Exploring the Zone in Stalker 2 without managing your carry weight can be a fatal mistake. Survival depends not just on combat skills but also on smart inventory management. By default, you can carry up to 80 kg of gear. Exceeding this limit triggers the Encumbered status, slowing your movement, draining stamina faster, and delaying stamina regeneration — all of which can put you at serious risk.
This can make you easy prey for enemies or environmental hazards. Fortunately, there are many ways to increase your scary limit in Stalker 2, both temporarily or permanently. This guide covers how to increase your inventory capacity to ensure you are prepared for the Zone.
How to Increase Carry Limit
In Stalker 2, the default carry weight is 80 kg. Since exploration requires plenty of supplies, increasing your carry capacity is essential to avoid unnecessary risks. Here’s how you can expand your inventory space:
Equip Artifacts with Bonus Weight Buffs
Artifacts are unique items in Stalker 2 that offer additional advantages, including weight bonuses. For instance, the Weird Water artifact allows you to carry 40 kg weight. You can find them near gravitational and thermal anomalies. Alternatively, you can purchase them from certain traders on a base.
Artifacts often emit radiation that could damage your health. Pair weight-increasing artifacts like Flytrap or Stone Blood with radioprotective artifacts such as Slug or Mica to counter this.
Upgrade Your Armor for Carrying Capacity
Armors not only protect you but also offer additional buffs. For example, some suits come with built-in weight bonuses. The Wanderer’s Suit and OZK Explorer’s Suit increase your carry limit by 8kg. You can further upgrade your gear to increase its capacity. Upgrades like Sewn-on Pockets and Load-Bearing Wests increase the carrying limit by 10%.
Use the Hercules Drug
For a temporary boost to carry more gear during missions, you can also consume the Hercules pill. This strength-enhancing drug increases your carry weight by +20kg for 300 seconds (5 minutes). Avoid relying on this drug for extended periods, as it’s a rare find. Use it only when necessary. You can find it in medical crates, facilities, or through medic traders in settlements.
Equip Stalker Suits
Some specialized Stalker suits have unique attributes that increase your carrying capacity. For example, the Cuirass Exoskeleton adds +8 kg to your carry limit but prevents you from sprinting. Similarly, the Bulwark Exosuit is a great option and offers +12 kg of extra capacity. Choose a suit that matches your playstyle to maximize your efficiency in the Zone.
Reduce Equipment Weight
Another effective way to manage your inventory is by reducing the weight of your equipment. Many weapons and armor pieces can be modified to become lighter. While the individual reductions might seem small, they add up, especially when using heavy combat gear or multiple weapons.