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In the new FPS piece, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players are thrust into a gripping post-apocalyptic world filled with anomalies, mutants, and untold secrets. Among the many mysteries scattered throughout the Zone, one stands out as particularly intriguing: the “Journalist Stash.” This hidden trove has become a hot topic among fans, offering not just valuable loot but also a glimpse into the lore of those who dared to document the Zone’s horrors. In this article, we’ll explore what the Journalist Stash is, how to locate it, and why it’s a must-find for both new and seasoned stalkers. Whether you’re hunting for rare gear or unraveling the Zone’s hidden stories, this guide will help you uncover one of STALKER 2’s most fascinating secrets.
What Is the Journalist Stash?
The Journalist Stash is a hidden cache rumored to belong to a daring reporter who ventured into the Zone to document its mysteries. According to lore, this journalist left behind notes, recordings, and valuable supplies before meeting an untimely end. The stash is more than just a collection of items—it’s a narrative breadcrumb that sheds light on the lives of outsiders who risked everything to uncover the Zone’s secrets.
What Makes the Journalist Stash Special?
- Unique Lore: The stash contains personal effects like a journal or audio logs that provide insight into the journalist’s journey.
- Rare Loot: Players can expect high-value items such as advanced weapon mods, medical supplies, and even artifacts.
- Exploration Incentive: Finding this stash encourages players to thoroughly explore STALKER 2’s sprawling open world.
How to Find the Journalist Stashes?
Locating the Journalist Stash isn’t straightforward—it requires keen observation, puzzle-solving skills, and sometimes sheer luck. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you track it down:
1. Follow Clues from NPCs
Many NPCs in STALKER 2 offer cryptic hints about hidden stashes during conversations or side quests. Pay close attention to dialogue that mentions journalists or abandoned campsites.
2. Search Abandoned Buildings
The stash is often found in areas tied to human activity, such as derelict buildings or makeshift shelters. Look for:
- Old desks or cabinets with drawers you can search.
- Hidden compartments behind furniture or loose floorboards.
3. Use Your PDA
Your PDA is an invaluable tool for locating hidden stashes. Keep an eye out for faint signals or markers on your map that could indicate a stash location.
4. Beware of Anomalies and Mutants
The stash is likely guarded by environmental hazards or hostile creatures, making its retrieval a dangerous task. Equip yourself with anomaly detectors and plenty of ammunition before venturing into high-risk areas. Here is the list of most Journalist Stashes in Stalker 2:
| Stash Number | Location | How to Reach | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zalissya (Lesser Zone) | Found in the attic of an abandoned house. Use a blue truck to climb onto the roof, then drop onto the balcony on the west side. | PTM Monolith handgun, Mercenary’s Light Suit |
| 2 | Sphere (Lesser Zone) | On the roof of a small building in the military outpost area. Use a ladder on the western side of the building to climb up. | AR416 Monolith rifle, ammo, data stick with a recording |
| 3 | Northern Checkpoint (Lesser Zone) | Inside the compound, climb a ladder on the western side of a white building, then use another ladder to reach a lower rooftop on the eastern edge. | Viper Monolith submachine gun, ammo |
| 4 | South Garbage | Located inside an old broken minibus in a garbage area. Simply follow the map icon and open the stash inside the minibus. | M860 Monolith shotgun, ammo |
| 5 | Northwest of Slag Heap (Garbage) | In a maze-like area of vehicle wreckages. Enter through an olive-green container, turn right, and jump onto nearby wreckage to find the stash on the ground. | Tourist Suit |
| 6 | Rostok | Inside a barracks filled with anomalies. Enter through the eastern entrance, disable anomalies with Bolts, and find the stash in the far-right corner near bunkbeds. | Riemann SMG (Integral-A variant), ammo |
| 7 | Railyard (Yaniv) | Inside a train container with a padlock at the top of Yaniv. Break or shoot the padlock to access the stash at the end of the container. | Model Competitor revolver, ammo |
| 8 | Chemical Plant | Across a bridge into a compound near train tracks. Jump onto a lorry bonnet, then onto its roof, and perform a running jump to reach an open window where the stash is located in a small room. | Lullaby (Fora-221 variant) |
| 9 | Burnt Forest | Inside ruins surrounded by flashbang anomalies. Dodge anomalies and descend into the basement via a ladder; deal with or tank damage from a flame anomaly guarding the stash. | SSP-100M SIRCAA Suit |
| 10 | Northern Swamp | At an abandoned farmstead near Zaton’s Marshes. Climb cabinets to reach a fence, then jump onto the roof and break wooden planks to access the attic containing the stash. | Veteran sniper rifle (modified VS Vintar), ammo |
| 11 | Southern Swamp | In a partially collapsed barracks building near the main storyline path through the Swamp. The stash is next to a bunkbed frame inside. | Wanderer Suit |
What’s Inside the Journalist Stash?
The contents of the Journalist Stash can vary but typically include:
- Weapons and Mods: Advanced firearms or attachments like scopes and silencers that give you an edge in combat.
- Artifacts: Rare items that provide unique buffs but may also carry drawbacks if not handled carefully.
- Medical Supplies: High-tier medkits and anti-radiation drugs essential for survival in hazardous areas.
- Lore Items: Journals, photographs, or audio logs that reveal more about the journalist’s story and their observations of the Zone.
These rewards make finding the stash well worth the effort, especially for players looking to enhance their gear or immerse themselves further in STALKER 2’s rich narrative.
