In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, radiation damage is a persistent challenge that you will have to deal with. Even if you’ve been given guidance on how to counteract it, you may find that you’re still experiencing radiation poisoning, regardless of where you are or how much you attempt to heal yourself, even in supposedly safe areas. This can feel bewildering and might seem like a glitch, but there is a solution to the problem.
With Stalker 2 experiencing some hiccups at launch, it’s easy to assume that this ongoing radiation issue is just another bug that would be addressed in a future update. Unfortunately, this isn’t true; the game doesn’t directly clarify why this is happening. Understanding how to resolve it can help you conserve your Radiation Protection and make your gameplay experience less frustrating.
What Causes Ongoing Radiation Damage in Stalker 2 & How to Overcome It
Understanding Artifact Radiation Poisoning & Quick Fixes
Surprisingly, artifacts in Stalker 2 are primarily responsible for your radiation damage woes. While artifacts are generally regarded as beneficial, the game’s menu isn’t very clear about whether a given artifact will actually increase or decrease radiation damage. Some artifacts can indeed be hazardous if worn. The tricky part is that many of these artifacts have both positive and negative effects, so it’s crucial to be aware of which ones pose a risk.
The issue lies in how the menu describes these artifacts. For example, if a relic states “Radiation: Medium,” it means you are actually taking a Medium level of radiation damage instead of being protected from it. This fact might seem straightforward, but many players, including myself, struggle to grasp how such a damaging effect comes from something we assume protects us.
The game doesn’t make this clear. While the tutorials mention that artifacts can harm you, it doesn’t provide details on how each one operates. It’s essential to pay close attention to everything you encounter in Stalker 2, including what various NPCs have to say.
If you find yourself suffering from radiation damage, consider stashing the artifact away or selling it until you acquire better protective gear. Some upgrades, like certain armor enhancements in Stalker 2, can mitigate radiation damage, while specific artifacts might actually amplify it. Keep an eye out for artifacts that provide “Radiation Protection” instead of just “Radiation.” After removing a harmful artifact, you might still need to seek medical assistance or rest to heal any residual effects of radiation damage. Remember, you don’t want to complicate an already challenging game.
The first artifact you encounter during the tutorial, known as the Slug, offers Radiation Protection. While you won’t be able to keep it, this artifact serves as a reminder that not all artifacts are created equal. Just because one artifact protects you doesn’t mean another won’t have the opposite effect.
If you’re still experiencing radiation damage and it’s not due to an artifact, there may be other hidden items within the game causing the issue, similar to the ones found in previous installments. Be sure to check your inventory for anything resembling a damaging artifact. If you identify one, unequip and discard it to resolve any ongoing radiation issues in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
