Stalker 2 Budmo Quest Guide: Locations, Choices and Rewards

3 Key Takeaways

1. Stash Decisions Matter: The Budmo quest tests your ethics as a Stalker steal valuable loot for short-term gains or fulfill the mission for a modest reward.
2. Optimal Stash Strategy: Prioritize the Transmission Array stash for its highly valuable HILKA detector and artifacts.
3. Consequences of Actions: Helping Panas garners Coupons and goodwill, but looting the stashes leads to conflict and higher monetary rewards.

The Budmo Quest: A Test of Your Stalker Instincts

The “Budmo” quest in Stalker 2 is more than just another side mission it’s a moral dilemma disguised as a straightforward task. The premise? Help two Stalkers stash vodka bottles in three hidden locations for their friend, Panas. Sounds simple, right? Except these stashes contain some of the best loot you can find early in the game. Whether you choose to steal or complete the mission honestly will shape your experience and potential rewards.

Let’s break down the locations, their contents, and how your choices impact the outcome.

All Budmo Stash Locations and Their Contents

1. Concrete Block Stash

• Location: Found inside a hollowed-out concrete pillar near some rubble. Look for a broken pillar covered by wooden boards smash them to reveal the stash.
• Contents:
  • M10 Gordon SMG (excellent condition)
  • RNBW 2x Scope (fits Rhino, Integral-A, Fora-221, and more)
  • Pistol Suppressor (compatible with PTM, APSB, Buket S-2, and others)

Tips: The M10 is a solid SMG, especially if you prefer compact, rapid-fire weapons. However, taking anything from this stash will mark its quest objective as failed.

2. Poisonous Hole Stash

• Location: North of the Concrete Block stash, in a cave near a toxic anomaly field. Beware of a Flesh (mutant) guarding the entrance.
• Contents:
  • Buket S-2 SMG (uses 9×18 ammo)
  • Optician Gas Mask (great for radiation protection)
  • Grenade
  • Box of pistol ammo

Tips: The Optician Gas Mask is invaluable if you haven’t acquired good anti-radiation gear yet. If SMGs aren’t your style, this stash’s value lies in its utility rather than weaponry.

3. Transmission Array Stash

• Location: Perched on a bird’s nest within a tower at the Transmission Array. Use a fallen tree and planks to climb up and access the stash.
• Contents:
  • HILKA Detector (superior artifact scanner with increased range)
  • Flash Artifact (weak electric protection, emits weak radiation)
  • Moonlight Artifact (medium electric protection, emits medium radiation)

Tips: The HILKA detector is a game-changer, making artifact hunting far more efficient. The artifacts themselves can either enhance your protection or fetch a good price when sold.

What Happens When You Steal from the Stashes?

Looting the stashes can be tempting, but it comes with repercussions. The third stash you visit will always be empty if you’re stealing, and Panas will confront you.

• If You Steal Two Stashes: Panas will turn hostile when you reach the third stash. You’ll have to kill him, but you’ll get whatever loot he’s carrying.
• If You Steal One Stash: The quest will remain partially complete, but Panas might react negatively.

Interacting with Panas

When you reach the third stash, Panas will appear, regardless of whether you’ve been stealing or not. Here’s how different scenarios play out:

1. Helping Panas:
   • Panas reveals he wanted anti-radiation meds, not vodka, to pursue his dream of being a “real” Stalker.
   • You can give him the meds for 1,300 Coupons or encourage his vodka habit to earn the same reward.
2. Killing Panas:
   • If you’ve looted the stashes, Panas will attack. Killing him nets you his belongings, but you lose the chance for Coupons.

Recommendation: While helping Panas aligns with a morally “good” path, stealing stashes yields more valuable loot overall.

Should You Steal or Complete the Mission?

• Pros of Completing the Mission Honestly:
  • Gain 1,800 Coupons (if you deliver vodka to all three stashes).
  • Avoid conflict with Panas and potential hostility from other Stalkers later.
• Pros of Stealing from Stashes:
  • Acquire high-value items like the HILKA detector, artifacts, and premium weapons.
  • Selling loot can net you more money than completing the mission as intended.

Optimal Strategy: Steal from the Transmission Array stash first for its high-value loot. Then, decide whether to loot one more stash or stick to the mission objectives.

The Budmo quest in Stalker 2 epitomizes the moral gray area of the game, forcing players to weigh short-term gains against long-term consequences. Whether you prioritize loot or role-play as an honorable Stalker, the choice is yours. Just remember every action in the Zone has repercussions.

FAQ

1. What’s the most valuable item in the Budmo stashes?

The HILKA detector in the Transmission Array stash is the most valuable for gameplay, enhancing artifact detection significantly.

2. What happens if I fail a stash objective?

Failing a stash objective doesn’t stop the quest but changes how Panas interacts with you. He’ll likely become hostile if you’ve stolen items.

3. Can I revisit the stashes after completing the mission?

No. Once the mission concludes, the stashes and their contents are no longer accessible.

4. Is it worth killing Panas?

Killing Panas grants whatever items he’s carrying, but you lose the Coupons reward and may face repercussions from other NPCs.

5. How should I prioritize the stashes?

Visit the Transmission Array stash first for the HILKA detector, then decide whether to loot the others based on your gameplay goals.