Never pick up enemy weapons unless you really have to. Do some weapons dealer side missions to unlock better gear, as previously suggested, and make a point of picking up fresh gear for each play session, or before you start a mission. Buy Camo, so you're more difficult to spot when you're crouched in tall grass. Also keep in mind that the AI will follow noises, so keep moving if you don't want to get swarmed. You can also use this to your advantage. Stay off the roads if you don't want to run into patrols every five minutes. You can avoid them entirely and you'll find quite a few diamond cases that way, so keep and eye out. Or an ear, in this case. Lastly, experiment: If you're getting tired of your current load out, switch it up. The flare gun can be very effective and the mortar, once you get comfortable with it, is a great 'opener'. The crossbow that's part of the Fortune's Pack (unlocked from the very beginning, takes the heavy weapon slot) is very powerful, if patrols or guard posts are bothering you in the beginning. Explosive bolts are a wonderful thing, but they can make it too easy sometimes. Still: explosive bolts. Man, I love FC2...
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