Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete A Job for the Barkeep side mission
A Job for the Barkeep in Stalker 2 is a side mission that you can pick up from the Rostok region. The mission comprises three distinct segments, and completing them all will reward you with a substantial quantity of Coupons. Some of its objectives require you to locate specific items and deliver them to Barkeep.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the A Job for the Barkeep mission in Stalker 2, along with a detailed guide on how to complete each task.
A Job for the Barkeep side mission in Stalker 2: Location
To initiate the side mission A Job for the Barkeep, proceed to the base camp found in the Rostok region. Upon entering the underground area, interact with Barkeep, the trader in that location. After selecting the option "I'd like to make some coupons," you will have the option to choose from the following objectives:
- Settle a tab.
- Obtain a gift for a wealthy customer.
- Bring back an artifact (Dead Sponge).
The A Job for the Barkeep mission will begin when you choose one of these objectives. Once that is successfully completed, you cannot immediately access the remaining objectives from Barkeep. You must wait a few days and complete some other missions first.
A Job for the Barkeep side mission in Stalker 2: Walkthrough
An extensive guide for each objective has been provided below:
Settle a tab
This objective is pretty straightforward, as you have to deal with some human enemies near the Rostok base camp. Follow the blue objective marker and reach the marked location, where you'll find a ladder to go upstairs.
Once you climb the ladder, some enemies will attack you. Utilize the cover in the area and eliminate all of them. When done, return to Barkeep and report the situation. You will obtain 1000–3000 Coupons as a reward.
Also read: Best weapons in Stalker 2, ranked
Obtain a gift for a wealthy customer
This objective requires you to locate and obtain a birthday gift from a stash in Rostok. Follow the blue objective marker, which will point upwards to a building's rooftop. To ascend, use the ladder attached to the building, and then the subsequent one to reach the rooftop. Alternatively, you can use the stairs inside the building.
Once you're on the rooftop, look for the stash beside the chimney. From there, obtain the "Suitcase with Valuable Cargo" and return it to Barkeep, who will give you 800-2400 Coupons as a reward.
Also read: Infinite coupon glitch in Stalker 2, explained
Bring back an artifact (Dead Sponge)
This objective is the trickiest of the three, and completing it will grant you a hefty amount of Coupons. The main objective is to find a Dead Sponge artifact and return it to Barkeep. You can only find this artifact inside a Thermal anomaly.
You can head to the Ahroprom Factory in the Chemical Plant region to find one. It's near the Rostok base camp. You can also search for the artifact in other Thermal anomalous areas.
When you are in the Ahroprom Factory, open your artifact detector to pinpoint the artifact's location. Then, use the ladders to reach the rooftop and locate the Thermal anomaly. Carefully maneuver around the fire spouts and use your detector to zero in on the artifact. There are several rooftops there, so make sure to check properly.
Once you reach the exact location, you can grab the Dead Sponge artifact. Return to Barkeep and give him the artifact to get 10,000 Coupons.
Tips: It's recommended to create a save file before heading into the Thermal anomaly. That's because the Dead Sponge artifact's spawn is irregular, and you may find other artifacts in there. As it might take several attempts (it took me four tries) to get the Dead Sponge artifact, you can keep loading the save file until you get it.
Check out more Stalker 2 gameplay guides below:
- How to find the Weird Water artifact
- How to skip time in Stalker 2
- How to get an RPG in Stalker 2