Artifacts in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl form in anomalous fields and grant effects when equipped in armor slots. Some improve survival or performance; others bring harmful effects, often radiation. Because artifacts have been rebalanced and the current full roster could not be verified, treat any item list as version-specific rather than a definitive list of everything in the game.
What artifacts do
Artifacts are found in anomalous fields and must be placed in armor slots to provide their effects. The official GSC artifact guide names possible benefits such as radiation protection, stamina, and healing, as well as harmful effects such as increased vulnerability. A useful effect can come with a drawback, so assess the whole effect profile rather than judging an artifact by its benefit alone.
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Most artifacts are radioactive, according to GSC. Some can offset radiation from other artifacts, making the combination of equipped items important. Consider the artifact’s benefit, its side effects, and the radiation burden or mitigation it adds to the loadout.
How to find artifacts
Artifacts are generally invisible until you approach them with a detector. GSC’s detector guidance says any detector makes an artifact visible at close range. Activate a detector from the radial menu or press 7 on the keyboard; it can be used while carrying a bolt, knife, or pistol.
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Echo detector
The basic Echo communicates an artifact’s direction and distance through the frequency of its blinking light. It provides clues to guide your search, rather than showing the artifact’s exact position.
Veles detector
Veles displays the artifact’s exact position, making it the more precise locating option described by GSC.
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Equip an artifact or sell it?
Artifacts can be sold to traders. Their sale price depends on the artifact’s rarity and the trader’s attitude toward the player, according to GSC’s artifact guide. Compare that value with what the artifact contributes in an armor slot: a situational benefit may be less useful than its sale proceeds, while a valuable effect or radiation mitigation may justify keeping it. The right choice depends on the artifact’s particular effects and your current equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why artifact lists need a version label
Artifact effects have changed through updates. GSC’s Patch 1.5 notes, dated June 25, 2025, record these changes:
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- Horn: chemical and radiation protection were decreased.
- Rosin: its weak weight effect was replaced with weak endurance.
- Shell: its weak radiation effect was replaced with weak endurance.
- Durability: a new effect was added to increase the durability of equipped gear.
These notes establish changes made in Patch 1.5; they do not establish that those are the latest values in October 2026. An official Update 2.0 / Cost of Hope page surfaced, but its contents were not available for verification here. Consequently, this guide explains the documented mechanics and changes but does not claim to enumerate every artifact currently available, including any later additions.
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