How to sleep in Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl

The Zone in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a harsh and unforgiving place, and even the toughest of stalkers need a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re looking to restore health after a tough day or skip ahead in the game’s dynamic time cycle, this guide covers (pun intended) everything you need to know about finding and using beds.

How do I sleep in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2?

In STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players can sleep by interacting with beds located in bases throughout the Zone. Sleeping not only restores health but also allows you to skip to certain times of the day.

For instance, if you need daylight to ensure a safer journey to your next destination or moonlight to witness a specific event, a comfy bed is your best bet. As comfy as you can get in the Zone, anyway.

Why can’t I sleep?

Free health and time skips sound too good to be true in a game as ruthless as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and you’d be absolutely correct in thinking so. Specifically, trying to sleep while suffering a negative effect, such as hunger or bleeding, will display the message “Can’t sleep (status ailment)” and prevent you from dozing off.

To fix the “Can’t sleep” message, you need to relieve your status ailment first. For example:

• If you’re hungry, chow down on a snack.
• Apply a bandage if you’re bleeding.
• Take some anti-radiation when irradiated.

You can check for active status ailment by looking for icons above the health meter in the bottom left corner. Additionally, waking up typically causes your character to become hungry. This means you can’t spam-sleep through full days without stocking up on breakfast first.

Where can I find a bed in Stalker 2?

Beds are scattered across the Zone in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, but your first encounter with one will likely be in Zaliyssa Bar, the first base players visit. Here, you can find a bed in the house where Hamster is stationed. (The trader, not the animal.) Like all beds in the game, it’s completely free to use at any time of day.

Beds are permanently marked on your map once discovered, allowing you to return whenever you need rest. As you explore more of the Zone, you’ll encounter more beds in various bases, including Rostok and the Chemical plant. Sweet dreams, Stalker!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.