STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl – How to Get the Veles Detector

Key Takeaways

1. Precision Artifact Detection: The Veles Detector offers pinpoint accuracy, helping stalkers locate artifacts and navigate anomaly fields with ease.
2. Multiple Ways to Acquire: From main story missions to faction rewards and exploration, there are various paths to obtain this indispensable tool.
3. A Must-Have for Artifact Hunters: With its ability to display multiple artifact locations simultaneously, the Veles Detector is essential for successful exploration in the Zone.

What’s up, fellow stalkers? The Zone is unforgiving, chaotic, and downright deadly. Survival here isn’t just about grit and guts it’s about having the right gear. Among the arsenal of tools available to stalkers in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the Veles Detector stands out as one of the most vital gadgets.

This high-tech second-generation artifact detector is a game-changer. With its precision and ease of use, it’s every stalker’s dream companion when braving the anomaly-ridden fields of the Zone. Whether you’re a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about acquiring, using, and mastering the Veles Detector.

How to Get the Veles Detector

The Veles Detector isn’t handed to you on a silver platter you’ll need to earn it. Thankfully, the game offers multiple ways to snag one.

1. Main Storyline: “In Search of Past Glory” Mission

The most direct and reliable method is by completing the 21st main mission, titled “In Search of Past Glory”. Once you’ve wrapped up this quest, you’ll be rewarded with the Veles Detector a significant upgrade for your artifact-hunting adventures.

2. Faction Rewards

Certain factions in the game also reward the Veles Detector for completing specific tasks.

• Join the Loners: Ally with the Loners and eliminate the Bandits’ main base. This will often result in a free Veles Detector as a reward.
• Friendly Reputation: Build rapport with various factions to unlock traders who may sell the detector at a reduced price or even gift it.

3. Exploration Opportunities

For those who love to explore every nook and cranny of the Zone, the Veles Detector can be found in the following locations:

• Northwest of the Great Swamps: Search a small dugout near the railway bridge.
• Looting NPCs: Occasionally, the detector can be looted from fallen Loners or Zombified Stalkers, particularly those wearing Exoskeletons. (Keep in mind, this is rare during the early game.)

4. Traders and Professors

If exploration isn’t your thing, you can purchase the Veles Detector from certain in-game merchants:

• Professor Sakharov: A reliable source who always has the detector in stock.
• Faction Traders: Most faction traders offer the Veles Detector once you’ve established a friendly reputation.

Why the Veles Detector Is a Game-Changer

Overview

• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Value: 10,000 coupons

The Veles Detector is a compact, lightweight tool with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth every coupon. Designed with advanced artifact-hunting technology, it combines precision, reliability, and ease of use to give stalkers the upper hand in anomaly fields.

Key Features

1. Artifact Detection: The Veles Detector displays the exact location of artifacts and anomalies on an LED screen. This visual representation is a huge upgrade over basic detectors that rely solely on sound cues.
2. Simultaneous Detection: Unlike entry-level models, the Veles Detector can detect multiple artifacts at once, making it invaluable for high-yield artifact zones.
3. Anomaly Proximity Warning: While it doesn’t visually display anomalies like the more advanced Svarog Detector, the Veles emits audible beeps as you approach danger zones, keeping you on high alert.

Comparing the Veles Detector to Other Models

Echo and Bear Detectors

• These entry-level detectors are best described as basic and limited.
• They rely heavily on sound cues, leaving you to guess artifact locations a risky gamble in anomaly-rich areas.
• For serious stalkers, the Veles Detector is the obvious next step.

Svarog Detector

• The Svarog is technically more advanced and includes the ability to display anomalies visually on the radar.
• However, its artifact display (tiny green dots) is difficult to interpret, especially during fast-paced hunts.
• Many stalkers still prefer the Veles Detector for its clarity and reliability.

Tips for Using the Veles Detector

So, you’ve got your hands on the Veles Detector. Now what? Here’s how to maximize its potential:

1. Prioritize Rare Artifacts

The Zone is full of anomalies, but only some contain high-value artifacts. Use the Veles Detector to locate and extract rare finds while avoiding unnecessary risks.

2. Scan Strategically

Equip the detector while exploring anomaly-heavy zones. The red dots on the radar represent artifacts, while the audible anomaly warnings help you steer clear of hazards. Stay patient and methodical rushing could cost you your life.

3. Use It Alongside Missions

Some quests require specific detectors, but the Veles Detector can help you unlock advanced gear and rewards. For example, completing the Tempting Business mission with the Veles Detector can grant access to the Svarog Detector.

4. Keep It Even After Upgrades

Even if you acquire the Svarog Detector, many stalkers opt to keep the Veles Detector as a backup due to its clear, easy-to-read interface.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• In-Game Text Error: The Veles Detector’s in-game texture reads “VERES” instead of “VELES.” Whether intentional or a design oversight, it’s a fun little quirk.
• Mythological Roots: The detector is named after Veles, a Slavic god associated with earth, fertility, and the underworld a fitting name for a tool that helps you navigate the perilous depths of the Zone.

FAQ

1. Is the Veles Detector better than the Svarog Detector?
It depends on your playstyle. The Svarog has more advanced features, but the Veles Detector’s straightforward interface and precise artifact display make it a favourite among stalkers.

2. Can I upgrade the Veles Detector?
No, the Veles Detector itself can’t be upgraded. However, completing missions with it can unlock more advanced detectors like the Svarog.

3. Where can I find a free Veles Detector?
You can obtain one by completing the 21st main mission, joining the Loners and defeating the Bandits’ base, or exploring the dugout near the railway bridge in the Great Swamps.

4. Can the Veles Detector detect all types of artifacts?
Yes, the Veles Detector is capable of locating all known artifacts within the Zone. Its accuracy and range make it a versatile and dependable tool.