One of the most frustrating parts of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is that access to the main city—Pripyat—only unlocks when you’re about 80% done with the main storyline. That’s exactly where the best traders, mechanics, and top-tier gear are located.

But the Zone is full of loopholes. There is an obscure way to jump over the obstacles and get to Pripyat right at the beginning of the game. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to do it and what loot you should grab first.

Step 1: Preparation for the Raid

You can set off for Pripyat just a few hours after starting the game, right after you leave the Lesser Zone and reach the Garbage.

  • Make a save at the Slag Heap camp.
  • Tip: It is highly recommended that you unlock the Fast Travel feature first. It’s not mandatory, but it will save you a ton of time later.

You have a long journey ahead to the very north of the map—to Yanov station.

Step 2: Secret Routes Through Yanov

Once you reach Yanov, you will hit blocked train tracks. There are two ways to get over the trains:

Method 1: The Main Jump

  • Find a spot where you can jump straight onto the roof of the train.
  • Warning: This area has a lethal level of radiation! Act quickly.
  • As soon as you jump over, the safe path will be right in front of you.

Method 2: The Alternate Route (A bit trickier)

  • Walk a little further down along the train cars.
  • Jump onto the side of the car, then onto the wheel of the adjacent train to climb onto the roof.
  • Caution: The area below is deadly and will kill you if you fall. To survive, walk strictly along the roofs of the train cars. Drink some vodka or take anti-rad medication before crossing, just in case.

Step 3: Entering the City

Once you are on the other side, run towards Pripyat. Crucial rule: you must enter the city strictly through the top part of the map (the northern entrance). Attempting to enter from any other direction will likely lead to death by anomalies or radiation. Your main target in the city is the Palace of Culture, which serves as the main base.

Here you will find the best trader in the game (he has practically all the guns, ammo, and attachments) and a max-level mechanic who can upgrade any gear.

What Should You Grab in Pripyat?

Since you took the risk and made it here early, make sure to grab the top-tier gear that is usually unavailable until the very end of the game.

1. Diamond Exoskeleton

  • Where to find: On the upper floor of the Kindergarten building.
  • Description: This is the most durable armor in the game.
  • Danger: The area is crawling with Monolith fighters, so act stealthily or be prepared for a tough fight.

2. Gauss Rifle

  • Where to find: In the Prometheus movie theater.
  • How to get: The door to the stash is locked. To open it, use a glitch: buy a grenade from the local trader and throw it under the door—the explosion will force it open. You’ll get the most powerful weapon in the game completely for free.

3. Texan Shotgun

  • Description: The ultimate weapon for close-quarters combat. Many players prefer the Saiga D12 for its fast reload, but the Texan is much more accurate and uses far less ammo. It kills the toughest mutants (like Bloodsuckers) in just a couple of shots.

How to Leave Pripyat

Once you’ve stocked up at the traders and collected all the loot, you have two ways back:

  • Fast Travel: If you unlocked this feature, simply teleport to any friendly camp.
  • On Foot: Return to the northern exit, run back to Yanov station, and jump back over the trains the exact same way you came.

Good hunting, stalker, and may the Zone be kind to you!