With the arrival of Update 0.29 and the introduction of Hunter Difficulty, Zero Sievert gets significantly more punishing—most notably, you now lose all your gear on death. That changes how we think about equipment entirely. Gone are the days of running high-end kits every raid. In this new environment, cost-effective reliability is the name of the game.

This guide outlines the best budget-friendly weapons, armor, and backpacks to run while still keeping you alive in the toughest version of the game. Whether you’re starting fresh or recovering from a brutal wipe, this loadout setup ensures you’re well-equipped without risking your entire stash.

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Budget Armor Options: Survivability Without the Price Tag

1. Military AFZ-0 Armor

• Class: 3
• Fragility: 15
• Anomaly Resistance: 5%
• Radiation Resistance: 0%
• Weight: 4.3 kg
• Price: 10,000 Rubles (Green Army Trader, Rep 2)

This armor is the cheapest Class 3 currently available, and offers surprisingly strong bullet resistance for its price. Its high fragility rating means it loses durability slowly, reducing repair frequency and cost.

Main downsides are the heft and lack of radiation protection, but bulletproofing is often more important in Zero Sievert’s hostile zones.

Best used before completing the Materials Quest (when Crimson Trader is still inaccessible).

2. Crimson CPR-0 Armor

• Class: 3
• Fragility: 6 (exceptionally high durability)
• Anomaly Resistance: 7%
• Radiation Resistance: 0%
• Weight: 3.4 kg
• Price: 12,500 Rubles (Crimson Trader, Rep 2)

Once you’ve gained access to Industrial and completed the Mysterious Quest, this armor becomes your new go-to. It’s an upgrade across the board—lighter, better anomaly resistance, and longer lasting than the AFZ-0.

You’ll need to reach Crimson Rep 2 and pay 5,000 Rubles to enter the Crimson Camp, but it’s worth the effort for this value.

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Best Budget Weapons: High Performance at Low Cost

1. EC-74U (Automatic Rifle)

• Weight: 3.1 kg
• Base Price: 13,700 Rubles

A compact automatic rifle that performs far beyond its cost. Even without attachments, it holds its own—manageable recoil, decent DPS, and can be modded for versatility.

Optional Attachments:

• Total Cost: ~7,100 Rubles
• Sold by Green Army Trader (Rep 2)

Paired with the right ammo, this weapon can take down even Hunters efficiently.

2. MKM (Designated Marksman Rifle)

• Weight: 3.6 kg
• Base Price: 17,620 Rubles

A semi-auto powerhouse. Excellent for budget sniping, the MKM gives you low recoil, precision control, and reliable damage output.

Recommended Mod:

• 20-Round Magazine (3,800 Rubles, Green Army Trader, Rep 2)
• Doubles your mag size—critical in extended firefights

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Ammo Tips: Don’t Skimp on Penetration

Until better rounds are unlocked, use PS (penetrator steel) variants for both calibers:

• 5.45x39mm PS: Available early from Green Army
• 7.62x39mm PS: Available at Rep 2

Later in the game, upgrade to armor-piercing variants when possible. Spending on penetration is far more impactful than splurging on fancy attachments.

Reminder: Damage means nothing if your bullets don’t penetrate enemy armor.

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Best Budget Bags: Loot Space Without Downsides

1. School Bag

• Price: 3,500 Rubles (Barman, Rep 1)

2. Backpack One

• Price: 5,000 Rubles (Barman, Rep 1)

These two options are perfect for early-to-mid game recovery. They let you carry enough gear and loot without slowing your movement or draining ergonomics. When you’re scraping together rubles, every advantage counts.

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Final Note on Meds and Hunter Mode

Important: As of now, med prices in Hunter Mode are bugged and show up as free. This will likely be patched soon, so don’t rely on it. Expect an updated meds guide once the prices normalize.

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Summary: Full Budget Kit for Hunter Difficulty

• Armor: Military AFZ-0 (early) → Crimson CPR-0 (after Crimson access)
• Weapon: EC-74U (auto) or MKM (DMR)
• Ammo: PS rounds (penetration over damage)
• Bag: School Bag or Backpack One

This setup provides a reliable, affordable loadout that allows you to survive and rebuild without gambling your entire stash. It’s also flexible—easily adjusted as you gain reputation or rubles.

So when Hunter Mode wipes your kit and your rubles are running low, this is how you bounce back strong.

Want to master combat under pressure? Check out the advanced combat guide next. Stay sharp out there, and good luck in the zone.