In Stalker 2, artifacts are special items you can find, mostly in anomalous fields. Some help you, while others can be a bit of a headache. For instance, take the “weird ball.” It’s cool because it reduces bullet damage when you stand still. But not all artifacts are so friendly.
Let’s talk about the “Stone Heart.” This one gives you extra carrying capacity but adds some radiation damage. And then there’s the “Crown.” It offers weak physical protection but comes with medium radiation. You have to weigh your options carefully.
How to Equip Artifacts
When you equip artifacts, they attach to your gear. For example, if I check my O.K. Explorer suit, it shows I can carry two artifacts. If I switch from the weird ball to the crown, I see that radiation symbol start pulsing. That means my radiation levels are rising. It’s like a warning light on your dashboard—time to pay attention!
How to Manage Radiation Levels
Now, if I switch back to the weird ball, that pulsing stops. My radiation levels drop back down over time. Think of it as a balloon deflating—slowly but surely, it returns to normal.
If I decide to wear both the crown and the Stone Heart at the same time? My radiation meter fills up quickly! It’s like trying to juggle too many balls at once; something’s bound to drop.
Ways to Combat Radiation
There are two main ways to manage radiation from artifacts:
- Use Radiation-Reducing Artifacts: Some artifacts can help lessen radiation effects.
- Upgrade Your Armor: Certain armor pieces can be enhanced with lead containers that block radiation leaks from artifacts. If my armor has a lead container slot, I can wear both the crown and weird ball without worrying about radiation poisoning.
As you explore Stalker 2’s world, you’ll find plenty of artifacts with various effects. Understanding how they work and managing their radiation is key to surviving your adventures in the Zone.