Tactical helmet is a helmet that appears in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. It is a separate item only in the last two games.
Overview[]
The Sphere-08 is a high quality Western-made helmet, designed to give the operator strategic superiority over the battlefield via scanners and satellite devices (however, they are usually not installed in helmets available in the Zone). For protection, it uses multiple layers of Kevlar and hard armor to protect electronics. Usually comes with a gas mask and first generation night vision by default.
It is the standard issue helmet for Spetsnaz operators in the Zone and an integral component of the Berill-5M armoured suit,[1] as well as Freedom veterans wearing the Guardian of Freedom suit. It is sometimes worn with a gas mask resembling the American M17 field protective mask.
Appearances[]
Call of Pripyat[]
A Western model of a tactical helmet that lacks camouflage. It is not known how it made its way into the Zone. The helmet is designed to provide a squad leader with strategic superiority over the enemy via its many scanners and satellite communications devices, which have not been installed in this particular helmet. Comes with multi-layered Kevlar protection and armored elements to protect electronic components. Includes a respirator and a first generation night vision device.
― In-game description

Compared to the earlier helmets, it is of superior quality in nearly every regard, though the Screen helmet offers better protection from anomalies and the Sphere M12 helmet offers slightly better overall protection.
Acquisition[]
The Tactical helmet can be bought from Owl after obtaining the achievements A Wealthy Client and either One of Ours or Boss. One is also received from Nimble when ordering the CS-3a body armor.
One can be found in a stash in the cement factory in Jupiter, on the tower on top of the main building (where the radio materials for Nitro are found).
Upgrades[]
Only Nitro can install the tier 3 "Infrared scanner" upgrade, which requires all three toolkits to have been delivered (unlocking the achievement Hi-Tech Expert). This upgrade allows the player to detect nearby enemies, displaying them as red dots on the minimap.
Active filters can resits even corrosive chemicals.
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Application of a screening coating.
A plexiglass mask can provide partial protection from radiation.
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Hi-tech psy-protection that is said to have been invented by a scientist called Sakharov.
A filter with an additional purification coating and a system for removal of poisons.
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A mask used in contaminated air or critical air temperature conditions, which are too low or too high for breathing.
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![]() Second generation night vision device (2500 RU) ![]() Installation of a more advanced night vision device for operations in complete darkness.
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![]() Infrared scanner (5000 RU) An infrared scanner allows for detection of nearby humans.
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Heart of Chornobyl[]
This effective combination of a ballistic helmet and a military gas mask has been widely adopted by military units operating in the Zone.
― In-game description
Acquisition[]
Upgrades[]
Development[]

Unused upgrade icon
As with the Sphere M12 helmet, the developers originally planned to implement a tier 3 upgrade that would equip the helmet with the same IFF system as the one in the Binoculars. The upgrade was never implemented, but its icon still exists in the texture files.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Despite being a Western type helmet, every Spetsnaz soldier that wears a Berill-5M armoured suit uses this helmet in all three games.
- The in-game description says this helmet lacks camouflage, however the inventory icon and in-game model do not correspond this.
- Despite being made after Western helmets, it does not incorporate the German World War II style (also known as "Fritz" style) used by modern combat helmets utilized by both American and NATO countries. It does resemble, however, the newest MICH-2000 helmet used by the U.S. military.
- Although the Tactical Helmet is said to be Western made, it is believed to be the Sphere-08 helmet since they look identical even though the "Sphere" name is given to the soviet made Sphere-12 helmet.
References[]
- ↑
"The Berill-5M is a Spetsnaz bodysuit, modified for use in the Zone. The suit includes PSZ-9a series military body armor with beryllium sputter and a Sphere-08 helmet. Designed for assault operations in extremely radioactive regions, it is ineffective in areas of high anomalous activity. Does not hold any artifacts by default, but can be upgraded to hold up to two artifacts."
Shadow of Chernobyl |
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Clear Sky |
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Call of Pripyat |
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Heart of Chornobyl | |||||||||||||||
NPC-only |