Stalker 2’s Hidden Treasure: All 12 Journalist Stash Location Discovered

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the Journalist Stashes are not just containers filled with ordinary loot—they are treasures housing some of the most powerful pre-modified gear, weapons, and armour. However, finding these hidden gems isn’t easy. From navigating deadly anomalies to outsmarting mutants, each stash is a challenge worth conquering. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding all 12 Journalist Stashes and uncovering their secrets.

Why Hunt Journalist Stashes?

The gear from Journalist Stashes is invaluable. Many weapons come with pre-built modifications that enhance their performance, while the armour pieces offer substantial protection or bonuses, such as increased carry weight. Collecting these stashes early in the game can give you a significant advantage, making the Exclusion Zone slightly less punishing.

How to Start the Hunt for Journalist Stashes

To begin your stash hunt, you need to unlock the side quest “Seek and You Shall Find”. This becomes available after completing the main quest A Needle in a Haystack, where you hand over the Ward Sensors to either Richter or Captain Zotov. Check your personal stash afterwards to find the Journalist’s Flash Drive. Picking it up triggers a message and marks the stash locations on your map.

Key Tips Before You Start Hunting

1. Lighten Your Load: Some stashes require jumping onto structures, and carrying too much weight will drain your stamina. Stay below your maximum carry weight for better mobility.
2. Plan Ahead: Many stashes are scattered across distant regions. It’s efficient to collect them as you progress through the campaign, especially if your main quests take you near the stash locations.
3. Mind the Hazards: Certain stashes are hidden in areas with anomalies or guarded by mutants. Always bring bolts to trigger anomalies safely and be prepared for combat.

Hidden Dangers and Challenges

• Anomalies and Mutants: Stashes in high-risk areas like Rostok’s school or the Burnt Forest often come with anomalies or hostile creatures. Always carry bolts to detect anomalies and weapons for mutant encounters.
• Snipers at Duga: The Duga region is particularly treacherous due to snipers and invisible threats. Plan your approach carefully, and make sure to prioritize safety over loot.

Journalist Stash Locations

1. Lesser Zone – First Stash in Zalissya

• Where to Find It: In Zalissya, near an abandoned truck. Climb onto the hood, then onto the roof. Drop into the attic through an open window.
• Tips: Watch for potential anomalies near the truck. A quick scan with bolts will ensure safe passage.
• Reward: Mercenary’s Light Suit (light armour for mobility) and PTM Monolith (handgun with decent range).

2. Lesser Zone – Factory Roof

• Where to Find It: Head northeast of Zalissya to an old factory. Use the ladder to climb to the roof. Look for another ladder leading to an adjacent section.
• Tips: Be cautious when crossing the roof, as the area is exposed to wandering bandits.
• Reward: Viper Monolith (compact submachine gun ideal for close-range combat).

3. Lesser Zone – Sphere Facility

• Where to Find It: The stash is located along the outer wall of the Sphere facility. Look for a small gap where the stash is concealed.
• Tips: This area often has patrols. Clear the enemies first or sneak past them to avoid a direct fight.
• Reward: AR416 Monolith (a reliable assault rifle with enhanced accuracy).

4. Garbage – Hidden Bus by the River

• Where to Find It: Near the southern riverbank in Garbage. The stash is inside an old, rusted bus.
• Tips: Keep an eye out for anomalies around the bus. Bolts will help you safely approach.
• Reward: M860 Monolith (a shotgun with devastating power at close range).

5. Garbage – Junkyard Challenge

• Where to Find It: North of Slag Heap in the junkyard. The stash is perched on top of derelict vehicles.
• Tips: You’ll need precise jumping skills to navigate the junkyard maze. Offload unnecessary gear to maintain stamina.
• Reward: Tourist Suit (basic armor offering moderate protection).

6. Rostok – The Haunted School

• Where to Find It: Inside an abandoned school in Rostok. The stash is deep within the building.
• Tips: Watch out for gravity anomalies and a Poltergeist. Bring a shotgun for quick damage.
• Reward: Riemann (a high-performance submachine gun).

7. Yaniv – The Train Car Secret

• Where to Find It: East of Yaniv Base, in an abandoned train car. Look for an unlocked door to access the stash.
• Tips: The area is relatively safe but keep your guard up for potential bandits or roaming mutants.
• Reward: Model Competitor (a revolver with precision aim).

8. Swamps – Ruined Farmhouse

• Where to Find It: In the Swamp region, locate a ruined farmhouse. Use a nearby lorry to climb onto the fences, then jump to the roof.
• Tips: Be wary of anomalies around the farmhouse. Use bolts to detect their presence.
• Reward: Veteran (a versatile assault rifle).

9. Swamps – Clear Sky Base

• Where to Find It: At the southeasternmost tip of the Swamp region, near Clear Sky Base. Look for a building with an open rooftop.
• Tips: The rooftop has a gravity anomaly that can knock you off. Throw bolts to temporarily dissipate it.
• Reward: Wanderer Suit (lightweight armour with a bonus to carry capacity).

10. Chemical Plant – Tricky Ledges

• Where to Find It: Near the Chemical Plant, use a yellow truck to reach ledges on the wall. Traverse carefully to find the stash.
• Tips: This area is prone to sniper activity. Stay low and move quickly.
• Reward: Lullaby (an assault rifle with a silencer).

11. Burnt Forest – Creepy Cellar

• Where to Find It: Inside the cellar of a burned house in the Burnt Forest.
• Tips: Fire anomalies block the entrance. Use bolts to clear a path.
• Reward: SSP-100M SIRCAA Suit (protective gear with high resistance).

12. Duga – The Final Challenge

• Where to Find It: Southeastern portion of the heavily fortified Duga base. Navigate past snipers to reach the armoury.
• Tips: Use stealth to avoid sniper fire. The stash is guarded by a powerful Burer mutant that can psychically grab weapons.
• Rewards:
  • SA-U Gabon (assault rifle).
  • SEVA-I Suit (high-tier armour).