Stalker 2 Guide: Unique Weapons, Armor and Artifacts
Key Takeaways:
- Discover six unique items in Stalker 2, including four standout weapons, one legendary artifact, and an exoskeleton armor.
- Learn where to find the items, mission-related tips, and strategies to obtain them with ease.
- A deep dive into weapon stats, functionalities, and why these unique finds can elevate your gameplay experience.
In the perilous world of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, survival often comes down to the weapons, armor, and tools you bring into battle. Unique gear isn’t just about aesthetics it’s about gaining an edge, whether it’s a high-damage weapon, an indestructible exoskeleton, or a rare artifact with game-changing abilities.
This guide explores six must-have unique items, giving you detailed locations and tips to acquire them, from hidden bunkers to mutant-infested villages.
1. Gangster – The Mission-Related SMG
The Gangster is a compact and stylish submachine gun that fits perfectly in the hands of any rogue stalker. Here’s how to claim it:
How to Get It:
- Mission Name: Minor Incident
- Location: Underground bunker
- During this main mission, you’ll head into a bunker to restore power by replacing a fuse. Look for a table in the same room where the fuse is located. The Gangster gun is sitting right there impossible to miss.
Why It’s Worth It:
While compact and lightweight, the Gangster is perfect for close-quarters combat, especially when you need to conserve more powerful ammo for larger threats. Its fast fire rate compensates for moderate damage, making it a reliable choice early in the game.
2. Decider – The Reward for Playing Hardball
If you enjoy a good side quest, the Decider is a unique pistol you don’t want to skip.
How to Get It:
- Mission Name: The Uninvited Guest
- Quest Giver: Metric Genius
- Location: Concrete Forest (Cement Factory Region)
- Metric Genius will ask you to recover his stash, which is located in tunnels nearby. Ignore the two mutants guarding the area, retrieve the stash, and return to Metric.
- Pro Tip: When you return the stash, refuse to hand over the Decider pistol. You’ll keep it for yourself as your reward.
Why It’s Worth It:
The Decider offers high precision, making it ideal for mid-range encounters. It’s also a great fallback weapon when your primary gun runs out of ammo during a heated fight.
3. Glutton – The Heavyweight LMG That Doesn’t Miss
The Glutton is a beastly light machine gun, boasting tremendous firepower and ammo capacity. However, its weight might discourage stalkers without proper inventory management skills.
How to Get It:
- Location: Underpass near Rosock
- Head to the abandoned helicopter fields and look for an underground tunnel entrance near the underpass exit.
- Turn on the power using the nearby switch to unlock a room containing the Glutton. It’s tucked inside, waiting for you to claim it.
Weapon Stats:
- Damage: 1.3
- Penetration: 2.5
- Rate of Fire: 4.9
- Range: 1.9
- Accuracy: 2.5
- Weight: 10.45 kg
- Ammo: 7.62×39
Why It’s Worth It:
With a built-in extended magazine holding 500 rounds, the Glutton lets you mow down enemies with ease. However, its hefty 17kg weight requires inventory planning, especially if you’re also carrying explosives or medical supplies.
4. Predator – The Bugged Shotgun
The Predator, an intimidating shotgun, currently has a bug preventing it from appearing in some players’ games. Still, knowing its intended location may help when future patches fix this issue.
How to (Try to) Get It:
- Location: Village east of Railway Maintenance (Zeton region)
- Inside a large building with a blue slanted roof, you’ll encounter a mutant cat guarding a room full of skeletons. This is where the Predator shotgun is meant to spawn, but many players report it missing from this spot.
Why It’s Worth It:
Known for devastating close-range damage, the Predator shotgun is a must-have for dealing with mutants or ambushing unsuspecting enemies in tight corridors.
5. Cuirass Exoskeleton – The Armor of Titans
The Cuirass Exoskeleton is unparalleled in durability and protection. However, it has its downsides—mainly, the inability to sprint until upgraded.
How to Get It:
- Location: SKD Assembly Unit (Cooling Towers Area)
- Ascend multiple sets of stairs, then cross a walkway to find a ladder. Climb it, and the exoskeleton will be waiting for you.
Pro Tip:
To make full use of this armor, you’ll need to locate an upgrade that enables sprinting while wearing it. Unfortunately, the upgrade location is still under investigation.
Why It’s Worth It:
This exoskeleton provides unmatched defense, making it a lifesaver in intense firefights or when navigating anomaly-filled areas. Pair it with high-powered weapons, and you’ll feel unstoppable.
6. Weird Nut – The Legendary Artifact
Artifacts are a hallmark of the Stalker series, and the Weird Nut stands out for its challenging location and rewarding properties.
How to Get It:
- Location: Cooling Towers Area
- Solve the Fire WHL Anomaly puzzle, which involves timing your movements through a massive fire vortex. At the top of this fiery maze, you’ll find the Weird Nut artifact.
Why It’s Worth It:
The Weird Nut enhances your survivability and resistance against anomalies, making it an essential tool for late-game exploration.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q1: Are these unique items tied to story progression?
Some are, like the Gangster and Decider, which are obtained during missions. Others, like the Glutton and Weird Nut, can be found through exploration.
Q2: Is the Predator shotgun bug fixed?
As of now, it remains bugged for many players. Keep an eye on patches or updates that might resolve this issue.
Q3: How do I upgrade the Cuirass Exoskeleton?
The exact location of the upgrade is currently unknown. Stay tuned for updates as the Stalker 2 community uncovers more details.
Q4: Are there penalties for refusing to hand over the Decider?
No penalties. You’re free to keep the weapon without repercussions, making it an easy decision for most players.
Q4: How to Find the Glutton RPM-74 LMG in Stalker 2?
Location: Underpass near Rosock. Head to the abandoned helicopter fields and look for an underground tunnel entrance near the underpass exit. Turn on the power using the nearby switch to unlock a room containing the Glutton. It’s tucked inside, waiting for you to claim it.
