S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Best Artifact Farming Routes for Maximum Efficiency

Artifacts are one of the most valuable resources in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, offering unique abilities, lucrative trade opportunities, and survival advantages. Venturing into the Zone to collect artifacts, however, is fraught with peril—radiation, anomalies, and hostile mutants abound. Fortunately, expert Stalker Yail Bloor has mapped out optimized artifact farming routes designed for efficiency and speed. Below, we cover three of the best artifact runs across the game’s hazardous landscape. Good hunting, Stalkers.

Cordon to Burnt Forest Route

Starting from Rookie Village, this route winds through the Cordon, traverses the Lesser Zone, and finally veers southwest into the Burnt Forest. It is a lucrative pathway for Gravitational, Chemical, Electrical, and Thermal artifacts.

1. Nuclear Waste Burial – Gravitational artifact.
2. North of Abandoned Farmstead – Gravitational artifact.
3. Old Mill – Chemical artifact (underground, not ideal for save scumming).
4. Deaf Meadow – Gravitational artifact.
5. RIBS – Gravitational artifact.
6. Magnetic Cave – Thermal artifact.
7. Pol Depot – Electrical artifact.
8. Chemical Tanks – Chemical artifact.
9. West of Cherevach – Thermal artifact.
10. Conflagration – Thermal artifact.
11. Burning Rift – Thermal artifact.
12. Helicopter Base – Thermal artifact.

Tips for Cordon to Burnt Forest Route:

• Be cautious in Deaf Meadow, as bandits often patrol this region.
• Magnetic Cave contains strong thermal anomalies—move cautiously to avoid instant death.
• The Old Mill’s underground section is tricky. Bring anti-radiation medication.

Cement Factory to STC Malachite Route

This route begins at Cement Factory Base, zigzags across a good portion of the Zone’s desolate terrain, and concludes at STC Malachite. Expect high-risk encounters with Poltergeists, hostile factions, and mutants.

1. Hell – Thermal artifact.
2. Burning Fire Depot – Thermal artifact.
3. Floodplain – Chemical artifact.
4. Reloading Point – Electrical artifact.
5. Daredevil Path – Gravitational artifact.
6. Detention Center – Thermal artifact (multi-level, Poltergeist spawn, not ideal for save scumming).
7. Electric Field – Electrical artifact.
8. Explosion Funnel – Gravitational artifact.
9. The Brood – Thermal artifact (Hostile NPC base nearby—exercise stealth or firepower!).
10. Poisonous Hole – Chemical artifact.
11. Buryakivka – Gravitational artifact.
12. Scientist Helicopter – Electrical artifact (Bloodsucker enemy nearby, can be part of a side quest).
13. Choppers Field – Gravitational artifact.
14. Ahroprom Factory – Thermal artifact (Poltergeist spawn, multi-level, not ideal for save scumming).
15. Tunnel west of Depot – Electrical artifact (Skirt around the southern edge if save scumming).
16. Vehicle Graveyard – Chemical artifact.
17. Ruined buildings near Chemical Plant – Gravitational artifact.
18. Toxic Bog – Chemical artifact.
19. Small pond southeast of Storage On The Hill – Random artifact (Psi anomaly—scanner detects multiple artifacts, only one is real! Use caution.)
20. Promin CMD Factory – Gravitational artifact.
21. STC Malachite – Electrical artifact.

Pro Tips for Cement Factory to Malachite Route:

• The Brood is dangerous—approach with night vision or Stealth Suit.
• Scientist Helicopter has Bloodsuckers—avoid combat or bring armor-piercing rounds.
• Detention Center is a death trap for unprepared Stalkers—expect Poltergeists at multiple levels.

Zaton Route

This advanced route begins in Sultansk, ventures into swampy territories, and ultimately loops around Zaton. Due to flashbang anomalies, high radiation zones, and Chimeras, only experienced Stalkers should attempt this artifact run.

1. Marshes – Chemical artifact.
2. Trailer Camp – Gravitational artifact.
3. Burnt Farmstead – Thermal artifact.
4. Fishing Hamlet – Random artifact (Flashbang anomalies—approach slowly!).
5. Lonely Grave – Electrical artifact.
6. Circus – Thermal artifact.
7. Boiler – Thermal artifact.
8. Hydrodynamics Lab – Chemical artifact.

• WARNING: Chimera Spawning Zone ⚠️

9. Claw – Gravitational artifact.
10. Cave Network – Thermal artifact (Underground, difficult to escape quickly, not ideal for save scumming).
11. Izumrudne – Gravitational artifact.
12. Canning Factory – Electrical artifact.

Survival Tips for Zaton Route:

• At Fishing Hamlet, the Flashbang anomalies can disorient you—use a detector to reveal safe pathways.
• Hydrodynamics Lab is home to a Chimera—bring heavy weaponry or rely on guerrilla tactics.
• Cave Network is risky due to enclosed spaces—Night Vision is required.

Final Thoughts

Artifact farming in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is one of the most rewarding yet dangerous activities in the Zone. With these mapped trade routes, seasoned Stalkers can maximize their efficiency and haul back rare artifacts to trade for gear, weapons, and supplies. However, the risks are ever-present, so always come prepared with anomaly detectors, radiation meds, and plenty of ammunition.

Which route do you prefer for artifact hunting?

Let us know in the comments, and may the Zone bless you with fortune!