How To Make Money or Coupons fast in Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl
Key Takeaways:
- Coupons are essential currency in Stalker 2, used primarily for repairing weapons and gear, making them critical for survival in the Zone.
- Quests, looting, and exploring anomalies are the primary methods for earning Coupons, with strategic decisions on what to sell for maximum profit.
- Efficiency is key: Learn to prioritize valuable loot like Artifacts and sellable gear while avoiding costly mistakes like repairing broken weapons unnecessarily.
Surviving the Zone in Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl isn’t just about having the right gear or outsmarting hostile mutants; it’s also about managing your resources. At the heart of the game’s economy lies Coupons, the primary currency needed for just about everything from repairing your weapons to upgrading your equipment. But earning Coupons isn’t always straightforward, especially when you’re battling weapon durability and scavenging for loot in a dangerous, radioactive wasteland.
To help you maximize your earnings and keep your gear in top shape, this guide dives deep into the best strategies for making money in Stalker 2. Whether you’re a seasoned stalker or just starting out, here’s everything you need to know to stay rich and ready in the Zone.
The Basics: Why Are Coupons So Important?
Coupons are more than just a currency in Stalker 2 they’re the lifeline to your survival. Your weapons, armor, and other gear will degrade with use, and repairing them comes at a hefty cost. Without a steady flow of Coupons, you’ll find yourself outmatched by enemies, struggling to fend off mutants, and unable to access crucial upgrades or repairs.
So, how do you keep your wallet full in such a hostile environment? Let’s break down the most effective strategies.
1. Complete Quests for Big Rewards
Main Missions vs. Side Quests
While main story missions do provide some Coupons, the real goldmine lies in side quests and NPC-given tasks. These smaller, often overlooked missions are some of the fastest and most efficient ways to earn money early in the game. NPCs like the Bartender in the starting areas are great sources for quick, lucrative jobs that often send you to explore the Zone.
Some side quests can reward you with upwards of 1,000 Coupons, while later-game missions can yield rewards in the tens of thousands. The best part? These quests often lead you to locations filled with additional loot, doubling your earning potential.
Pro Tip: Don’t Just Stick to the Story
Make it a habit to take on as many NPC quests as possible, even if they seem minor. The small payouts add up, and completing these missions often unlocks new opportunities and better-paying jobs later in the game.
2. Hunt for and Sell Artifacts
Artifacts are the crown jewels of the Zone. These rare, radiation-emitting treasures can be found near anomalies and serve two purposes: equipping them for buffs or selling them for profit. While some Artifacts are worth keeping, many are better off sold to vendors for a hefty sum.
How to Find Artifacts:
- Equip the Echo Scanner: Artifacts are invisible to the naked eye, so you’ll need the Echo Scanner to locate them.
- Look for Anomalies: Head to areas with clusters of anomalies. The more anomalies, the better your chances of finding valuable Artifacts.
- Follow the Beep: The Echo Scanner will emit a beep that grows faster as you get closer to an Artifact.
- Retrieve with Caution: Carefully navigate through the anomaly field to grab the Artifact. A misstep could lead to significant damage or worse.
Why Sell Artifacts?
While some Artifacts grant useful buffs, you won’t need every single one you find. Many have overlapping effects, so selling duplicates is a smart way to earn money. Vendors across settlements will gladly buy them for a generous price, making them one of the most profitable items in the game.
3. Sell Unwanted Gear and Loot
Loot Everything But Be Selective
As you explore the Zone, you’ll come across tons of gear, weapons, and random junk. Your inventory space is limited, so it’s essential to prioritize high-value items. Anything you don’t need, like surplus weapons, gear, or consumables, should be sold to vendors.
The Catch with Weapons:
Not all weapons are created equal in terms of resale value. Nearly broken guns (marked in red) cannot be sold unless repaired, and repairing them usually costs more than the weapon is worth. Save your Coupons and only sell weapons that are in decent condition.
Tip: Always unload the guns you pick up before selling them. Ammo is valuable, and those extra bullets will come in handy later.
4. Explore Every Nook and Cranny
The Zone is a treasure trove of hidden riches if you know where to look. Exploring off the beaten path can yield valuable loot, from ammunition and medical supplies to rare items like grenades and alcohol. These smaller finds might seem insignificant on their own, but they add up quickly when sold.
Why Exploration Pays Off:
- Stashes: Dead NPCs sometimes drop PDAs that reveal hidden stash locations. These stashes often contain high-value items and are worth seeking out.
- Hidden Loot: Even in areas that seem empty, there’s often something valuable tucked away. Take your time to search every corner of the map.
- Passive Earnings: If you don’t want to engage in heavy farming, casual exploration can still net you a decent profit over time.
5. Fight (and Loot) Human Enemies
Battling humans isn’t just about survival it’s also a money-making opportunity. Human enemies often drop valuable items like ammo, medical supplies, and grenades, which can fetch a good price at vendors. Grenades, in particular, are highly valuable due to their rarity. Instead of using them in combat, sell them to maximize your profits.
Note: While fighting mutants can be unavoidable, they rarely drop valuable loot. Focus your efforts on human enemies for the best returns.
6. Go Stash Hunting for Bonus Loot
Stashes are hidden caches of items scattered throughout the Zone, often revealed by picking up PDAs from dead NPCs. These locations are a goldmine for free loot, including weapons, ammo, and other valuable resources. If you’re looking to boost your income without spending hours farming, stash hunting is one of the most efficient methods.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to unload any guns you find in stashes. Even a handful of extra bullets can save you money down the line.
General Tips for Maximizing Coupons
- Don’t Repair What You Don’t Need: Repairing items can be expensive. Only fix weapons and gear you plan to use.
- Travel Light: Sell off excess gear regularly to avoid hitting your inventory limit.
- Plan Your Runs: Combine quest objectives with exploration to save time and maximize your loot.
- Sell Consumables You Don’t Use: Vodka, food, and medical supplies can fetch a decent price if you have a surplus.
FAQ Section
Q: What are Coupons used for in Stalker 2?
Coupons are the main currency in the game, used for repairing weapons and gear, purchasing upgrades, and buying supplies from vendors.
Q: Where can I sell items for the most Coupons?
Vendors in settlements are the best places to sell loot, gear, and Artifacts. Each vendor may offer slightly different prices, so shop around if possible.
Q: Are all Artifacts worth selling?
Not all Artifacts are worth keeping. Many have duplicate effects, so selling extras is a smart way to earn money.
Q: How do I find stashes in the Zone?
Stashes are often revealed by picking up PDAs from dead NPCs. Once a stash is marked on your map, head to the location and search for loot.
Q: Should I repair broken weapons before selling them?
No. Repairing broken weapons (marked in red) costs more than the weapon’s resale value. Only repair items you plan to use yourself.
