Stalker 2 Heart of Chornobyl: How to Get the 10 Best Powerful Items in Very Early Locations

Artifacts, blueprints, and unique weapons: the Zone rewards the bold, and when the Zone pushes back, these early items let you push harder.

The Zone is unforgiving, but it’s also full of potential—if you know how to find it. In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, early-game weapons, artifacts, and blueprints can make the difference between a smooth journey and constant struggle. Drawing from player data and first-hand discoveries, this guide highlights exactly where and how to find the 10 most powerful items in the game’s opening areas. These aren’t just helpful tips—they’re proven strategies that will transform how you experience the Exclusion Zone.

Top 10 Stalker 2 Early Items and How to Get Them

1. Debut Suit & 100% Durability Boomstick Shotgun

Why It’s Important: The Debut Suit offers strong early-game protection, while the Boomstick is a reliable shotgun for close encounters.

• How to Get Them:
  • Location: Old Mill
  • Both items are located in the early camp near your starting zone.
  • Explore the tents thoroughly—check lockers and containers for these items.
  • Ensure you don’t miss the shotgun, as 100% durability weapons in the early game are rare.

2. Optician Gas Mask

Why It’s Important: Protects against radiation and toxic environments.

• How to Get It:
  • Location: Cowsheds
  • Found in an abandoned stash near the first anomaly field you encounter.
  • Look for a crate hidden under debris.

3. Weird Ball Legendary Artifact

Why It’s Important: This artifact boosts stamina and reduces radiation, making it a must-have for exploration.

• How to Get It:
  • Location: Bulba (Anomalous Area)
  • Found in an anomaly field near your starting location.
  • Use a detector to pinpoint its location. Be cautious of anomalies when retrieving it.

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4. 100% Durability Viper-5 Submachine Gun & Pistol Suppressor

Why They’re Important: The Viper-5 is excellent for medium-range combat, and the suppressor enables stealthy takedowns.

• How to Get Them:
  • The Viper-5 is inside a small locked building in the early area. Search carefully or use lockpicks if necessary.
  • The suppressor is located in a stash on the second floor of a nearby building.

5. 100% Durability AKM-74U Assault Rifle

Why It’s Important: A powerful assault rifle that can handle tougher enemies.

• How to Get It:
  • Located in a guarded area (Dire Thicket) near the early mission zone.
  • You may need to defeat a few enemies to retrieve it, so be prepared for combat.

6. Unknown Stalker’s AR416 Assault Rifle (Missable Unique Weapon)

Why It’s Important: A unique weapon that outperforms most early-game firearms.

• How to Get It:
  1. Location: Zalissya Bar
  2. Speak to Mityay and accept the Poppy Field side mission.
  3. Find Pomor and sell him the Orthodox Icon.
  4. Completing these steps unlocks the AR416 as a reward.

7. Rubber Layer Unique Upgrade Blueprint

Why It’s Important: This blueprint allows you to upgrade armor for better protection.

• How to Get It:
  1. Location: Zalissya Bar
  2. Speak to Lens and accept the Lost Boys side mission.
  3. Help The Ninth during the mission.
  4. Speak to The Ninth to receive the blueprint.

8. Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S Sniper Rifle (Unique Weapon)

Why It’s Important: This sniper rifle is ideal for long-range encounters and dealing with armored enemies.

• How to Get It:
  1. Location: Behind Seven Seals
  2. Speak to Warlock and accept the Warlock’s Debtor side mission.
  3. Locate the bandit leader and negotiate.
  4. Interact with Valik Lummox and obtain the loot from the water tower.

Bonus Tips from the Community

• “On Poppy Field, there’s an anomaly called the Flower. This artifact is good for all stalkers.”
  • This artifact is worth seeking out for its utility in all builds. Use your detector to find it in the anomaly field.
• “You can find the LR300 on a scientist’s body at the start of the game.”
  • Before the cutscene, drop the LR300 and its ammo. Pick them up afterward for an early boost in firepower.
• “For endgame items, there’s an exosuit at the top of the map near the power plant.”
  • While not available early, keep this location in mind for powerful late-game gear.

FAQ: Your Stalker 2 Questions Answered

1. Is Night Vision Available in Stalker 2?

Yes, but it’s tied to advanced suits or upgrades. Look for mission rewards or upgrade blueprints to unlock it.

2. What Happens if I Kill Pomor Instead of Selling Him the Icon?

You’ll miss out on the AR416 reward, but you can keep the Orthodox Icon for yourself or return it to the old man for a different outcome.

3. Can I Miss the Rubber Layer Blueprint?

Yes, it’s tied to the Lost Boys mission. Ensure you help The Ninth to receive the blueprint as a reward.

4. Where Can I Find Early Ammo for Advanced Weapons?

Search bodies of military NPCs or explore stashes near early mission areas. The scientist body near the start is a good source.

5. Are Artifacts Worth Collecting Early in the Game?

Absolutely! Artifacts like the Weird Ball provide valuable stamina and radiation benefits, which are critical for exploration.

6. Can I Get More Unique Weapons Early?

Yes, explore thoroughly, and don’t shy away from side missions. Many unique weapons, like the AR416, are tied to optional quests.

7. What’s the Best Strategy for Anomalies?

Always use your detector to locate artifacts and avoid walking blindly into anomalies. Carry extra meds in case of radiation exposure.

8. Are There Other Early Blueprints?

Yes, some blueprints are hidden in stashes or tied to side quests. Check areas marked with “?” on your map and talk to NPCs for side missions.

Arm Yourself for the Exclusion Zone

With the 10 powerful items listed above, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of Stalker 2’s early game. From reliable weapons to game-changing artifacts and blueprints, each piece of gear will give you a critical advantage. Don’t forget to explore, interact with NPCs, and take on side missions for even more rewards.

The Exclusion Zone is unpredictable, but with this guide, you’ll be ready for anything it throws your way.

Now it’s your turn—what’s your favorite early-game item in Stalker 2? Share your tips and discoveries in the comments below!