Best Areas To Visit Early In STALKER 2

Key Takeaways

Zalissya’s Outskirts are rich in loot and artifacts.
Radiation Hazard Signs Storage has some early mods and gear.
Players can get a unique weapon and stealth artifact in Poppy Field.

As a seasoned Stalker who has traversed the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone more times than I can remember, I must say that the wealth of treasures hidden within this radioactive wilderness is truly astounding. From powerful weapons to rare artifacts, every corner of this forsaken land seems to hold a secret just waiting to be discovered.

In STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, it’s advantageous to explore certain zones during the early stages of the game, as these areas are rich in valuable items, quests, and numerous chances to earn additional coupons. By the end-game, players will undoubtedly benefit from the treasures they found in these zones.

Here’s a rundown of key locations you should explore at the start of your adventure, and some exciting items you might discover:

8 Zalissya’s Outskirts

Lots Of Artifacts And Loot To Get

Around Zalissya’s surrounding areas, gamers can stumble upon numerous chances for additional loot, such as the Valik Lummox AK47 equipped with a scope, cleverly concealed atop the Water Tower. By venturing southwest and southeast, they will come across two artifacts early in their journey.

One is found near The Ribs, just beneath Zalissya, while the other resides within the Magnetic Cave, directly to the west of The Ribs. Given their locations with increased anomalous activity, it’s wise to carry the Detector and Bolts with you.

7 Radiation Hazard Signs Storage

Early Mods And Gear

In this location, you’ll find a compact rooftop harboring an Aurora Gas Mask, and outside the compound, hidden behind some boxes, there’s a duffle bag containing a High Capacity Vipers 5 Magazine. Clearly, these two objects will equip players effectively until they reach the middle stages of the game.

The Aurora Gas Mask boasts exceptional chemical defense capabilities among all options, making it a standout choice. On the other hand, equipping the Drum magazine on the Viper SMG transforms it into a formidable ammunition dispenser that swiftly tears through enemies in mere moments, particularly effective against groups of mutants.

6 Poppy Field

Get One Of The Best Artifacts In The Game And An Unique Weapon

In the field of poppies lies peril, as it resembles a colossal abnormality teeming with mutated poppy blossoms that can prove fatal to players who linger too close for an extended period. However, MItjay, an NPC stationed in Hamster’s Shop, may direct adventurers towards this location to retrieve a Sacred Artifact. Should they decide to bring the artifact to Pomar, an NPC within the poppy field, they can trade it for a Rare Weapon instead.

After players rest for a night, it amplifies their stealth. However, they must keep this artifact on them during sleep and avoid removing it until the effect wears off. When active, it emits a soft blue glow.

5 Lake With The Bulba Anomaly

Another Great And Powerful Artifact

The Bulba Anomaly lies in plain sight east of Zalissya, in the Lesser Zone, and holds one of the best artifacts in the game, which has no radiation cost to equip and provides protection from bullets, as long as players remain still.

To successfully obtain the mysterious Weird Ball Artifact, players should coordinate their movements precisely. They must dash toward the artifact while taking cover behind objects in the lake. Once the bubble shrinks, they should sprint towards the next obstacle and continue hiding behind each one until they reach the item situated near the ambulance. This may require several attempts, but the reward of acquiring the Weird Ball Artifact will certainly be worth it!

4 Deaf Meadow

Two Artifacts, For The Price Of One

In the northeastern region of Zalissya, within the Lesser Zone, lies a meadow known as the Silent Meadow. This area offers two chances for players to acquire artifacts at an early stage. Upon arrival, a stranger will address you, requesting help to recover their supposed friend’s body. The catch is that the body is situated near a gravitational anomaly, directly in front of the NPC. If players notice the blood splatter, they’ll understand that the person was seeking shelter within the anomaly and was fatally wounded by someone, though the stranger claims them to be a friend.

In this scenario, the individual dispatching the players to retrieve the body will instruct them not to disturb it. However, if players wish to obtain a bonus item early (referred to as Goldfish), they are free to do so. If an NPC becomes upset, then you know how to handle the traitor. Meanwhile, within the anomaly, there’s another item waiting to be found – often concealed behind a rock where the body is located – essentially getting two artifacts for the price of one.

3 Electric Field In The Pol Depot

Electric Artifacts Might Come In Handy

The Pol Depot is Northwest of Zalissya and contains one of the easiest Electric Anomaly puzzles to solve. Just throw a few bolts into the stairs and climb towards the tanks, then walk around until finding one of the two possible Electric Artifacts in the zone.

Should fortune favor them, gamers could stumble upon a Battery Artifact that boosts their character’s endurance. An enhancement in endurance expands the overall Stamina reserve and lessens the expenditure of stamina during running. In an expansive game like STALKER 2, where players frequently find themselves sprinting, this artifact is invaluable.

2 The Maze

A Powerful Unique Weapon, An Artifact, And Better Gear

As a gamer, I’d steer clear from the Lesser Zone and straight into The Garbage instead. Keep following the Mission Marker until you reach the Slag Heap, and once you’re there, the quest line should lead you to the first Journalist Stash. This hidden treasure is tucked away in The Maze zone, northwest of the Slag Heap. Inside, you’ll find the Tourist Suit – one of the top-tier gear pieces in this game!

Players in the zone can discover an Artifact as well. If they’re on the No Honor Among Thieves mission, they should be able to locate the Special Weapon known as Shah’s Mate, which is concealed to the north of the Labyrinth. However, be cautious, as a Bloodsucker is guarding the loot hoard.

1 Plant North-East Of The Poppy Field

The First Sniper Rifle And An Artifact To Increase Stamina

After exiting the Lesser Zone, go right then head towards the northeast, keeping the river on your left side. Continue until you reach a Plant that’s located northeast of the Poppy Field, which is where players complete the Deal With The Devil mission. You can’t miss it due to an Electric Anomaly circling around. Enter the northernmost building and search for an entryway to the sewers. Follow the path south through the sewers and enter the final building via the sewers as well. Then, navigate a few floors while avoiding electric anomalies.

Next, travel south over the rooftops and observe a suspension bridge heading in the same direction. However, players will encounter an unusual challenge: a location filled with floating glass fragments. Proceed with caution, as beyond it lies a deranged American spy armed with a sniper rifle who will open fire on anything that moves. Eliminate this enemy silently to obtain the coveted Mark 1 EMR Sniper Rifle from his remains.

2024-11-29 01:24