Win Mag, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 10, Effective Range : 1200m

MSG90

This high precision semi-automatic comes from HK of Germany and is a more rugged version of the PSG1 which is not so up to the riggers of field operations as this cheaper cousin is. The less effective standard military ammunition can be countered simply for its commonality in the Zone. Sniping is a popular past time in and around Chernobyl for the benefits of both fortune and revenge. Anyone who doesn't like this method of waging war needs to either learn some tactics to outsmart the sniper or, better yet, leave town. The Russians have a superb and lengthy history in sniping and these methodologies will not be let dwindle. Coupled with quality hardware and first rate field craft any sniper can surely make their mark, though, be warned, most end up dead.

Type : Sniper Rifle, Ammunition : 7.62x51mm NATO, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 20, Effective Range : 1200m

Possible Special Sniper Rifles

This heavy sniper / anti-material rifle from Hungary is a beast weighing in at 17.5 kilograms, but when you want to take down a human being at long range, or vehicles or even installation elements then this is the sort of weapon you need. Though this version is in the Russian chambering, Western M2 Browning .50 calibre is also to be found, and there has been the odd Barrett rifle filtering through to the Zone as well. The M3 and M6 models are chambered for the even larger 14.5x114mm round. There are bolt action weapons available but here we deal with the semi-automatic versions intended for the military. Out to 1500m the 12.7mm variant will defeat 15mm of armour plate, the 14.5mm will defeat 20mm of armour plate to the same range.

Russian chambered weapons can use the PK tripod for additional stability for long range shots. This rifle mounts a 12x60 magnification scope. Night vision scopes are also usable. A huge muzzle break, like that of the Barrett helps to deal with what would otherwise be excessive recoil.

This is the precise, big hitter in the Zone.

Type : Sniper Rifle, Ammunition :12.7x107mm, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 5 or 10, Effective Range : 2000m

Possible Machine guns

RPK16 / RPK74

These are the light support weapon variants of the AK47 / AKM and AK74 respectively. They are common in Infantry sections providing additional range over their rifle counterparts thanks to longer heavier barrels. A bipod is fitted as standard providing the gunner with additional stability. They use extended magazines for suppressed fire but can also use the magazines of their rifle cousins. A FN Minimi would be nice in the Zone with its 200 round belt box slung but there is a good dynamic coming to the fore in Stalker where there seems to be a subtle discouragement away from massive personal firepower. It is so much more about smarts, this game.

Type : Light Machine gun, Ammunition : 7.62x39mm / 5.45x39mm, Feed : Magazine, Capacity : 40, Effective Range : 600m

FN Minimi

This light machine gun has become exceedingly popular throughout the West. Of Belgium design it is now used by countires including the US where it is known as the M249, France, Australia and New Zealand. It is slowly filtering into other forces in the British Army after the general failure of the LSW and has been used there by the SAS and SBS for a number of years. The Mimimi can use M16 magazines in an emergency but is primarily charged with 200 round belts contained in a plastic ammo belt. It also has a quick change barrel which some more traditional light automatics lack, such as the RPK. The popularity of this weapon and its use by many forces throughout Europe has found many examples entering the Zone.

Type : Light Machine gun, Ammunition : 5.56mm NATO, Feed : Box, Capacity : 200, Effective Range : 600m

Possible Heavy Machine guns

DShK

The equivalent of the .50 calibre Browning heavy machine gun in the West, this MG has been the mainstay of armour and infantry in the East for decades. There is something to be said for a weapon which fires a round which does not lose velocity after hitting a brick wall. This weapon is mounted on tanks, notably the T72 atop the turret. Due to weight, on the ground the DShK usually mounted on a wheeled cradle for ease of movement. Duel and even quad mounts can be found, often for the anti-aircraft role. For best employment and rapid redeployment such a weapon is best carried on the back of a flat deck truck.

Type : Machine gun, Ammunition : 12.7x107mm, Feed : Belt, Capacity : Linked, Effective Range : 2000m

Possible Grenade Launchers

AGS17

This automatic grenade launcher would probably be too devastating in general usage but with some wise and limited deployment could be a real exciting addition to gameplay in multiplayer. The AGS fires 30mm rounds from a belt feed from bulky ammunition boxes which mount to the side of the weapon. A heavy beast, it needs two or three people to carry the weapon, ammunition and the mount. Otherwise it can be mounted on vehicles. Its not the sort of thing to move around but the effect it has against personnel and light vehicles speaks for itself. Other examples include the German GMG, a 40mm weapon, similar to the US Mark 19 Mod 0, which is being found in, though low, increasing numbers of late in the Zone. The AGS17 though, is the most likely candidate for this brand of weapon. AGLs can be vehicle mounted, or used on the ground by way of a tripod. Some have even been known to be mounted in helicopters.

Type : Automatic Grenade Launcher, Ammunition : 30mm, Feed : Box, Capacity : 32, Effective Range : 2000m

Possible Rocket Launchers

RPG16

There are more up to date versions of this single shot disposable launcher but all designs are essentially the same; a light weight extendable tube equipped with basic field sights which contains a single anti-tank warhead. It is fine for light armoured vehicles and bunker busting but is not effective against heavy armour such as modern main battle tanks. Thankfully, it looks like there won't be any of those floating around the Zone. Light weight and highly effective, there is nothing to lug about after these weapons have been used. As a result though, more than one will often have to be carried. The US M72 66mm Light Anti-armour Weapon (LAW) is shown below.

Type : Rocket Launcher, Ammunition : 64mm Warhead, Feed : Manual, Magazine : N/A 1, Effective Range : 200m

RPO

From the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Russia, the RPO-A Shmel is a series of weapons designed to fire incendiary rounds which in effect work like a flame thrower. The thermobaric warhead is charged with fuel air explosive (FAE). They are typically issued in pairs. Videos suggest that there could be capacity for buildings to catch fire, as much as the structures themselves are evidently destructible. A devastating anti-personnel weapon, the RPO can also be put to some very effective tactical use in the destruction of vehicles and creating fires to get away from opposing forces and clans. I can't think of a more pleasant way to deal with mutants either.

Type : Rocket Launcher, Ammunition : 93mm Warhead, Feed : Manual, Magazine : N/A 1, Effective Range : 200m

Possible Surface to Air Missiles

SA7

Deeming the presence of Hind gunships and other possibilities in the air it makes sense to see something like the Grail in Stalker. No doubt a surface to air missile (SAM) will be introduced to the game if airborne units of this sort of capacity are to make any substantial inroads during the course of the game. The system below is the more advanced SA16 Gilmet. Maybe a few Stalkers have even managed to smuggle in the odd Stinger here or there.

Type : Surface to Air Missile, Ammunition : Warhead, Feed : Manual, Capacity : 1, Effective Range : 4000m

Possible Mines

M18 Claymore

Mines and booby traps would be a worthy and welcome addition to any FPS environment. Although vehicles will suffer from state of repair issues in the Zone, mines would add that extra spice for over zealous drivers, and will certainly help to tip the balance when dealing with the BTR if you're not packing some serious firepower. Anti-personnel (AP) and Anti-Tank (AT) mines could be present, and booby traps could be as simple as being able to use a hand grenade on a door. Demolition charges, and directional mines such as Claymores would be handy against a multitude of ground targets, while trip flares could be very handy in securing base perimeters considering the day / night cycle. The example below is the American M18 Claymore directional mine, which has been extensively copied throughout the world. It is highly effective against exposed personnel and has some positive results on light skinned vehicles.

Type : Mine, Ammunition : Charge, Feed : Manual, Capacity : 1, Effective Range : Various