If you’re diving into the dangerous world of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, having the right armor, weapons, and artifacts early on can make a huge difference. Whether you’re gearing up with lightweight stalker armor, finding silenced pistols, or uncovering powerful artifacts, this guide has the Best Beginner or Early Weapons and Armor in Stalker 2 to help you out. Let’s explore the best locations, strategies, and gear to optimize your survival in the Zone.
Here in this guide, we will be sharing with you the location, and how to get the following weapons, armor, and artifacts.
- Silenced UDP Skiff Pistol Location
- UKM 74 and UKM 74 Extended Magazine Location
- Shotgun Location
- Stock Stash Location
- Bucket S2 Silenced Submachine Gun Location
- Silencer/Pistol Suppressor Location
- Armored Bandit Jacket Location
- Wind of Freedom Suit Location
- PA 10 Gas Mask Location
- SSP 99 Ecologist Armor Location
- PSZ 7 Military Body Armor Location
- Thunderberry Artifact Location
- Flash and Eye Artifact Location
- Legendary Dead Sponge Hyper Cube Location
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Best Beginner/Early Weapons and Attachments in Stalker 2 – Location, and How to Get
1. Silenced UDP Compact Skiff Pistol
One of the first weapons you should grab is the silenced UDP Compact Pistol, also called Skiff’s Pistol, considered by many as the Best Early Weapon/Pistol in Stalker 2.
Here’s how to get it:
- Location: North of the bridge in the Garbage Zone.
- How to Obtain:
- Head to the house on the right-hand side of the bridge.
- Save a Stalker by using a medkit on him.
- Collect the stash marked on your map.
- Smash through the planks hiding the stash to find the UDP Compact with a silencer.
With its stealth capabilities, this pistol is perfect for silently taking out enemies in early-game encounters.
2. AKM 74 Extended Magazines and AKM-74U Location
An extended magazine for your weapons can give you an edge in combat.
- Location: West of Hlynka, in the Garbage Zone.
- How to Get It:
- Find the key hidden inside a TV in the nearby house.
- Use the key to unlock the building with the stash.
- Inside, you’ll find an AKM-74U, an extended magazine, and ammo.
3. Shotgun and Stock Stash Location
In the same location, go back to the house pointed out in the image above, and you can find a shotgun there as well alongside a Stock Stash
4. Bucket S2 Silenced Submachine Gun Location
For close-quarters combat, the Bucket S2 SMG is a game-changer.
- Location: Vehicle graveyard in the Chemical Zone.
- How to Obtain:
- On the cliff, you will find a metal and alongside it, there is a cave.
- Navigate through a gas-filled cave.
- Crouch to avoid the gas and follow the path to the Bucket S2 stash, which is towards the right, and then north-east.
- Collect the fully repaired SMG, ammunition, and grenades.
5. Silencer/Pistol Suppressor Location
To the southeast of the Garbage area, you will find an abandoned building.
Watchtower to the left, you can enter this building, proceed to the hole in the wall to the right, and carry on running to the other side.
At the dead end, where you can’t take right, you can take left, and take the stairs down.
This is the basement of the building, and behind the door, you will find the Silencer in Stalker 2 tucked inside the stash.
You can use this silencer with Skiffs Pistol.
Best Beginner/Early Armor and Suit in Stalker 2 – Location, and How to Get
1. Armored Bandit Jacket Location
This armor provides decent resistance early on.
- Location: Depot in the southwest Garbage Zone.
- How to Obtain:
- Start from the pointed region in the image above.
- Follow the train tracks to the depot.
- It is on the right side of the train.
- Locate the supply room to find the Armored Bandit Jacket.
2. Wind of Freedom Suit Location
A lightweight armor with artifact slots for radiation protection.
- Location: West of the Garbage Zone near the flea market.
- How to Obtain:
- Climb a pipe on a cliff near the checkpoint.
- Jump onto the pipe to reach the Wind of Freedom Suit.
- This suit is on one of the ends of the pipe you just jumped on.
3. PA 10 Gas Mask Location
Middle of the garbage zone just like in the image above. You will find the gas mask next to the plant.
There is a broken down fence and a big construction zone. Climb the stairs to get to the top of the constructed building.
Work your way to the east corner and you will find the dead body of Sergo Knuckles.
Next to him is a slab, and below it, you will find the PA 10 Gas Mask.
4. SSP-99 Ecologist Armor Location- Best Radiation Suit in Stalker 2
Offers maximum radiation resistance and artifact slots. You can only get one of the Best Armor in Stalker 2 – SP 99 Ecologist Armor if you sided with the stalkers at the start of the questline in the Lesser Zone.
- Location: Detention center in the southeast Garbage Zone.
- How to Obtain:
- Talk to Star
- Get mission “Answer Come at a Price”, and “The Road to Salvation”.
- With the mission Answer Come at a Price, you will be able to go to the factory location.
- Go to the first floor of the location to find the hostage and get the code.
- Use the code 2605 to unlock the basement door.
- Go through the area that has a radiation sign.
- Behind the fire, you will find a red envelope, and in the locked door, you can find the body to get the code.
- Run back the stairs up, and input the code 2603 in the caged door.
- At the end of the area and the cutscene, you will come across an area filled with green gas.
- Navigate, and on the right side near the lockers, you will find your SP99 Ecologist Armor, which is considered the best Radioactive Protective Armor.
5. PSZ 7 Military Body Armor Location
During the Answer Come at a Price mission you did for Star, you picked up the Product 89 Specification.
You can now go back and complete the side mission “The Road to Salvation”.
After the completion of this side mission, and then talking to Star afterward, you will get the PSZ 7 Military Body Armor.
Stalker 2 Beginner/Early Rare Artifacts and Their Locations
Thunderberry Artifact Location
Boosts endurance but emits high radiation.
- Location: Train tunnel west of the depot.
- How to Obtain:
- Use bolts to disarm anomalies in Stalker 2.
- Search the end of the tunnel to find the artifact.
- Use the tracker to find it in the center of the track.
Flash and Eye Artifacts Location
Provide protection against specific environmental effects.
- Location: Southeast of the Garbage Zone.
- How to Obtain:
- Search near the abandoned warehouse.
- Use a bolt to detect anomalies and locate the artifact.
- You will find artifacts near the dead body below the building.
Detention Center Legendary Artifact Dead Sponge Hyper Cube and Basement Key Location
Now, there is also a chance of getting the Legendary Artifact in the Detention Center. For that, you will also need the basement key. This is also the south-east of the garbage zone.
In the image above, use this door to enter the area. In the small room to your left, you will find a desk that has a Heavy Key. It is on the desk.
Go to the basement, and unlock the Detention Center Basement Door.
There are a ton of thermal anomalies here, so you need to be careful.
Here in the area, you will be able to find one of the Legendary Artifacts named Hyper Cube, or Dead Sponge.
Key Beginner Strategies in Stalker 2
1. Use Detectors and Bolts Effectively
- Detectors help locate artifacts, while bolts temporarily disable anomalies, allowing safe passage.
2. Save Valuable Items
- Don’t sell artifacts early unless necessary. They can be used to create stronger builds or traded later for better rewards.
3. Upgrade Your Gear
- Visit technicians to add more artifact slots or upgrade armor for better resistance.
Conclusion
Starting your Stalker 2 Story can be daunting, but with the right weapons, armor, and artifacts, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenges ahead. From silenced pistols to radiation-proof armor, this guide has provided everything you need to gain an edge early in the game.
Now it’s time to venture out, explore hidden stashes, and build your perfect loadout. The Zone is dangerous, but with these tips, you’ll dominate it.
