Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Complete Walkthrough for An Errand for Warlock

Key Takeaways:

1. Diverse Side Quests: Warlock offers multiple job options, including fighting enemies and finding rare artifacts, each with unique challenges and rewards.
2. Maximizing Rewards: The artifact hunt provides the most coupons but involves a challenging RNG process, while combat missions are simpler but require proper preparation.
3. Efficient Gameplay Tips: Learn to exploit the save-and-load system to boost your chances of obtaining rare items like the Whirlwind Artifact.

Side quests in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl are not just optional they’re a core part of the gameplay experience, offering generous rewards and opportunities to explore the dangers of the Lesser Zone. Among these quests, “An Errand for Warlock” stands out as a highly rewarding mission with multiple outcomes depending on your choices. Whether you’re hunting artifacts, battling packs of mutant dogs, or tracking a missing Stalker, this guide will ensure you make the most of your time with Warlock.

Here’s everything you need to know to navigate this mission and secure those coveted coupons.

The Basics of “An Errand for Warlock”

The quest begins at Zalissya, the first base in the Lesser Zone. After completing the Warlock’s Debtor mission, Warlock will offer you new opportunities to earn coupons through various jobs. You’ll have three main options at any given time, each with varying levels of difficulty, rewards, and gameplay styles.

Quest Overview and Rewards

• Starting Location: Zalissya, Lesser Zone
• Quest Giver: Warlock
• Mission Description: A series of tasks from Warlock, ranging from defeating enemies to recovering rare items.
• Rewards:
  • 500 Coupons: Killing Dogs or Fleshes
  • 600 Coupons: Fighting Thugs
  • 800 Coupons: Finding a Missing Stalker

Available Jobs from Warlock

You can only take one job at a time, and once completed, you’ll need to wait in-game before getting another task. Here’s a breakdown of the jobs:

1. Kill Some Dogs
   • Target: A pack of blind dogs.
   • Reward: 500 Coupons.
   • Tip: Use grenades for Area-of-Effect (AoE) damage to take out grouped enemies before finishing them off with your weapon.
2. Shoot Some Fleshes
   • Target: Fleshes, mutant creatures roaming the Lesser Zone.
   • Reward: 500 Coupons.
   • Tip: Engage from a distance with a rifle to avoid close encounters, as Fleshes can overwhelm you in groups.
3. Fight Some Thugs
   • Target: A group of hostile bandits.
   • Reward: 600 Coupons.
   • Tip: Equip your best weapon and grenades. Bandits often carry valuable loot, so search their bodies after the fight.
4. Find the Missing Stalker
   • Target: A lost Stalker whose PDA you must recover.
   • Reward: 800 Coupons.
   • Tip: Follow the map marker, but be prepared for combat as the PDA is often guarded by enemies.

Choosing the Best Quest Option

When deciding which job to take, consider your current resources, skill level, and patience.

The Artifact Hunt

If Warlock offers you the chance to find an artifact, this is technically the most rewarding option. Artifacts are rare items that can be found in anomalous zones. The Whirlwind Artifact, in particular, has a high monetary value, but obtaining it involves RNG (random number generation), making the process more time-consuming.

Where to Find the Whirlwind Artifact

1. Anomalous Zones:
   • The Whirlwind Artifact spawns in zones with gravitational anomalies. These areas are dangerous but rich in rare items.
   • Recommended Locations Near Zalissya:
     • Deaf Meadows (East)
     • Ribs (South)
2. How to Farm the Artifact:
   • Artifacts in these zones respawn after a set period. To speed things up, you can use the save-and-load method. Save your game before entering the zone, and if the artifact doesn’t appear, reload your save and try again.
   • Ensure your save point is far enough from the anomalous zone to avoid glitches.

Why Choose the Artifact Quest?

While this option involves some luck, the payout is significantly higher than other jobs. Plus, artifacts can be used for crafting or sold for even greater rewards, making this quest the most lucrative in the long run.

Tips for Combat Missions

If you prefer more straightforward tasks, combat missions like killing dogs, fleshes, or bandits are your best bet. These tasks are easier to complete but require careful planning:

1. Grenades Are Your Best Friend
   • Always carry grenades to deal AoE damage, especially when enemies are clustered together.
2. Keep Your Weapons in Top Condition
   • Ensure your guns are repaired and loaded. A malfunctioning weapon can quickly turn a fight in the enemy’s favor.
3. Don’t Underestimate the Numbers
   • Both mutant creatures and bandits tend to attack in large groups. Use the environment to your advantage hide behind cover and lure enemies into chokepoints to control the flow of the fight.
4. Loot Everything
   • After defeating bandits or mutant creatures, search their bodies for valuable items. These can be sold for additional coupons or used to improve your gear.

Completing “An Errand for Warlock”

After finishing your chosen task, return to Warlock in Zalissya to claim your reward. Remember, Warlock won’t immediately offer a new job you’ll need to pass some time in the game before returning to him for another task.

If you’re playing for maximum efficiency, combine this downtime with other side quests in the area to make the most of your exploration.

FAQ Section

Q: Which quest from Warlock offers the highest reward?
A: The “Find the Missing Stalker” quest offers the most immediate coupons (800). However, the artifact hunt can yield even greater rewards if you’re lucky enough to find the Whirlwind Artifact.

Q: Can I complete all of Warlock’s jobs in one session?
A: No, Warlock only offers one job at a time. After completing a job, you’ll need to wait before he gives you another task.

Q: How can I improve my chances of finding the Whirlwind Artifact?
A: Use the save-and-load method near anomalous zones with gravitational anomalies. Locations like Deaf Meadows and Ribs have a higher chance of spawning the artifact.

Q: Are there other ways to earn coupons in Stalker 2?
A: Yes, side quests from other NPCs and looting rare items in the Lesser Zone are great ways to earn additional coupons.

Q: What’s the best strategy for fighting large groups of enemies?
A: Start with a grenade to weaken groups, then use a high-damage weapon to finish them off. Always keep your distance and use the environment to avoid getting overwhelmed.