Players exploring the dangerous world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl can discover several unique weapons, and the Maximum rifle is one of the more interesting additions introduced with the Cost of Hope expansion. Unlike weapons that may require players to make specific faction choices, the Maximum can be collected without committing to a particular side.
The weapon is hidden inside the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) area, making it a late-game discovery. Getting it is relatively straightforward once the area is accessible, but players will need to locate the correct building, survive the radiation and enter a locked room using a specific keypad code.
If you’re looking to add the Maximum to your weapon collection, here is everything you need to know about its location, access code, requirements and stats.
Where to Find the Maximum Rifle in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
The Maximum unique rifle can be found inside the Module IB building in the CNPP region.
CNPP is one of the more dangerous areas in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and players cannot access it freely at the beginning of the Cost of Hope expansion. You will first need to make sufficient story progress before the area becomes available.
The Module IB building is located toward the southeastern section of the CNPP region. It is a relatively recognizable white-colored structure, making it easier to identify once you are in the area.
Because CNPP contains high radiation levels, preparation is important before making the trip. Make sure your character has suitable radiation protection and consider carrying enough medical supplies to deal with radiation exposure and other hazards.
A SEVA-based suit or stronger radiation protection is recommended for this section.
When Can You Access CNPP?
The Maximum is not an early-game weapon.
Players need to progress through the Cost of Hope storyline until they complete the main quest The Road to the Center of the Storm. After reaching the appropriate stage of the story, access to the CNPP region becomes possible.
This means there is no need to spend time searching for the Maximum during the early stages of the expansion. If the area is still inaccessible on your map, continue progressing through the main storyline.
Once CNPP becomes available, you can make your way toward Module IB and retrieve the weapon.
How to Enter the Maximum’s Locked Room
After reaching the Module IB building, look for an accessible entrance on the side of the structure.
Enter the building and move through the interior corridor. From there, locate the staircase and head upstairs to the second floor.
Eventually, you will encounter a locked keypad door. This is the room containing the Maximum rifle.
Fortunately, you don’t need to complete a separate side quest or find a special key to open it. The door uses a four-digit keypad code.
Maximum Rifle Door Code: 2014
Enter 2014 into the keypad.
Once the correct code has been entered, the locked door will open, giving you direct access to the room containing the unique Maximum rifle.
This makes the weapon considerably easier to obtain than some of the other unique weapons in the game.
Where Does the 2014 Code Come From?
Players who prefer to explore and discover information naturally can find a document that provides the keypad combination.
The Map of CNPP Monolith Stashes document contains information related to the code. It can be found inside a safe located on the roof of Turbine Hall.
However, you don’t have to collect this document before getting the weapon.
If you already know the combination, simply entering 2014 into the keypad is enough to unlock the room.
This is particularly useful for players who are focused on collecting unique weapons and don’t want to spend additional time searching for the clue.
How to Collect the Maximum Rifle
Once the keypad door opens, enter the room and look for the weapon on the workbench or desk.
Interact with the Maximum to add it to your inventory.
Before leaving, make sure you thoroughly search the room. The area can contain useful supplies, including ammunition and bandages. There is also a safe with additional resources that may be worth checking.
Since CNPP is a dangerous, highly irradiated area, collecting everything during the same visit is a good idea. Making unnecessary trips back into the building can expose you to additional radiation and other hazards.
Maximum Rifle Stats in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
The Maximum is a unique configuration of the SVU-MK S-3 and uses 7.62×54 ammunition.
It is designed for players who enjoy engaging enemies from a distance while still wanting a faster follow-up shot compared with some traditional sniper-style weapons.
Here are the reported base statistics for the Maximum:
| Maximum Rifle Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Damage | 3.3 |
| Handling | 2.5 |
| Rate of Fire | 1.3 |
| Range | 4.3 |
| Accuracy | 3.8 |
| Weight | 5.462 |
| Caliber | 7.62×54 |
The combination of damage, range and accuracy makes the Maximum particularly useful for long-distance combat.
