It’s been over a week since STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl was released on Xbox and PC, and players are having fun exploring the irradiated wasteland. From mutated creatures to hazardous anomaly fields, it’s a wild ride packed with jank and atmosphere.
One of the best things about STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is its wide selection of Artifacts to collect. These are obtainable perks that can add stat boosts for your character, Skif. Some Artifacts generate radiation at the cost of Defense, while others increase Stamina. Most don’t impact the game in the long run, but equipping them can make the journey less difficult.
Of all the early game Artifacts to find, there is one that dampens the amount of damage from enemy bullets. It’s the Weird Ball.
In this guide, here’s how to find and collect the Weird Ball artifact.
Head East from Zalissya
Finding the Weird Ball Artifact is easy. Simply put a pin East of Zalissya, near an area surrounded by water. The path here is teeming with anomalies, so equip your trusty bolts with you. Don’t bum rush your way to the area; take it slow. Otherwise, you’ll get vaporized by invisible radioactive forces.
Make sure to save often in this encounter so you can pick up right before you go near the belly of the beast.
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+ 5Understanding The Anomaly
You know you’re in the right place when you see a big floating water orb on a large puddle. The Weird Ball Artifact is found just under that piece of beauty. But be careful; you’re still playing a Stalker game. It’s not going to be easy.
click to enlarge + 5The Anomaly's special property is magnetic. Meaning it can pull away any matter that steps inside its zone. Once you step into the puddle, it will slowly pull you into its center, sapping your health until you die.
Keep Cover
Notice those cars surrounding the Anomaly? Use them as cover whenever it starts to suck the area. Wait for its magnetic energy to discharge, then immediately sprint into the nearest cover so you can hide and protect yourself from imminent death.
click to enlarge + 5Don’t worry. Once you’re under cover, you won’t take any damage. Use it to recuperate and heal yourself if you’re injured.
Weird Ball Location
The Weird Ball Artifact can only be found under the Big Blue Anomaly. Make sure you head straight into its center once you get the Anomaly's timing right. Use the nearby orange car as cover and wait for the Anomaly to discharge its energy. Once it releases its shockwaves, get closer to the artifact and pick it up. Do this fast; otherwise, you will get sucked into its center and die.
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click to enlarge + 5Now that you have your Artifact, simply equip it on your Inventory Menu. Now you’re a lot more impervious to enemy bullets. It is pretty useful for encounters against multiple STALKER enemies.