Stalker 2: How To Get Stalker’s Smarts Achievement

Key Takeaways

1. Missable Achievement Alert: The Stalker’s Smarts achievement is highly missable and requires careful planning during the “Side Hustle” mission.
2. No Warehouse Entry Required: You must obtain the required parts without stepping into the building, using a clever workaround.
3. Preparation is Key: Ensure all prerequisite missions are completed to unlock the necessary side quest in Zaton.

If you’re aiming for 100% completion in Stalker 2, then you know how crucial and frustrating some achievements can be. The Stalker’s Smarts achievement is one of those tricky feats that’s easy to miss if you’re not careful. It challenges players to collect specific warehouse parts without entering the building, requiring precision, patience, and a little ingenuity.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know to secure the Stalker’s Smarts achievement and cement your place as a true Stalker legend.

Prerequisites: Setting the Stage for the Achievement

Before you can tackle this achievement, a few key steps need to be completed:

1. Progress Through the Main Story: Complete the main mission “Like a Moth to the Flame.” This unlocks access to the Technician at Camp Icarus.
2. Complete the Side Mission “Shock Therapy”: If the Technician doesn’t offer the “Side Hustle” mission immediately, finish the “Shock Therapy” mission and try again.
3. Unlock “The Side Hustle” Mission: Once available, accept this side quest from the Technician. This mission sends you to the Railway Maintenance Facility, northwest of Camp Icarus.

Understanding the Challenge: What Makes Stalker’s Smarts So Unique?

The Stalker’s Smarts achievement requires you to think outside the box literally. The goal is to retrieve warehouse parts without entering the building. Normally, the quest marker guides you to enter the warehouse and retrieve the parts, but doing so locks you out of earning the achievement. Instead, you’ll need to find a creative way to access the item.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock the Stalker’s Smarts Achievement

1. Locate the Mission Area

Once you accept the “Side Hustle” mission, head to the Railway Maintenance Facility. This is the marked location northwest of Camp Icarus.

2. Scout the Warehouse

The warehouse is surrounded by tracks and features a window with a bag partially hanging out. This bag contains the parts you need. The trick is to retrieve it without going inside.

3. Climbing onto the Train

• Locate the train directly in front of the window with the bag.
• Use the train’s headlamp and a nearby ledge to climb onto the roof of the train.
• Walk carefully along the train roof until you’re positioned near the window.

4. The Mid-Air Grab Technique

From the train roof:

• Align yourself with the window containing the bag.
• Jump and aim your cursor at the bag while spamming your interaction key. Timing is everything it may take a few tries, but persistence pays off.
• If successful, you’ll grab the warehouse parts mid-air, earning the achievement.

Alternate Method: Using a Wooden Crate

If the train-jumping method doesn’t work for you, there’s an alternative approach involving crates:

1. Find a Wooden Crate: Search the area for movable wooden boxes. These can be found near the train tracks or inside some of the train cars.
2. Push the Crate to the Window: Carefully manoeuvre the crate beneath the window with the bag.
3. Climb Onto the Crate: Stand on the crate, align your aim with the bag, and jump while spamming the interaction button. This method also allows you to retrieve the parts without entering the building.

What If You Missed the Achievement?

Unfortunately, if you’ve already completed the mission by entering the building, the achievement is no longer attainable in your current save. Your options are to:

• Load an Earlier Save: Replay from a point before starting the mission.
• Start a New Playthrough: Plan ahead in your next game to complete the achievement.

Pro Tips for Success

• Save Before the Mission: Always create a manual save before starting “The Side Hustle” to avoid losing progress.
• Experiment with Angles: If the jump doesn’t work, adjust your position slightly and try again.
• Be Patient: It might take several attempts to get the timing right.

FAQ

Q: Why is this achievement missable?
A: The achievement requires you to complete the task in a specific, unconventional way. If you enter the building, you permanently lose the chance to earn it in your current playthrough.

Q: Can I get the achievement after completing the mission?
A: No, you’ll need to reload an earlier save or start a new playthrough.

Q: Are there any glitches or exploits to help with this achievement?
A: No known glitches can simplify the process, but using the train-jump or crate-pushing methods ensures success with practice.

Q: Does this achievement impact other missions or rewards?
A: No, it’s purely an optional achievement and doesn’t affect the main story or side quest outcomes.