Stalker 2: Increase Your Carry Weight for Better Looting Tips

In Stalker 2, your survival in the Zone often depends on how much you can carry. As Skif, the protagonist, traverses dangerous landscapes, the ability to haul valuable loot or necessary supplies is critical. However, the more you carry, the more you sacrifice your mobility. With a base carrying limit of 80 kg, things can get cumbersome fast, especially when you’re looking to collect artifacts, weapons, and equipment. But fear not! There are ways to increase your carry weight, allowing you to transport more loot and avoid being overly encumbered. Here’s how you can optimize your inventory capacity and stay agile in the Zone.

Skif’s Carrying Capacity: The Basics

Initially, Skif can carry a maximum of 80 kg. If you exceed this weight, movement restrictions kick in, significantly impacting your gameplay:

Up to 50 kg (green): You’re in the clear! You can move normally and sprint at maximum speed.

Between 50 and 70 kg (yellow): You’re heavily loaded. Your stamina drains faster when jumping or sprinting, and the weight symbol will appear on the bottom left of your screen.

Between 70 and 80 kg (red): Your mobility is severely hindered. You can only walk or sprint slowly, with rapid stamina depletion.

Over 80 kg (red): You cannot move. You’ll need to drop some items to lighten the load.

As you can see, the carrying capacity can quickly become a problem, especially when you’re in the midst of exploring the Zone or looting dangerous areas. Luckily, there are a few ways to expand your capacity and make it easier to haul all that precious gear.

1. Upgrade Your Suit with Weight Bonuses

One of the easiest ways to increase your carrying capacity is by upgrading your suit. Certain military and advanced suits can be modified to boost your weight limit by 10%. To do this, head to a technician (marked by the wrench symbol on your map in camps) and press the Q key in the dialogue to open the upgrade menu.

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Suits that support this upgrade include:

PSZ-7 Military Body Armor
OZK Explorer's Suit
Mercenary Suit

These upgrades aren’t just useful for carrying more loot—they can also enhance your protection against environmental hazards. However, not all suits are eligible for weight upgrades, so make sure to check with your technician to see which one suits your needs.

2. Find Artifacts with Weight Bonuses

Artifacts play a key role in Stalker 2, not only for their unique properties but also for their ability to enhance your carrying capacity. Some artifacts can be slotted into your suit, providing a significant weight boost. However, be aware that equipping these artifacts comes with a cost, as they can expose you to radiation.

Artifacts that increase carry weight:

Gravi: Adds 3 kg to your carrying capacity.
Spring: Adds 6 kg to your carrying capacity.

These artifacts can make a noticeable difference when you’re carrying heavy loot, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. Though the radiation risk is present, the benefits of carrying more outweigh the dangers—just remember to take precautions to manage your exposure.

3. Use Hercules Medication

The Hercules drug is a rare but powerful item in Stalker 2. When consumed, it increases your carrying capacity by 20% for a period of 300 seconds (five minutes). This makes it a perfect solution for those times when you want to collect a hefty amount of loot but don’t want to be bogged down by weight penalties for too long.

The only catch is that Hercules isn’t something you’ll find frequently in the Zone. You can occasionally find it for sale by traders during your travels, so keep an eye on their inventories. It’s also a good idea to stock up when you find it, as it can prove invaluable during key moments, like running through a dangerous area with precious loot in hand.

Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Load and Mobility

The challenge of carrying weight in Stalker 2 is one that requires both strategy and preparation. While Skif’s base capacity is limited, there are several ways to improve this, whether through upgrading your suit, finding powerful artifacts, or using special items like Hercules medication. By using these methods, you’ll be able to haul more valuable gear, stay flexible, and tackle the dangers of the Zone with a little more freedom.

Remember: it’s not just about how much you can carry—it’s about balancing that weight with your ability to move and survive. With these upgrades and items, you’ll have a much better chance of making it through the Zone without getting weighed down by your loot. Stay vigilant, upgrade wisely, and keep your eyes open for those precious items that make your journey just a little bit easier. 

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