In Stalker 2, artifacts are collectible items that can be stored in your inventory or traded for valuable coupons. They are scattered throughout the map, making them difficult to find. This is where Artifact Detectors come into play, as they assist in locating artifacts more efficiently.
Different types of detectors can be obtained during gameplay. However, be cautious when collecting artifacts, as some may have high radiation levels. On the other hand, certain artifacts can counteract this by providing effective radiation protection. This guide will help you understand the step by step process of how to get all the Artifact Detectors and use them to find artifacts in Stalker 2.
Artifacts: Why They’re Important in Stalker 2
Artifacts are crucial elements that greatly boost character abilities, offering bonuses and other benefits to aid the survival of those venturing into the Zone. However, these potent items also come with drawbacks, such as radiation, which necessitates careful management to maximize their effectiveness.
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. The best artifacts provide significant advantages while balancing the inherent risks of radiation, enabling stalkers to tackle the toughest challenges more effectively. Choosing the right artifacts is essential for balancing their benefits with the need to minimize negative effects, ensuring optimal performance during expeditions into the Zone.
What are Artifact Detectors in Stalker 2
Artifact Detectors are essential tools in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, used to locate anomalies and artifacts. Artifacts are found within anomalies, and once you identify an anomaly, the detector helps you pinpoint the artifact inside. When near one, the detector will either beep or display visual cues to guide you to the artifact. Be sure to keep the detector on for it to function properly. Additionally, you can upgrade the detector as you advance in the game.
Types of Detectors in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
In Stalker 2, the tutorial introduces the Echo Detector, but there are several other Artifact detectors in the game that 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:
| ARTIFACT DETECTORS | DESCRIPTION | FEATURES |
| Echo Detector | This is the most basic detector in the game, featuring outdated mechanisms and electronic components. As the first detector you’ll acquire, it’s not very advanced. However, it comes at a reasonable price, making it easy to purchase early on. | The Echo Detector is as basic as they come. While it serves its purpose, we recommend upgrading as soon as you’re able. |
| Hilka Detector | The stalker 2 hilka detector is a more advanced model, offering a superior version of the Echo Detector with upgraded electronic components and an antenna. It features a range indicator, alerting you when you’re within 100 meters of an artifact. | The Hilka Detector not only detects artifacts from 100 meters away but also features a digital screen that tracks your distance from them. |
| Bear Detector | The Bear Detector is an excellent First-Generation Artifact Detector. It’s more user-friendly than other detectors, with a display that’s simpler to read and understand. Additionally, its electronic components have been upgraded. | Although the Bear Detector has half the range of the Hilka, in the hilka vs bear detector debate, the Bear detector might win; it boasts a clever radar-like screen that uses bars to visually indicate the artifact’s general direction and distance. |
| Veles Detector | This is the most advanced detector in the game, a crucial and costly second-generation model with enhanced components. It also features a user-friendly interface and offers excellent efficiency. The display shows red dots, precisely indicating the location of nearby artifacts. | The stalker 2 veles detector is the most advanced model, featuring a sonar-like display. When you’re near an artifact, a small dot appears on the screen, pinpointing its exact location in the area. |
How to Get and Use the Echo Detector in Stalker 2
The Echo Detector is the first scanner you encounter during the tutorial mission, There and Back Again. While passing through the scientist’s outbuilding, you’ll find the body of a deceased scientist, with a Viper-5 beside it. Looting the body will grant you the Echo Scanner.
As the first scanner you unlock, the Echo Detector has a straightforward function. The light on its face blinks more frequently the closer you are to an artifact. When you’re within arm’s reach, the light will stay solid. There are no directional or distance indicators—just the light.
Note: You can also complete the “Dangerous Visitors” quest, 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.
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. It is recommended to rely on your Echo Detector to find these treasures.
Note: The Artifacts may also vanish from their location sometimes, if that happens, you’ll need to search for the Artifact again at a later time.
Useful Tips
- It is suggested to 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 during the process. 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 is a rare event. To quickly expand your artifact collection, the most effective strategy is to search for anomalies.
How to Get and Use the Hilka Detector in Stalker 2
The Hilka Detector can be found in several locations. You can obtain it from a stash during the Budmo! mission, purchase it from various merchants across the Zone, or find it on the abandoned Lviv oil tanker in the far eastern part of the Zatov region. The Budmo! stash is located east of the Slag Heap, and it’s best to visit it first. If you complete the mission by assisting the drunkard’s friend at the eastern stash, its contents will disappear.
The detector can also be found in the Lviv tanker which is only accessible through the A Mysterious Case mission, as the door to the boat will remain closed until you’ve accepted the mission from the Sultan at the Sultansk base. The Hilka Detector can be found in the scientists’ bunker at the eastern end of the boat.
Additionally, you can purchase the Hilka Detector for 4,000 coupons from the following traders:
- Barkeep in Rostok
- Pythagoras at UTC Malachite
- Hawaiian at Yaniv Station
These traders are the pub owners at their respective locations, so in addition to the Hilka Detector, they also sell food items, occasionally artifacts, and will buy any items you wish to offload.
The Hilka Detector is a significant upgrade from the Echo, providing an accurate distance reading up to 100 meters when detecting an artifact. The readout decreases at a steady rate, allowing you to always have a rough idea of the direction you need to go.
Using the Hilka Detector
Once you obtain the Hilka Detector, you’ll quickly recognise its benefits:
- Extended Detection Range: Detect anomalies and artifacts from greater distances.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Locate artifacts with greater precision, minimising the danger posed by anomalies.
The Hilka Detector is an essential tool for early to mid-game exploration, making artifact hunting safer and more effective.
How to Get and Use the Bear Detector in Stalker 2
There are two methods to obtain the Bear Detector. The more challenging option is to complete the Uninvited Guests side mission, which begins when you speak to Mytryk Genius on the northern side of the Concrete Forest in the Cement Factory region.
During the mission, you’ll need to traverse the underground area, confront two Burer enemies, and loot Mytryk’s stash, located beneath a pair of large wooden cable spools.
Alternatively, you can buy the Bear Detector from Hawaiian at Yaniv Station for 6,000 coupons.
Using the Bear Detector
In stalker 2 hilka vs bear detector is a serious debate in which the Bear Detector improves upon the Hilka in two key aspects. First, it provides a fairly accurate direction to the detected artifact. Additionally, as you approach the artifact, the ring of pips gradually fills, giving you a clear sense of where to search.
Pull out the Bear Detector, use your bolts to disable anomalies, and then 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 and Use the Veles Detector in Stalker 2
The stalker 2 veles detector location is found in the In Search of Past Glory mission, it is a reward earned by completing the mission, which is available closer towards the end of the game. The journey to this point takes at least 15 hours, potentially much longer if you engage in numerous side activities.
You’ll receive the Veles Detector after finishing the step where you deliver the Suppressor blueprint to Dvupalov, during which he and his assistant have an argument. The Veles Detector pinpoints the precise location of Artifacts and Anomalies on the radar display.
Using the Veles Detector
Using the Veles Detector is straightforward. Its display provides the location, distance, and direction of the artifact you’re seeking, along with the usual audio cues.
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 encounter more powerful Artifacts, each with its own distinct properties.
Every time you encounter anomaly zones be sure to tread carefully, and 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.
