Detectors in Stalker 2 is a specialized device used to locate artifacts and identify anomalies within the Zone.
These devices use sound and light to show the location of hidden artifacts. This article explains where all the detectors in Stalker 2 are located.
Where To Get All Detectors
These tools allow for the location of artifacts within anomaly zones, which can be valuable for their unique qualities or as a source of profit.
click to enlarge
+ 2The game has four detectors, and each is an upgrade over the last.
Here’s where you can find each detector, its unique features, and tips for using them effectively.
Echo Detector
The Echo Detector is the first tool you receive for artifact hunting and the most basic device available.
A blinking light shows when you're near an artifact, and it blinks faster the closer you get.
Despite this, it’s not precise enough to easily locate artifacts in anomaly-rich areas.
You receive the Echo Detector automatically during the early part of the There and Back Again main quest.
While it’s less effective due to outdated components, it gets the job done for early exploration until you obtain an upgrade.
However, the low price point makes it a good entry-level choice for new players.
Hilka Detector
Next is the Hilka Detector, which has a distance meter to show how far you are from an artifact.
It has an extended range and better feedback, so locating artifacts within 100 meters is way easier.
There’s more than one way to get your hands on the Hilka Detector.
One way to find it is during the Budmo! side mission, in a stash near a power transmission pylon in the Slag Heap area.
However, taking it from the stash could cause the mission to fail, so weigh the trade-off carefully.
You can also obtain the Hilka Detector by completing the Mysterious Briefcase quest in Sultansk.
The item is on a cargo ship near Lviv Dock, beside the briefcase.
If you want to skip these missions, you can usually buy the Hilka Detector for around 3,600 coupons from traders at Rostok’s 100 Rads Bar and Yaniv Camp.
Bear Detector
As you make headway, the Bear Detector becomes available and works way better than the Hilka.
Its radar tracks nearby artifacts, showing their location and distance.
This makes things easier by eliminating much of the guesswork typically needed with the Hilka.
You can acquire the Bear Detector by completing the A Sign of Hope side mission at the Shelter on Wild Island.
This mission has its share of difficult anomalies and dangerous threats, but the payoff makes it worthwhile.
Once the side mission is completed, the Bear Detector will be available for purchase from most traders.
Veles Detector
The Veles Detector is by far the best in the game, offering incredible accuracy and efficiency.
It pinpoints the exact location of artifacts with a red dot and maps nearby anomalies.
You unlock this detector during the main mission, In Search of Past Glory, where it’s rewarded after handing over the suppressor blueprint to Dvupalov.
Once you get it from the quest, you can buy it from traders, but don’t expect it to be cheap.
How To Use the Detectors
You can't go without bolts on any detector.
click to enlarge + 2Make sure to have bolts on you when using a detector to trigger and reset anomalies safely.
Unlike traditional weapons, bolts don’t deal damage but are efficient at breaking through anomaly fields.
Keep some bolts with your detector and toss them in sketchy spots to find hidden dangers.
This is especially important when artifacts are buried deep in zones with intense anomalies.
To get the most out of your efforts, take it slow and pay attention to what your detector tells you.
Taking shortcuts can cause unnecessary damage from anomalies or cause artifacts to be missed.
Never enter anomaly zones without having enough medkits and protective gear on hand.
Upgrading to higher-end detectors will considerably reduce the time and risk involved in artifact recovery.
Skip intermediate upgrades unless absolutely necessary, and prioritize the Bear and Veles for the best results.
This removes the pressure so you can focus on exploring and collecting rewards.
Which side mission did you enjoy the most while unlocking the detectors?