Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl offers an immersive and gritty experience, taking you deep into the dangerous and mysterious Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. One of the first key tasks you’ll face during the “There and Back Again” main story mission will introduce you to the enigmatic Artifacts. These rare and potent items are crucial to your survival, though obtaining and using them presents challenges.
This guide will help you understand the step-by-step process for getting the Echo, Bear, Hilka, and Veles Detectors and using them to find Artifacts in Stalker 2.
Artifacts: Why They’re Important?
These items, once ordinary, have gained supernatural properties due to their exposure to anomalies within the Zone.
Artifacts in Stalker 2 can drop from anomalies, with the specific one you receive being random, often influenced by its rarity. Despite the risk, the rewards are worthwhile. Each Artifact offers an active effect and at least one passive effect. Some can significantly alter how you explore the open world, while others provide crucial protection for venturing into the most hazardous areas.
Types of Artifact Detectors in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
The tutorial in Stalker 2 introduces the Echo Detector, but several other Artifact detectors in the game offer additional features, such as directional displays and a larger detection radius, making them superior to the Echo.
Here are all the Artifact detectors that Have Been Discovered so far:
Echo Detector
- Description: With outdated electronic components and poor usability, this basic Artifact detector is only worth considering due to its low price.
- Value: 2,000K
Bear Detector
- Description: An enhanced first-generation Artifact detector, it offers a more user-friendly radar display and upgraded electronic components compared to the Echo.
- Value: 6,000K
Hilka Detector
- Description: A next-generation detector in the beginner tier, created to replace the Echo. With its completely redesigned electronic components and antenna, it offers improved artifact detection at a greater range than the previous model.
- Value: 4,000K
Veles Detector
- Description: An enhanced second-generation detector, highly regarded by experienced stalkers despite its higher price. Its user-friendly interface, reliability, and exceptional efficiency make it a preferred choice.
- Value: 10,000 K
How to Get the Echo Detector in Stalker 2
Your adventure starts with the “There and Back Again” main story mission. While exploring the area, you’ll come across the lifeless body of a scientist named Petro Yerokin. Search his body to find the Echo Detector, a crucial tool for detecting anomalies and locating Artifacts.
This yellow handheld device acts as your guide through the Zone’s perilous areas. Consider it a radar for treasure, but with the catch that the “treasure” is concealed among deadly radiation and acidic pools. After obtaining the Detector, your next task is to locate the Artifact.
Note: You can also complete the “Dangerous Visitors” quest, which can be found in the small buildings south of Zalissya Base, to get the Echo Detector. During this mission, you’ll rescue a Stalker named Gloomy, and talking to him will reward you with the Echo Detector.
How to Get Artifacts Using the Echo Detector
You can find Artifacts by equipping your Echo Detector when anomalies are nearby. The detector starts blinking in blue and emits a beeping sound that intensifies as you get closer to an Artifact. Follow the detector to the location where the signal is strongest to reach the Artifact.
Artifacts emit a faint hum when you’re nearby, though it can be hard to identify the sound with your detector beeping from the many anomalies in the area. You should rely on your Echo Detector to find these treasures.
Note: Sometimes, the artifacts may vanish from their location. If that happens, you’ll need to search for the Artifact again later.
Useful Tips
- You should replace your pistol or knife with bolts when hunting for artifacts. Regular weapons in Stalker 2 can’t reset or disperse anomalies, but bolts can help you avoid unnecessary damage. After retrieving an Artifact, make sure to equip it from your inventory.
- Artifacts can also be earned as rewards for certain missions in Stalker 2, but this event is rare. To quickly expand your artifact collection, the most effective strategy is to search for anomalies.
How to Get the Bear Detector in Stalker 2
To earn the Bear Detector, complete the “A Sign of Hope” side mission. This mission becomes available during Wild Island’s “Hot on the Trail” main mission. Go to Professor Lodochka and ask if he needs help. He’ll give you the A Sign of Hope side mission. Go to the roof of the Noontide Base, which is accessible via the stairs leading to the former toxic waste storage facility.
