S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Guide | How to Reduce Radiation Damage Using Artifacts

Here’s how you can reduce the Effects of Irradiation in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl using Artifacts.

Game Guide by Joyramen on Nov 27, 2024

In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, many artifacts provide significant buffs but come with the drawback of emitting radiation, which can be deadly if not managed properly. This guide outlines how to mitigate radiation damage while benefiting from powerful artifacts.

Radiation Damage from Artifacts

Radiation Effect:

Most artifacts emit radiation, gradually filling your radiation meter (bottom-left corner of the HUD).
Once the meter is full, you’ll take continuous damage, which can be fatal if untreated.

Ways to Manage Radiation Damage

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PC, Gameplay, How to Reduce Radiation Damage Using Artifacts, Screenshot, NoobFeed

1. Upgrade Armor with a Lead Container

Certain armor upgrades, like the Lead Container, let you equip radiation-emitting artifacts without suffering radiation damage.

These upgrades are available later in the game and are essential for builds that rely heavily on artifacts.

2. Use Radiation-Reducing Artifacts

Some artifacts counteract radiation damage caused by others.These can typically be found in acid anomaly zones, such as:

The Poisonous Hole (north of the Garbage Zone).

Finding Radiation-Reducing Artifacts

Travel to an Acid Anomaly Field:

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PC, Gameplay, How to Reduce Radiation Damage Using Artifacts, Screenshot, NoobFeed

Example: The Poisonous Hole in the Garbage Zone features toxic bubble anomalies.

1. Use Your Detector:

Search for artifacts within the field using your detector.

2. Equip the Artifact:

Artifacts found in such zones often have radiation-reducing effects. Equip a radiation-reducing artifact alongside another artifact that provides powerful buffs, such as increased physical protection or endurance.

This combination negates the radiation damage while retaining the benefits of both artifacts.

Example Build:

Slot 1: Artifact offering physical protection or endurance but emits radiation.

Slot 2: Radiation-reducing artifact found in the Poisonous Hole.

This setup allows you to enjoy the buffs without suffering radiation penalties.

To harness the full potential of artifacts in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, use radiation-reducing artifacts or upgrade your armor with a Lead Container. These methods ensure you can safely utilize the game’s most potent artifacts without succumbing to radiation damage.

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