Artifacts aren’t just a gameplay item inStalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl; they carry narrative weight. Your journey into the Zone begins with an artifact destroying the protagonist’s home. Many stalkers venture into the Zone just for the artifacts: for their monetary value, uniqueness, and sheer raw allure. Depending onthe armor you’re wearing, you’re able to equip up to five artifacts without consequences on your person in Stalker 2.
These radioactive relics aren’t simple power-ups, though. Using artifacts is a delicate balancing act of ensuring that their negative effects are outweighed by their positive ones. Otherwise, you’re absorbing the gamma rays they emit for nothing.
8Weird Ball
Bullet Sponge
The Weird Ball is a wonderful showcase of creativity from the team behind Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl and is worth exploring for its novelty alone. The ball absorbsdamage you take from mutantsand bullets, acting as something of a shield.
The real fun part, however, is that it increases in weight the more damage it takes. See, it’s literallyabsorbingthe bullets and taking on their mass. The Weird Ball’s weight goes back down with time, making this artifact viable for any combat section involving guns.
7Mold
Quest Item
Okay, so the Mold artifact isn’t particularly useful in gameplay. In fact, it’s practically worthless. The fun thing about it, however, is that it can help you instantly solve a side quest and get a decent reward if you pick it up on the way to the NPC who wants it.
During theNeedle In A Haystackstory mission, if you put your gun down and talk to Squint, he will ask you for a Mold artifact. The amusing part is that you’ll likely already have picked it up on the way to his hideout. This side quest is over before it even begins.
6Bubble
Unassuming But Essential
Not to be left behind are the common artifacts. These early-game finds may not seem like they’re worth much, but the Bubble is indispensable due to its radiation-negating effect. Most artifacts inStalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl’s early gamewill be useless to you otherwise, as early-game armor has limited artifact slots.
Due to its common nature, the Bubble can spawn anywhere where there are acid anomalies, which are among the easier ones to navigate. If your Echo Locator goes off near an acid anomaly, be sure to stop and look for this handy little item.
5Hypercube
Maximum Bleeding And Thermal Resistance
One of the most annoying gameplay elements in Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl is the bleeding mechanic. You’re liable to start bleeding if an enemy so much as looks at you. It’s a cumbersome mechanic that requires you to waste precious seconds of time applying bandages, only to start bleeding again from the next hit.
Enter the Hypercube, which has maximum bleeding protection. This artifact will free you up from constant self-care during firefights, making you a more effective combatant. It also protects you from flames. The downside? It has maximum radiation, too, so if you’re out of slots, you’ll need to equip other artifacts to nullify that.
4Liquid Rock
Maximum Radiation Protection
Liquid Rock is a legendary artifact best used in synergy with the Hypercube. The reason for this is simple: unlike most artifacts, which emit radiation and drain your health over time, the Liquid Rock absorbs it. It offers you maximum radiation protection, regardless of your other gear.
The Liquid Rock also has maximum chemical protection. If you equip the Liquid Rock alongside another artifact like the Hypercube, you’ll be nigh unstoppable in the Zone. As a legendary artifact though, it rarely spawns, so you’ll need luck and dedication for it.
Guaranteed Spawn
The problem with legendary artifacts is that they are so hard to spawn. It’s much easier to lower the bar and take on an artifact that might not be as strong but is guaranteed to appear so that you don’t waste time around anomalies.
One such artifact is the Dead Sponge. The Dead Sponge lessens bleeding concerns while emitting only mild radiation. It might not be as powerful as some other artifacts, but it is easy to locate and will remain a viable item into the endgame.
2Night Star
Increased Carrying Capacity
Aside from bleeding, one of the most common difficulties you’ll run into in Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl isthe weight limit. If you’re the type to shoot and loot, you’ll repeatedly suffer from low stamina and slow movement. Often, you won’t be able to move at all until you drop some items.
The solution to all your issues is the Night Star. It increases your carrying capacity by a large margin. Unfortunately, if you place it outside an artifact slot, this relic emits strong radiation.
1Compass
Invincibility Item
Stalker 2’s artifacts require thoughtful placement in your loadout. The Compass emits the maximum amount of radiation, but if you have a Liquid Rock or radiation-resistant armor likethe SEVA-D suit, go right ahead: this is the ultimate artifact for a combat-ready stalker.
The Compass imbues you with maximum physical protection, making you virtually invulnerable to bullets and melee attacks. It falls just short of a true god mode, as it doesn’t make Skif immortal: just very, very hard to kill. Basically, unless you leave your keyboard and go to make a cup of tea during combat, you’re able to’t lose.
