Anomalies in STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl are more than just obstacles; they’re death traps scattered across the Zone. But there’s a trick—bolts. Tossing these small, simple objects can save your life when navigating through these supernatural hazards.
Imagine you’re walking in the Zone, surrounded by eerie noises and distorted air. Suddenly, the ground looks off—a subtle shimmer or an invisible forcefield. That’s your cue to stop. Hold Tab to open your inventory wheel. Spot the bolt icon at the bottom. Select it, then press and hold your left mouse button. With a quick release, you’ll toss the bolt ahead.
The moment the bolt interacts with an anomaly, the area reacts—sometimes with a flash or vibration. This short disruption clears a path. Here’s your window. Sprint through while the anomaly resets, usually within a couple of seconds.
The beauty of this mechanic? Bolts are infinite. Unlike bullets or health kits, you won’t run out of them. Make it a habit to throw one any time the environment feels off. This isn’t just for safety—it’s for strategy. Some anomalies are invisible until triggered by a bolt, while others might explode on contact, like the infamous “bubble” anomaly.
But don’t rush in blindly. Not every anomaly reacts the same way. For example:
- Fire anomalies release streams of flame and won’t deactivate with bolts.
- Acid pools are immune to bolts; instead, avoid stepping on the green sludge.
- Electric fields will zap you instantly but can be revealed and avoided with a thrown bolt.
By mastering bolt mechanics, you’ll stay ahead of danger and maintain your health for tougher challenges ahead. Remember, every anomaly is a puzzle waiting to be solved.