How to Find and Equip Artifact in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Key Takeaways:

1. Detecting anomalies requires precision – Use the Echo Detector effectively to locate the Artifact in hazardous areas.
2. Artifacts are powerful but risky – Green pools in the anomalous field are highly acidic and can cause radiation damage.
3. Equipping Artifacts enhances your survival – Learn how to properly manage your inventory to gain the benefits of Artifacts without compromising your loadout.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is an immersive, gritty journey into the mysterious and treacherous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. One of the early and essential tasks you’ll encounter during the “There and Back Again” main story mission introduces you to the enigmatic Artifacts. These rare and powerful items will play a significant role in your survival, but acquiring and equipping them comes with its own set of challenges.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to find your first Artifact, the Slug, in the anomalous field and how to equip it to unlock its benefits. Whether you’re new to Stalker 2 or a veteran scavenger, this tutorial will help you avoid the dangers and make the most of your tools.

Step 1: Obtaining the Detector from Petro Yerokin

Your journey begins during the “There and Back Again” mission. As you explore the area, you’ll stumble across the body of a dead scientist, Petro Yerokin. Loot his body to acquire the Echo Detector, an essential device for detecting anomalies and locating Artifacts.

This yellow handheld gadget serves as your guide to navigating the Zone’s hazardous fields. Think of it as your radar for treasure except the treasure is hidden amidst lethal radiation and acidic pools. Once you have the Detector in hand, it’s time to move to the next objective: tracking down the Artifact.

Step 2: Finding the Anomalous Field

Your compass will point you in the right direction with a yellow exclamation marker. Follow this marker to locate the anomalous field, a green, glowing area filled with ominous ooze. This field is just outside the facility where you found the Detector.

Once you approach, your Echo Detector will activate automatically, signaling the presence of anomalies and an Artifact. The closer you get, the louder and more frequent the beeping sound becomes.

Step 3: Locating the Slug Artifact

This is where things get tricky. The Artifact you’re looking for is nestled amidst the hazardous green ooze in the anomalous field. Use your Detector to narrow down its exact location. Here’s a pro tip: move to the left side of the barrel that’s lying on its side. This is where the Slug Artifact usually appears.

The Detector will help you pinpoint the Artifact’s position it’s like playing a high-stakes game of hot and cold. As you move closer, the Detector’s blue light will flash more frequently, and the sound will intensify. Once you’re right on top of it, a pick-up prompt will appear on your screen.

But beware! Standing in the green pools for too long will cause radiation and acid damage, so grab the Artifact and immediately back away.

Step 4: Equipping the Slug Artifact

Now that you have the Slug Artifact, it’s time to equip it and reap its benefits. The Artifact offers a small boost in protection against radiation buildup a handy feature for surviving in the Exclusion Zone.

Here’s how to equip the Artifact:

1. Open your inventory.
   • On PC, press the I key.
   • On Xbox, press the down directional button to access the inventory menu.
2. Look for the Equipment section in your inventory.
   • If it’s not visible, press Q (PC) or click the left control stick (Xbox) to toggle the section.
3. Drag and drop the Slug Artifact into the designated slot below the Echo Scanner.
   • This is the slot specifically reserved for equipped Artifacts.

Once the Artifact is equipped, you’ll notice its effects immediately. The Slug doesn’t grant powerful bonuses but serves as a useful introduction to managing and utilizing Artifacts in Stalker 2.

What Makes the Slug Artifact Special?

The Slug Artifact may not seem like much at first, but it serves a vital purpose in teaching you how Artifacts function in the game. It provides a minor resistance to radiation buildup, which will be invaluable as you encounter more dangerous zones filled with anomalies.

However, be mindful that equipping Artifacts often comes with trade-offs. As you progress further in the game, you’ll find Artifacts that offer greater benefits but may also come with negative side effects, such as reduced stamina or increased radiation exposure. Balancing these pros and cons is a crucial part of surviving in the Exclusion Zone.

Troubleshooting: How to Re-Equip the Detector

If you accidentally switch to another weapon or item and can’t figure out how to bring the Echo Detector back, don’t worry it’s easy to re-equip it.

• On console, hold the left shoulder button and select the Detector using the left directional button.
• On PC, it will typically be bound to a quick-access key, so check your control settings if needed.

This quick tip will save you a lot of frustration, especially when you’re in the middle of a hazardous zone and need the Detector to locate anomalies.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Anomalies and Artifacts

Finding and equipping the Slug Artifact in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is just the beginning of your journey into the Zone’s mysterious and dangerous world. Artifacts are more than just collectibles they’re essential tools for survival. As you progress, you’ll encounter even more challenging anomaly fields and powerful Artifacts, each with unique properties.

Remember to always approach anomaly zones cautiously, use your Detector to locate threats, and carefully manage your inventory to balance the risks and rewards of equipping Artifacts.

FAQs

1. What does the Echo Detector do in Stalker 2?
The Echo Detector is a handheld device that helps you locate anomalies and Artifacts. It beeps and flashes a blue light to guide you closer to your target.

2. Where can I find the Slug Artifact?
The Slug Artifact is located in the anomalous field outside the bunker during the “There and Back Again” mission. Look for it near the barrel amidst the green pools.

3. How do I equip an Artifact in Stalker 2?
To equip an Artifact, open your inventory, locate the designated slot below the Echo Scanner, and drag the Artifact into it. This will activate its effects.

4. Are there risks to equipping Artifacts?
Yes, some Artifacts come with negative side effects, such as increased radiation exposure or reduced stamina. Always check the stats before equipping them.

5. Can I sell Artifacts in Stalker 2?
Yes, Artifacts can be sold to traders for currency, but their unique benefits might make them more valuable to keep for personal use.