The unforgiving world of Stalker 2 demands a powerful arsenal, and when it comes to long-range engagements, the Three-Line Rifle rises as an unmatched tool of precision and lethality. Introduced in the 1.5 update, this bolt-action masterpiece draws inspiration from the legendary Mosin-Nagant, offering sharpshooters the perfect blend of accuracy, stopping power, and modular customization. For players aiming to dominate the battlefield from a distance, mastering this rifle is non-negotiable.
How to Acquire the Three-Line Rifle in Stalker 2
Acquiring the Three-Line Rifle can be done through multiple avenues, catering to both well-funded stalkers and those who prefer a more resourceful approach.
Buy It From Trusted Merchants
One of the most straightforward ways to obtain the rifle is to visit weapon merchants located in secure zones. Look specifically for:
- Viktoria at STC Malachite
- Huron in Garbage
These merchants frequently refresh their inventory. If the rifle isn’t available, return after a few in-game days to check for updates. The cost hovers around 11,500 rubles, a worthwhile investment for any sniper-inclined build.
Find It for Free: Detention Center Rooftop
For the opportunistic explorer, head to the Detention Center located just south of Garbage. On the rooftop of the main building, a lone Three-Line Rifle can be found next to a body — completely free of charge. This version may require repairs, but it’s ideal for those conserving resources.
Best Technicians for Repairs and Upgrades
Once you’ve secured the rifle, enhancements are vital to bring it to peak performance. Several technicians across the Zone offer quality upgrades and maintenance:
- Diode in Garbage
- Screw in Rostok
- Semyonych in Malachite
- Khors on Wild Island
Each technician has their specialties, but all are capable of fine-tuning the rifle into a long-range death dealer.
Complete Upgrade Guide: Optimizing the Three-Line Rifle
The Three-Line Rifle has extensive upgrade paths across stock, barrel, and body categories. Prioritizing upgrades that enhance accuracy, recoil control, and breath management is key to maximizing long-range lethality.
Stock Upgrades
- Cheek Pad
- +75% breath holding duration
- Vital for maintaining steady aim during prolonged encounters.
- Rebalanced Stock
- +10% aiming speed
- Enhances responsiveness during quick target acquisition.
Barrel Upgrades
- Barrel Chrome Plating
- +20% durability
- Essential for longevity, especially in mutant-heavy zones.
- Barrel Lightening
- -30% weight
- Reduces stamina consumption during travel.
- Ergonomic Handguard
- +15% aiming accuracy
- Sharpen your precision for those critical shots.
- Extra Barrel Rifling
- +100% armor-piercing power
- Enables devastating shots against armored enemies; also enables caliber changes.
- Tactical Foregrip
- -10% recoil, -5% spread, +10% accuracy
- One of the most balanced upgrades for recoil control.
- Flash Suppressor
- -10% recoil, -25% spread
- Reduces visual signature while maintaining excellent bullet control.
Body Modifications
- Anatomical Adjustment
- +10% aiming speed
- Improves reaction time in tight encounters.
- Finger Slots
- +15% aiming accuracy
- Adds precise control for long-range headshots.
- Individual Adjustment
- +10% movement speed while aiming
- Keeps you mobile and reduces vulnerability while scoped in.
- Scope Mount
- Allows for high-tier scope attachments
- Crucial for enabling the sniper role, from mid-range to ultra-long-range optics.
Weapon Stats and Performance Analysis
The Three-Line Rifle combines nostalgic engineering with modern battlefield effectiveness. Its stats are as follows:
- Caliber: 7.62×54
- Fire Mode: Single
- Magazine Size: 5
- Weight: 4.52 kg
- Value: ~11,500 rubles
- Damage: Mid
- Handling: Mid
- Rate of Fire: Low
- Range: High
- Accuracy: High
This rifle isn’t designed for room-clearing. It’s for the patient hunter, the perimeter sniper, and the battlefield tactician. Its bolt-action mechanism may limit rate of fire, but every shot counts — especially when customized for penetration and precision.
Ideal Use Cases and Combat Scenarios
The Three-Line Rifle shines in:
- Mutant Hunting: Its high precision and armor-piercing upgrades make it perfect for taking out mutants before they get close.
- Bandit Encounters: From elevated terrain, stalkers can pick off enemies with lethal consistency.
- Anomaly Zones: Clear out threats from a distance before navigating hazardous environments.
This rifle excels when paired with a spotting scope, a companion with suppressive fire, or elevated terrain that provides line-of-sight advantages.
Comparison with Other Long-Range Weapons
Before the 1.5 update, Stalker 2 had a gap in quality long-range gear. Compared to older rifles:
- SVU: Better rate of fire, but lacks the armor penetration and accuracy potential when fully upgraded.
- VSS Vintorez: Silenced and versatile, yet inferior in raw stopping power.
- SVD: Close in performance, but heavier and less customizable in early game.
The Three-Line Rifle offers versatility, ease of acquisition, and scaling potential unmatched by its predecessors.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Stalker Needs the Three-Line Rifle
In the ruthless world of Stalker 2, survival hinges on your ability to eliminate threats before they get close. The Three-Line Rifle, inspired by decades of battlefield service, delivers a familiar yet powerful sniper experience. It brings together classic design and modern customization, creating a rifle that every long-range specialist should carry in their loadout.
Whether you’re tracking mutants, ambushing raiders, or holding a defensive position, the Three-Line Rifle provides the tactical edge you need to control the battlefield from a distance.
Stay vigilant. Stay precise. And let every shot count.
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