How to find the Artifact in There and Back Again mission in Stalker 2
The There and Back Again mission in Stalker 2 serves as a tutorial, introducing you to the game’s mechanics and the protagonist, Skif. Set in a post-apocalyptic Ukraine ravaged by nuclear fallout, the game presents the post-nuclear setting in a much more dark and brutal way compared to Bethesda's Fallout series.
In this mission, you will learn the basics of the game and get to use the Detector and even an artifact. To help you complete this task, we have shared everything you need to know about finding the artifact in There and Back Again mission in Stalker 2.
Where is the artifact in There and Back Again mission in Stalker 2?
During the mission, you will need to loot the Detector from a dead scientist named Petro Yerokin. This item is crucial for progressing in the game, so don’t worry you won’t miss it. Once it's in your inventory, use the Detector to locate both the anomaly and the artifact.
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To find the anomalous field, follow the yellow exclamation marker on your compass. Look for a patch of green, oozy material and a tipped-over barrel — this is where the artifact is located. Equip the Detector to track it.
If it’s not already equipped, hold the left shoulder button (on consoles) and press the left directional button to select it. As you move toward the anomalous field, listen for the Detector’s beeping, which will speed up as you get closer to the artifact.
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Head to the left side of the barrel, where you will find the artifact named "Slug." Once at the correct spot, the artifact will appear in front of you, allowing you to pick it up. Afterward, make sure to run out of the area quickly — the longer you stay in that zone, the greater the risk of radiation damage.
How to equip the artifact in There and Back Again mission in Stalker 2
Once you have the artifact, open the inventory, select the Slug, and place it in the Artifact slot. The Slug is a common artifact, and once equipped, it will provide some protection against radiation.