How do we acquire weapons as we progress through the game?
Yavorsky: Not all the weapons, equipment and ammo are available from the beginning. As you progress deeper into the Zone, you get access to better and costlier gear. Time factor also plays a role, so tough guns may get available in earlier locations through time. You can do both scavenge the weapons, ammo, equipment and other bare necessities from the environment (by picking it up from dead stalkers (you may want to murder them first, but may lose out on reputation), or trading/exchanging it all at the dealer's, stalkers you meet in the zone and so on. It's all up to the player.
What upgrades can we apply to weapons and equipment, and is it still the case that we'll be able to combine objects to create new equipment?
Yavorsky: Most of the weapons in the game are upgradeable. You can get such weapon upgrades as silencers, sniper scopes or barrel-attached grenade launchers. Similar to other items, weapon upgrades can be bought, stolen or exchanged. All the upgrades are done through the player's inventory. Improving your weapons with upgrades is an interesting small element of gameplay, especially when you get used to your 'favorite piece.' You will not be able to combine objects to create new gear, other than what's provided for weapon upgrading.
Keep your eyes peeled for the third and final part of the interview - coming soon!
