Stalker 2: How to Manage Artifact Radiation

Artifacts can be both a blessing and a curse in Stalker 2, depending on how well you manage them. These mysterious items are scattered throughout the Zone and offer major advantages such as increased capacity, regenerating health, and resistance to bleeding. However, these benefits come at a price: exposing you to radiation.

Certain artifacts emit radiation that can be deadly with prolonged exposure. Therefore, managing this radiation is crucial for survival in the Zone. This guide will teach you the most effective strategies for protecting yourself from artifact radiation.

What Is Artifact Radiation?

click to enlarge

Artifact radiation refers to the toxic radiation emitted by some artifacts in Stalker 2. Although artifacts provide advantages, they possess Radiation attributes that show the amount of radiation they emit. For instance, if you take an artifact with Medium Radiation, you will start receiving moderate radiation that builds up and eventually decreases your health.

If the radiation level rises, your health bar will deplete, which is terrible news in Stalker 2. While some artifacts offer Radiation Protection, others require additional countermeasures to prevent exposure.

How to Manage Artifact Radiation

Here’s how you can protect yourself from the harmful effects of artifact radiation in Stalker 2.

Equip Radiation-Reducing Artifacts

One of the best ways to protect yourself from artifact radiation is by equipping yourself with radioprotection artifacts. These artifacts can neutralize the radioactive threat of other artifacts. Their protective effects help you negate the effect of comparable or low-radiation-level artifacts.

For example, the Slug artifact offers weak radiation protection, so you can use it to counter low-radiation artifacts. To find these artifacts, equip yourself with an Artifact Detector and explore acid anomalies. Make sure to wear radioactive gear to reduce radiation exposure.

Wear Gear for Enhanced Radiation Protection

Apart from these protection artifacts, you can wear different gear and attachments to reduce radiation exposure. Various suits and helmets often provide you with radiation protection. Luckily, you can upgrade these items to increase their capabilities.

The more you improve your gear, the more radiation protection they will offer. You can also combine radioprotective artifacts with your equipment to further increase protection. Always check your gear stats in the inventory to ensure sufficient protection against artifact radiation.

Use Consumables and Manage Artifacts Wisely

In the initial stages, you might lack gear or artifacts that offer sufficient radiation protection. In such cases, Vodka can provide temporary relief. Anti-radiation drugs are also effective but rarer. It’s best to save these items for critical situations and use them carefully.

Lastly, if an artifact emits too much radiation and you can't reduce its effects, it is wise to unequip it to prevent further harm. You can stash these dangerous artifacts for future use or sell them to earn some resources.