Hunting for artifacts is more profitable than selling guns or other loot, which is why you need the best detectors in Stalker 2. Aside from completing quests like Chasing Ghosts or Like a Moth to a Flame, finding artifacts should be one of your regular activities, and finding them on your own can be frustrating because detectors in Stalker 2 are essential tools for this task.
We’re here to guide you on the best detectors in Stalker 2 and how to get them.
Best Detectors in Stalker 2
There are four detectors in the game, but you start with the worst one by default. If you’re looking for an upgrade, focus on these two detectors:
| Detector Type | Why It’s the Best | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Veles Detector | Displays the artifact’s exact location and shows anomalies on its screen. | Obtain it during the “In Search of Past Glory” main quest. Take the psi-radiation suppressor blueprint to Dr. Dvupalov to receive it as a reward. |
| Bear Detector | Has a radial display and detection, making it easier to use. | Get it from the “A Sign of Hope” quest, a side mission in the Wild Island region. Talk to Prof. Lodochka. |
Both detectors are good, but the Veles Detector is the best because it shows the exact location of artifacts and anomalies. It’s a mid-game item, so you can’t get it as quickly as the Bear Detector.
The Bear Detector is easier to obtain since it’s a side mission reward. We recommend getting it as soon as possible. It might not handle elevation well and isn’t as precise as the Veles Detector, but it’s still useful.
Other Detectors in Stalker 2
There are two other detectors in the game:
| Detector Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Echo Detector | The worst detector, but it’s better than nothing if you have no other option. |
| Hilka Detector | The third-best detector, with a longer range than the Bear Detector (100 meters vs. 50 meters). |
We don’t recommend using the Echo Detector unless you have no choice. Try to upgrade to the Hilka Detector when you reach the Garbage region. Even though it’s not the best, it has a longer range than the Bear Detector. You can keep multiple detectors, so don’t sell them all unless you already have the Veles Detector.
For more Stalker 2-related content, stay posted to RetroNoob.
