How to Get the Hilka Detector in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

3 Key Takeaways

1. Three Ways to Acquire the Hilka Detector: Complete quests like the Mysterious Briefcase or Budmo missions, or purchase it from a vendor.
2. Game-Changing Tool: The Hilka Detector is a significant upgrade from the Echo Detector, making artifact hunting easier.
3. Strategic Choices: Decide whether to complete quests for the detector or buy it outright for faster access.

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, anomaly detection is a cornerstone of survival, and the Hilka Detector is a crucial step up from the Echo Detector. This guide will walk you through all the ways to acquire the Hilka Detector, whether by completing quests, exploring the dangerous terrain, or spending in-game currency.

Why You Need the Hilka Detector

The Hilka Detector offers a broader range and greater precision in detecting anomalies compared to the basic Echo Detector. Whether you’re dodging radiation pockets or tracking rare artifacts, upgrading your detection tools is essential for thriving in the harsh environments of the Zone.

How to Get the Hilka Detector in Stalker 2

1. Sultansk: The Mysterious Briefcase Quest

One of the earliest opportunities to get the Hilka Detector is through the Mysterious Briefcase quest. Here’s how:

Where to Start

• Head to Sultansk, located in the Zaton region of the Lesser Zone. It’s southeast of Zalissya.
• Speak with Sonya the bartender inside the base to inquire about available jobs. Then, talk to Sultan, who will assign you the quest.

Quest Details

• Sultan will task you with retrieving a lost briefcase.
• The briefcase is located on a cargo ship near Lviv Dock, which lies east-northeast of Sultansk.

Navigating to the Cargo Ship

• Be cautious: this area is heavily radiated and filled with anomalies. Equip protection gear before proceeding.
• Look for an open container near the northern side of the ship.
• Enter the ship through the container, climb the ladder on the west side, and proceed to the hatch on the floor.
• Unlock the hatch, descend, and search the room for the Hilka Detector and the briefcase.

Once obtained, you can choose to return the briefcase to Sultan or keep exploring with your new detection tool.

2. Slag Heap: The Budmo Quest

Another way to get the Hilka Detector is by completing or strategically failing the Budmo side quest in the Slag Heap area of Garbage.

Starting the Quest

• Visit the bar in Slag Heap and talk to the two drunks sitting in the corner. They’ll ask you to help stash vodka bottles in several locations.

Finding the Detector

• Travel to the eastern stash location, marked near a power transmission pylon.
• Look for a collapsed tree trunk near the pylon. Use it as a bridge to reach a wooden platform.
• Climb up to find a bird’s nest, where you’ll locate the Hilka Detector along with the stash spot for vodka.

Important Note

If you take the detector from the stash, the mission will fail. You’ll have to decide whether upgrading your detector is worth abandoning the quest rewards.

3. Rostok: Purchase from Vendor

If you prefer to skip the quests, you can simply buy the Hilka Detector.

Where to Buy

• Visit the 100 Rads Bar in Rostok. Speak to the bartender to access the store.
• Alternatively, check the store in Yaniv, where the detector is available for 3,600 coupons.

This is the easiest way to obtain the detector, provided you have enough money saved up.

Using the Hilka Detector

Once you’ve acquired the Hilka Detector, you’ll immediately notice its advantages.

• Increased Detection Range: Spot anomalies and artifacts from farther away.
• Improved Precision: Pinpoint artifact locations more accurately, reducing risks from anomalies.

The Hilka Detector is invaluable for early to mid-game exploration, making your artifact hunting safer and more efficient.

FAQs About the Hilka Detector

Q: Can I upgrade the Hilka Detector further?
A: Yes! As you progress, you can unlock detectors like the Bear Detector, which offer even more advanced capabilities.

Q: Is it worth failing the Budmo mission for the Hilka Detector?
A: If you prioritize better tools over quest rewards, then yes. However, consider whether the questline rewards are essential to your gameplay style.

Q: Are there other quests where I can get detectors?
A: Yes, other quests and exploration opportunities in Stalker 2 reward you with upgraded detectors as you progress.