The rifle also comes with modifications, including a suppressor, giving players additional flexibility when approaching encounters where stealth can be useful.
What Makes the Maximum Unique?
The Maximum stands out because it combines the characteristics of a marksman rifle with the power of the 7.62×54 cartridge.
Its relatively strong damage and range make it suitable for taking down distant enemies, while its firing characteristics allow quicker follow-up shots than some heavier sniper-oriented weapons.
This can be particularly valuable in the later stages of the game, where enemies can become tougher and encounters can quickly turn dangerous.
The weapon is also useful for players who prefer to maintain distance rather than engage enemies at close range.
Is the Maximum Rifle Worth Getting?
For players who enjoy long-range combat, yes, the Maximum is worth collecting.
By the time you reach CNPP, enemies are significantly more threatening than those encountered during the earlier portions of the game. Having a reliable long-range weapon can make certain encounters considerably easier.
Its high range and accuracy allow you to engage targets before they get close, while the 7.62×54 ammunition provides enough stopping power for demanding encounters.
Another major advantage is that obtaining the Maximum does not depend on a faction choice.
Players don’t need to choose between Duty and Freedom to obtain this particular weapon. That makes it a convenient addition for anyone trying to collect unique equipment without changing their preferred story path.
The Biggest Disadvantage: Weight
There is one significant drawback to the Maximum: its weight.
At approximately 5.462 weight, the rifle can take up a substantial amount of your available carrying capacity.
This becomes especially important in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, where inventory management is a constant concern. Players who already carry a shotgun, assault rifle, pistol, ammunition, medical supplies and other equipment may quickly approach their weight limit.
If your current loadout already includes another heavy long-range weapon, you may need to decide whether keeping both rifles is worthwhile.
For players who frequently use long-range weapons, however, the Maximum can justify its additional weight.
Tips for Getting the Maximum Safely
Before heading to Module IB, consider preparing your inventory and equipment.
Bring radiation protection: CNPP is heavily irradiated, so appropriate armor or a SEVA-based suit can make the journey much safer.
Carry medical supplies: Radiation and combat damage can quickly drain your health. Bring enough bandages and other useful supplies.
Leave inventory space: The Maximum is relatively heavy, so make sure you have enough carrying capacity before entering the area.
Use the keypad code: You don’t need to search for the document if you already know that the combination is 2014.
Search the room: Don’t immediately leave after picking up the rifle. Check the safe, ammunition and other supplies before heading back outside.
Avoid unnecessary trips: CNPP is dangerous, so collecting everything during one visit can reduce your exposure to radiation.
Maximum Rifle Location and Code — Quick Guide
If you simply want the fastest route to the weapon, follow these steps:
- Progress through Cost of Hope until CNPP becomes accessible.
- Complete The Road to the Center of the Storm.
- Travel to the Module IB building in southeastern CNPP.
- Make sure you have adequate radiation protection.
- Enter Module IB through the accessible side entrance.
- Follow the corridor and take the staircase to the second floor.
- Find the locked keypad room.
- Enter the code 2014.
- Open the door and enter the room.
- Pick up the Maximum unique rifle.
- Search the room for ammunition, bandages and additional supplies.
- Leave CNPP once you’ve collected everything you need.
Final Verdict
The Maximum rifle in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Cost of Hope is a worthwhile unique weapon for players who prefer precision shooting and long-range engagements.
Although reaching it requires late-game access to CNPP and adequate radiation protection, the actual process of unlocking the weapon is surprisingly simple. Once you reach Module IB, the keypad code 2014 opens the room containing the rifle.
Its strong range, accuracy and 7.62×54 ammunition make it a capable weapon for difficult encounters. The biggest downside is its weight, which can become a problem for players already carrying a heavy loadout.
Most importantly, the Maximum is not locked behind a faction decision. Whether you’re following Duty, Freedom or simply focusing on your own path through the Zone, you can add this unique rifle to your collection.
For completionists and long-range specialists, the trip to Module IB is well worth making.
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