Artifacts are among the most valuable and elusive items scattered throughout the Zone in Stalker 2. Discovering and obtaining one can be a challenging task, but the effort is well worth it. These rare items grant unique abilities that can significantly improve your chances when facing bandits or mutants.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to locate the Whirlwind Artifact in Stalker 2, one of the best early-game Artifacts to equip.
The Whirlwind Artifact in Stalker 2
Upon entering the first base in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, known as Zalissya, you’ll encounter numerous side quests that lead you across the Lesser Zone. These side missions are a core part of the game, offering valuable rewards that aren’t available through the main storyline. You’ll find the Whirlwind Artifact in one of these side quests.
Side Quest: Warlock’s Debtor Choice – Retrieve an Artifact, Eliminate Bandits, or Take Down a Pack of Blind Dogs
A side quest titled Warlock’s Debtor is assigned by a character named Warlock. Completing it unlocks another quest, An Errand for Warlock, where you’re presented with three options.
You’re offered three quest options: retrieve an Artifact, eliminate bandits, or take down a pack of blind dogs. Each of these quests will have a specific amount listed next to them. You should choose the highest-paying option, “retrieve an Artifact,” to get the Whirlwind Artifact.
Note: You can also select other quests and ways to obtain the Whirlwind Artifact.
Location of the Whirlwind Artifact in Stalker 2
The Whirlwind Artifact is a rare item found randomly in anomalous zones—areas filled with clusters of a specific type of anomaly.
In Stalker 2, the Whirlwind Artifact can be found in two locations within the Lesser Zone. It exclusively appears in anomalous fields containing Gravitational anomalies.
Two Locations You Can Search for the Whirlwind Artifact
- Ribs Anomalous Field: During the main quest, while searching for Solder, enter through one of the rear openings and locate the Artifact near the center of the field.
- Deaf Meadow: Situated northeast of Zalissya, this Anomalous field becomes highly dangerous after sunset. To navigate it safely, approach from the right side, where only a single Anomaly obstructs your path to the center.
How to Get the Whirlwind Artifact in Stalker 2
The Whirlwind Artifact is essentially a randomly occurring item that can be found in various anomalous zones. Before heading to any of the anomalous fields, make a quick save about 150 meters away from the field. The artifact that spawns in the field is completely random. If you don’t get the artifact you want, you can reload your save and approach the anomalous field again until the Whirlwind Artifact appears. While this process can be time-consuming if luck isn’t on your side, it’s the most reliable way to obtain the Whirlwind Artifact early in Stalker 2.
Note: If you’re not in a hurry, Anomalous Fields will recharge and generate new artifacts after every emission. Revisiting the Ribs and Deaf Meadow anomalous fields if you’re still searching for the Whirlwind Artifact.
Why Obtain the Whirlwind Artifact in Stalker 2
The Whirlwind Artifact weighs 0.3kg and has a value of 7,500 coupons. It offers minor boosts for physical protection and endurance and has a low radiation drawback.
The greatest advantage of a physical protection artifact is its ability to significantly reduce damage from gravitational anomalies, enabling you to disregard their effects almost completely. This buff remains useful throughout most of the game, offering exceptional value.
