The vampires in "Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl" are very powerful monsters in the game. To kill vampires, it is easier to let them get close to you, then concentrate your fire and shoot. Once they're close, focus your fire, and while you may not be able to avoid taking damage, you'll at least minimize wasted ammo.
How to fight vampires in STALKER 2
Due to the vampire's speed and invisibility, shooting them on the move is difficult and often a waste of bullets. Therefore, your best bet is to keep them close to you and then focus your fire on them. Once they're close, focus your fire, and while you may not be able to avoid taking damage, you'll at least minimize wasted ammo.
In most cases, the vampire will retreat slightly for a while before your magazine is empty. At this point, you'll have plenty of time to reload and use a first aid kit if necessary.
However, sometimes the vampire does not retreat and continues to attack you. In this case, once the magazine is empty, you should run away as quickly as possible. Reload your ammunition as you run and find new covert positions to counterattack.
With this approach, you have two options, depending on the environment.
Are you indoors?
If there is a narrow corridor, enter the corridor. Direct enemies into corridors, making sure they can only approach you from one direction.
If there is no corridor, try to retreat to a corner to reduce the direction in which enemies can attack you.
Are you outside/are there multiple enemies?
Keep retreating in one direction. This "kite" strategy allows enemies to attack you from a general direction, reducing flank attacks or ambushes.
Keep going until you hit an obstacle and can no longer move forward, then turn around and repeat the process.
Vampires are not particularly perceptive, which may give you some stealth opportunities. While you can't completely bypass them, you can help reduce their health by taking a shot or throwing a grenade before they spot you.
