STALKER: Artifacts
Step into the boots of a lone scavenger in a forsaken exclusion zone, where every step could be your last. The landscape is scarred by strange energies, and hidden dangers lurk beneath the rustling grass and crumbling ruins. Your objective is simple: locate priceless artifacts that pulse with otherworldly power, then get out alive. But the Zone doesn't give up its treasures easily—radiation seeps through your suit, anomalies snap at your heels, and rival stalkers watch your every move. Managing your gear is just as important as your nerves. A limited backpack means tough choices about what to carry: extra medkits or that rare artifact that could fund a better rifle? The risk-reward loop keeps you on edge, especially when a blinking detector signals a prize just out of reach. Trading with merchants and upgrading equipment becomes essential, but nothing beats the adrenaline of extracting a legendary artifact from the heart of the danger zone.
Common Core State Standards
Every game supports specific Common Core standards. Browse the full standards library.
Practice by Skill
Games by Grade
What is STALKER: Artifacts
Welcome to the Zone—a place of danger and opportunity. Grab your detector and see if you have what it takes to survive the hunt.
How to Play
Move your character with the keyboard or on-screen controls, and use the detector to locate artifacts. When you find one, carefully approach it while avoiding anomalies and managing your radiation levels.
Tips for Playing
- Always keep a medkit or anti-radiation item in your inventory for emergencies.
- Pay close attention to your detector's signal strength to pinpoint artifact locations faster.
- Learn the visual cues of common anomalies to avoid walking into them.
- Don't overload your backpack—only pick up items that are truly worth the risk.
- Sell duplicate artifacts to traders to earn better gear for tougher expeditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I detect artifacts?
You use a handheld detector that beeps or clicks. The closer you are, the stronger the signal, so follow the increasing frequency to find the artifact.
What happens if I get too much radiation?
High radiation levels drain your health over time. You'll need to use anti-radiation drugs or leave the area to recover.
Can I trade artifacts for weapons?
Yes, merchants at safe zones will exchange artifacts for credits, which you can spend on better equipment and supplies.
Are anomalies always visible?
Some anomalies are clearly visible, but others are subtle or hidden. You'll need to watch for environmental clues like shimmering air or disturbed ground.
Is there a fail state?
If your health drops to zero, the expedition ends. You'll lose any artifacts you haven't safely extracted, so it's smart to retreat when things get rough.
Can I customize my loadout before a mission?
Before each run, you can choose your starting gear within your budget, including weapons, consumables, and detectors.