Everything You Need to Know About Bolt in Stalker 2

Find out everything you need to know about Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl along with its uses and when you get access to it.

Everything you need to know about Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Everything you need to know about Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, much like its predecessor, features a thrilling story about humanity and survival. Although the game’s primary focus is the moment-to-moment gameplay, it doesn’t come at the cost of its narrative. Similar to the original Stalker game, the sequel offers various WeaponsArmorAttachments, and Artifacts that players can equip while progressing. Moreover, there are certain game mechanics that defines the STALKER series, and they all are in this latest installment.

One of the main gameplay mechanics that most of the veteran players will recognize instantly is Bolt. However, players who are new to the STALKER series might get confused about its purpose and how to use it. Despite being a simple metallic bolt, it can help you escape deadly situations throughout the adventure, especially during exploration. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Bolt in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

What is Bolt in Stalker 2?

What is a Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
What is a Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Bolt is an essential equipment item in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl alongside the Echo Detector item. You cannot see this item taking space in your inventory like the Echo Detector but it is always on you. Moreover, opening the Radial Menu will let you see it with a default keybind of “6”.

Unlike weapons and accessory items, Bolt plays a crucial role in detecting and disabling the anomalies you encounter. The Zone is filled with all kinds of anomalies, each one with its own characteristics and damage. Running into an Anomaly can be deadly for you, especially if you are on low health. Fortunately, the game does a great job of handing you the Echo Detector and the Bolt to get past these anomalies.

Echo Detector makes you aware of any nearby anomaly with the beeping sound. Any time you get close to an anomaly, you will hear a beeping sound even though you do not have the detector equipped. It makes you aware of a nearby anomaly and makes you take your next steps cautiously. The best way to get past anomalies is by using the Bolt as it can detect the location of the nearby anomaly and possibly disable it for a few seconds by throwing it.

How to find Bolt in Stalker 2?

Bolt has been a major part of the gameplay mechanics in the STALKER series. You do not have to specifically find the Bolt in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, as it will be given to you by another fellow Stalker named Richter. However, you will not have the Bolt during the Prologue mission of the story. Upon completing the Prologue, you will find yourself surrounded by Vortex anomalies. During the opening cutscene after the prologue, you will meet Richter who will give you the Bolt.

After a brief conversation, you will have to meet Richter up on the hill nearby. This short objective mainly lets you get used to the functioning of Bolt as you have to throw it on Vortexes to disable them and get past them. After this point, you will always have the Bolt on you, allowing you to use it throughout your journey.

What is the use of Bolt in Stalker 2?

Use of Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Use of Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Bolt is mainly used to detect any anomalies around you and possibly disable them for a short period. It is the key item for getting past an anomaly without taking any injuries and damage. To use the Bolt, equip it by pressing “6” or from the Radial Menu (Tab), and throw it hardly (LMB) or softly (RMB) in a facing direction. Pressing the LMB will let you throw the Bolt overhand, making it go further, whereas, pressing the RMB will throw it underhand for a short distance.

Whenever you come across an anomaly and hear the detector’s beeping, equip the Bolt and look for the sign of an anomaly. If the beeping is slower, meaning the anomaly is still at a safe distance, but if it is beeping fast, it means it is dangerously close to you. After detecting the anomaly, throw the Bolt at it to temporarily disable it and run past it before it activates again. Anomalies like Electro, Vortex, Whirligig, Burner, etc. can all be disabled by throwing the Bolt at them. However, you have to be quick in getting past them as they activate after a couple of seconds.

Distract Enemies Using Bolt in Stalker 2

In addition to detecting and disabling certain anomalies with the Bolt, you can also use it to distract enemies who are unaware of you. Like most open-world RPGs, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl also has a detecting meter that pops up on the screen when you are visible to an unaware enemy. If the meter fills up, the enemy becomes aware of you and your location. So, if an enemy is unaware of you, you can distract them to look in another direction by throwing the Bolt near them. Throwing the Bolt behind an enemy will make them turn around, giving you an opportunity to perform a stealth kill or change position.

FAQs about Bolt in Stalker 2 Heart of Chornobyl

1. Question: How to equip Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl?

Answer: You equip the Bolt by pressing the hotbar key “6” (PC) or from the Radial Menu by pressing Tab (PC). On XBOX, you can only equip Bolt by opening the Radial Menu by holding the LB.

2. Question: What is a Bolt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl?

Answer: Bolt is an essential equipment item in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl alongside the Echo Detector item. It plays a crucial role in detecting and disabling the anomalies within the Zone. You can disable the anomalies like Electro, Vortex, Whirligig, Burner, etc. However, you have to be quick in getting past them as they activate after a couple of seconds. Moreover, you can also use it to distract enemies who are unaware of you

3. Question: Can you get run out of Bolts in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl?

Answer:  Bolt is an essential item for exploring the dangerous world within the Zone. Do not be afraid to use the Bolt as you can use it infinitely. Throw as many Bolts as you like, you do not have to pick them up or restock them.

4. Question: Can you eliminate enemies by throwing Bolts at them in Stalker 2?

Answer: No, Bolt is not a weapon in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Its usability is only for detecting and disabling anomalies and distracting unaware enemies. If you run out of ammunition for all of your weapons, switch to the Knife to kill the enemies.


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