The Weird Water artifact in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a highly sought-after and powerful item. It not only increases radiation resistance but also greatly increases your carry weight limit. However, finding it is no easy task—it requires precise timing, strategy, and some luck as it only spawns at specific locations at a specific time. Here’s everything you need to know about finding Weird Water and using this legendary artifact.
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Where to Find the Weird Water Artifact
The Weird Water artifact is mostly discovered in the Zaton region, specifically within the Wandering Lights Anomaly. This anomaly is a dangerous area filled with radiation and ghostly mutants so prepare before attempting to retrieve the artifact. First, unlock the Zaton region by completing some initial main missions. Once the area is accessible, head to the northeastern part of Zaton close to the southeast of the Weather Station. From here, you’ll find the Wandering Lights Anomaly.
Timing is crucial, as the anomaly only becomes active at 10 PM (22:00) in the game only at night. Arrive a bit early, around 9:55 PM, to be fully prepared to get it instantly on seeing. Before entering, it’s strongly recommended to create a save file to reload and retry if anything goes wrong, such as missing the artifact or succumbing to radiation or mutants. The anomaly manifests as floating green lights scattered across the area. Be careful as these glows are also deadly, emitting high radiation that can quickly drain your health.
The artifact itself spawns randomly beneath one of these green lights. Unfortunately, artifact detectors won’t work here, so you’ll need to rely on careful observation. Scan the ground under each light for a small green-glowing bottle, which is the Weird Water artifact. Because the spawn area is different on every save file load, persistence plays a good part here. More gamma gives you better visibility in this dark anomaly environment, but avoid increasing brightness as it won’t provide the clarity you need but you may find it hard to spot.
Other than the strong hazard radiation; you should be careful of ghostly mutants that often appear around the spot to make your task tough. Stay alert and be prepared for sudden attacks when on the search. After finding the artifact, quickly pick it up and exit the area to avoid further exposure to radiation or threats. If you don’t locate it on your first try, reload your save and continue searching until your luck sides with you.
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Why You Need Weird Water Artifact?
The Weird Water artifact is one of the most valuable items in STALKER 2. Unlike many artifacts that are used as trade items, the Weird Water has practical advantages that can give a good rise to your in-game survival and efficiency.
One of its great benefits is radiation resistance. The Zone has a lot of areas with high radiation, mostly near anomalies, and artifact locations. The Weird Water offers resistance against radiation damage and equipping it allows you to explore these dangerous spots. Further, it helps you to go hunt other artifacts at radiation-filled locations that would otherwise harm you.
Once equipped, the artifact provides:
- Radiation Resistance: A great perk for artifact hunters.
- Increased Carry Weight: Boosts your inventory capacity by an additional 40 kg.
- Smooth Movement: Helps you maneuver more easily, especially in tough terrains.
However, there is a negative side of the artifact—an occasional drunken screen wobble. While this effect can be disorienting when fighting hard in combat, the benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience. You will not find its alternative in the game thanks to its value in radiation-heavy zones and the capacity to carry heavy loads.
Should You Keep or Sell Weird Water?
While the artifact is worth 80,000 Coupons if sold to traders, keeping it is a much better choice. The bonuses—especially the more capacity to carry all valuable stuff that you may otherwise find it impossible to keep due to space limitations—make it invaluable for quests and other STALKER 2 map adventures. A smart way to use it to equip the artifact on a need basis, such as transporting heavy loot, to avoid dealing with the drunken effect.
The Weird Water artifact in STALKER 2 is one of the most challenging items to acquire, but it’s well worth the effort.
