While Anomalies are a perpetual curse in STALKER 2, they go hand in hand with the blessings that are known as the Artifacts. These weird little trinkets are often found in close proximity to anomalous clusters, and provide bonuses to defense or resistance, usually against the same type of Anomaly they were discovered near. With 75 Artifacts to choose from, and only a maximum of four Artifact slots in Armor to plug them into, it can be difficult to settle on the ideal combination.
This STALKER 2 guide is all about the best Artifacts and where they can usually be found or farmed.
Compass
A legendary artifact found in gravitational anomalies.
Stalkers hold the belief that whoever discovers and holds onto the Compass will gain the ability to safely navigate the Zone’s most treacherous areas.
The Compass may well be one of the best gravity Artifacts in the game, but also the deadliest for the bearer. Valued at 60000 coupons it offers Maximum Physical protection, while dealing Maximum Radiation. The only way to mitigate this is with copious quantities of Vodka or anti-radiation drugs. The highest sale value will only be gained from a proper trader for roughly 1/3rd of its marked value, or ~20000 coupons, which is a fortune in the early game.
A farmable location can be found by navigating east from the Lesser Zone to reach Cordon. Once there, head for the Rookie Village and then bear north to reach the Nuclear Waste Burial location. Be prepared to take damage from the clusters of gravitational Anomalies here. A local stash can offer some healing relief in a pinch if needed.
Hypercube
A legendary artifact found in thermal anomalies.
The full potential of this artifact has yet to be discovered. It emits ultra-long radio waves and has potential applications in space navigation.
This Legendary fire Artifact offers Maximum Thermal protection, Maximum Bleeding resistance, as well as inflicting Maximum Radiation. The same strategy used for the Compass applies here: Vodka and anti-radiation drugs.
The Hypercube can be farmed at several locations, one of which can be found by heading to the Garbage region which is just north of the Lesser Zone. Reach the cluster of thermal Anomalies near its south-eastern edge and whip out your detector to locate it.
Thunderberry
A legendary artifact found in electro anomalies.
When gradually heated to 78 degrees Celsius, it induces vibrant collective hallucinations portraying a utopian theme.
The Thunderberry is a Legendary electro Artifact offering Maximum Endurance. As with all great positives, comes the worst negative: Maximum Radiation.
Thunderberry can be farmed by going to the Cement Factory region, east of Garbage. Reach the Reloading Point where you should find a cluster of electro Anomalies to clear out with bolts on the north-western edge of this location.
Magic Cube
A rare artifact found in gravitational anomalies.
When exposed to the infrared spectrum, it becomes transparent.
A Legendary gravity Artifact, the Magic Cube trades Strong Physical Protection in exchange for inflicting Maximum Radiation. The Compass is the clear winner here, given that the positive effect gained with it is Maximum Physical Protection for the same level of radiation being received. With the Magic Cube valued at a base of 60000 coupons, it would be best to trade this away as soon as you get the Compass.
The Magic Cube can potentially be farmed in Buryakivka near clusters of gravitational Anomalies.
Weird Ball
One of the legendary “altered items” often mentioned in hushed tones by stalkers around the campfire.
A child’s ball, oddly weighty. Equipping it seems to reduce bullet damage in combat, particularly when standing still.
This Legendary Artifact has a marked value of 14000 coupons and can be found under the protection of the Bulba Anomaly in the Lesser Zone. Bring Medkits and stay crouched behind cover to get past the Bulba. The Weird Ball reduces bullet damage as long as you are standing still; it has no negative effects.
Those are the best Artifacts to equip and where they can be found in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.