How to Use Artifacts in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Artifacts in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl provide the player powerful passive effects, enhancing your survivability and performance in the Zone. They also have a few drawbacks, such as usually being radioactive — but a pinch of radiation has never hurt anyone, right? Here’s everything you need to know about artifacts in Stalker 2.

What are artifacts?

In Stalker 2, artifacts are rare items that provide the player with one or more passive positive effects. Unfortunately, most artifacts found in anomalous fields also cause radiation when equipped.

For example, the Rat King shown in the screenshot above provides electrical protection and bleeding resistance at the cost of slowly building up the radiation meter.

The good news is that not all artifacts are radioactive. In addition, you can upgrade your gear to negate the radioactive effects on a slot-by-slot basis.

How do you get more artifact slots?

The gear you’re wearing and its upgrades determine the number of artifacts you can equip. You can tell how many artifact slots your suit has by looking at the number next to its weight.

To equip an artifact, select it in your inventory and drag it to an artifact slow above Quick Access. You can also pull out artifacts to admire by selecting “Examine artifact.”

How to find artifacts in Stalker 2

Artifacts are typically located in anomalous fields, which, as the name suggests, are areas filled with anomalies (or one big one). To locate artifacts, use the weapon wheel to equip your Echo Detector. Once it’s in your hand, listen to the beeps; the closer you get to an artifact, the more frequent the sound and blinking become.

Artifacts don’t appear unless you hold the detector, even when at their exact location. If the detector isn’t flashing or making noise, then there’s no artifact nearby. In rare instances, you may need to be on a mission for it to appear.

Every stalker knows anomalies are dangerous, but take extra care in these anomalous fields. Keep an eye on visual indicators and throw bolts around like there’s no tomorrow. Don’t forget your protective gear and keep your health topped up, too.

However, not all Artifacts in Stalker 2 are obtained through anomalous fields. Some come from missions and character events, so make sure to explore and chat with fellow stalkers. Arch-artifacts, which have special powers, are always found in unique anomalies typically tied to puzzles

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