Head to the rooftop. You’ll need to go around back, climb the tower ladder, and leap to the roof. Khors will contact you and ask you to spare the zombie. Professor Lodochka, however, wants you to eliminate it.
Spare or Eliminate the Zombies Choice in A Sign of Hope Mission
- Spare the Zombie: The Professor will be displeased and reward you with the Bear Detector.
- Eliminate the Zombie: The Professor will be satisfied and reward you with the Bear Detector.
Regardless of your decision, Khors won’t contact you again during the mission.
How to Get Artifacts Using the Bear Detector
The Bear Detector is a significantly simpler tool for locating artifacts. Its radar display visually guides you directly to the target, making the process effortless compared to the Echo’s auditory signals.
Pull out the Bear Detector, use your bolts to disable anomalies, and quickly rush to collect the Artifact once it spawns. No more uncertainty or wasting time searching for the perfect spot — now you can pinpoint its location and head straight for it. This also helps conserve your bandages and medkits, reducing the need for frequent healing or reloading saves to track down lost Artifacts.
How to Get the Hilka Detector in Stalker 2
As you explore deeper into the land, you’ll encounter numerous side quests offering weapons, loot, and coupons to aid your journey. One such quest, Budmo!, becomes available when you arrive at Slag Heap in the Garbage zone and it is through this quest that you’ll find the Hilka Detector.
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Upon entering the building you’ll have to talk with some men, from them you’ll learn that their friend Panas is suffering from radiation poisoning. They’re unwilling to visit all three stash locations themselves and are relying on Vodka to help cure him. They’ll provide you with three bottles of vodka, which are on the table where they’re sitting. If you accept the quest, you’ll need to visit all three stash locations: the Hilka Detector is in the Power Transmission Pylon Stash.
This stash is located to the east, making it a good first destination on your quest. Upon leaving Slag Heap, follow the southern road as it curves eastward, leading directly to the Power Transmission Pylon. Here, you’ll find two artifacts and the Hilka Detector to aid your journey.
The loot located in the three stashes are the following:
- Hilka Detector: An advanced detector capable of identifying artifacts from a greater distance.
- Flash: A common artifact that provides minimal protection against electrical damage while emitting low levels of radiation.
- Moonlight is an uncommon artifact that offers moderate protection against electrical damage but emits moderate radiation.
How to Get the Veles Detector in Stalker 2
The Veles Detector pinpoints the precise location of Artifacts and Anomalies on the radar display. It is acquired by completing the 21st main mission, In Search of Past Glory.
Note: We’re updating our “How to Get the Veles Detector” section. Please check back soon.
How to Equip Artifacts in Stalker 2
After acquiring the Artifact, you can equip it from your inventory. Open the inventory by pressing the down directional button (Xbox) or the I key (PC), then simply drag and drop the Artifact into the inventory slot above the Quick Access bar. If the Equipment section isn’t visible, click the left control stick (Xbox) or press Q (PC) to open it.
Artifacts typically offer additional bonuses, like an endurance boost or damage reduction but some artifacts may have negative side effects, like increased radiation exposure or decreased stamina. Be sure to review the stats before equipping them. The higher the quality of your armor, the more Artifacts you can equip at once.
Concluding Insights: Mastering Anomalies and Artifacts
In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, discovering and equipping Artifacts is only the start of your adventure in the Zone’s perilous and enigmatic world. Artifacts aren’t just collectibles—they’re vital for survival. As you advance, you’ll face tougher anomaly fields and more powerful Artifacts, each with its distinct properties.
Every time you encounter anomaly zones, be sure to tread carefully. Always scan the area with your Artifact Detectors; it will help you detect any potential threats. Manage your inventory wisely to weigh the risks and rewards of equipping Artifacts.
