S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Guide | How to Go to Prypiat Early

Here’s how you can go to Prypiat early to grab the best gear in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

Game Guide by Joyramen on Dec 01, 2024

In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, one of the late-game areas is Prypiat, which houses the best gear, weapons, and items in the game. Interestingly, you can access Prypiat much earlier than intended if you know how to do so. Here’s a guide to getting there early.

Early Access to Prypiat

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PC, Gameplay, How to Go to Prypiat Early, Screenshot, NoobFeed

You begin in the Lesser Zone, and as soon as you progress to Garbage, the second area in the story, most of the map becomes open for exploration. To reach Prypiat early, head northwest to Yaniv.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PC, Gameplay, How to Go to Prypiat Early, Screenshot, NoobFeed

At the Yaniv train station, the main base in the area, you’ll encounter a door where a character informs you that you cannot enter Prypiat without an invitation. However, this restriction can be bypassed.

Bypassing the Restriction

Exit the station, open your map, and look for a gap near a train carriage. Mark this location and travel to it. Be sure to carry anti-radiation drugs, as the radiation in this area is intense. Upon reaching your marker, you’ll find a broken-down vehicle and an open train carriage.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PC, Gameplay, How to Go to Prypiat Early, Screenshot, NoobFeed

This spot allows you to cross into Prypiat. The location is clearly marked on your map. Once inside, stick to the road and head toward the city center. Your ultimate destination is the Palace of Culture, the primary base in the area. Place a marker on the building and begin your journey.

Detailed Path

From Garbage, travel northwest to the Yaniv train station.
Head to the marked train carriage and use the broken train and vehicle to cross into Prypiat.
Bring anti-radiation drugs and equip them in a quick-access slot. High radiation levels in this area can kill you instantly, so monitor the radiation meter in the bottom left and act swiftly.
Once across the border, stay to the left of the train carriages and follow the path. You may encounter enemies; if possible, avoid engaging them and sprint through. Use energy drinks to maintain stamina and anti-radiation drugs to keep your radiation level at zero.

The distance to the Palace of Culture is approximately 1,000 meters, making it a long journey. Once you arrive, be well-prepared with anti-radiation drugs, energy drinks, med kits, and enough coupons for any costs.

Arriving at the Palace of Culture

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PC, Gameplay, How to Go to Prypiat Early, Screenshot, NoobFeed

The Palace of Culture is the central hub in Prypiat. It offers critical amenities such as a bed, technicians, and a guide for fast travel in and out of the area.

When navigating Prypiat, stick to the marked paths to avoid unnecessary detours or dead ends caused by walls and other obstacles. The Palace of Culture is your key location for accessing some of the best gear in the game.

Summary

To access Prypiat early in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl:
Begin in the Lesser Zone, progress to Garbage, and head to Yaniv.
Cross the train tracks using the marked location.
Follow the path to the Palace of Culture, ensuring you’re stocked with anti-radiation drugs, energy drinks, and medkits.

That’s how you can reach Prypiat early in the game. Be prepared for a challenging journey, but the rewards are well worth it.

Also, check our S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Review and other guides below: