Guide: Where to find the unique weapons “Drowned” and “Checkmate” in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

The Garbage location and its central hub, the Slag Heap, hide several excellent weapons for your arsenal. In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at how to obtain two unique weapons: the “Drowned” assault rifle and the “Shah’s Mate” barrel.

Important: You can easily miss both of these items if you choose the wrong dialogue options. Follow the instructions below carefully.

1. “Drowned” Assault Rifle

You can get this weapon almost immediately upon arriving at Terrikon, and you won’t have to shoot anyone to do so. The main thing is to show a little stalker-style audacity.

• Location: Slag Heap.
• Where to find it: Right at the start of the location, look for a small overpass/bridge. There is a stalker standing there who accidentally dropped his weapon down below.
• How to get it: Go down; the gun will be lying right on the ground. Pick it up.

• ⚠️ Critical Choice: Return to the stalker on the bridge. To add a unique rifle to your collection, select the option in the dialogue stating that you’re keeping the weapon for yourself. If you return the gun to its owner, current data indicates you won’t receive any reward in return. So go ahead and take the “Drowned Man”!

2. The unique weapon “Shah’s Mate”

To obtain this weapon, you’ll need to complete a series of quests, decide the fate of an NPC, and battle a dangerous mutant. As a bonus, you’ll receive an in-game achievement.

• Location: Slag Heap / Northern part of the Dump.
• Related Quest: Side Mission “No Honor Among Thieves“.

Walkthrough:

1. Quest Start: Talk to the weapons merchant in Terrikon. He will give you the quest “No Honor Among Thieves.”
2. Infiltration: To progress through the quest, you’ll need to break into a small locked building near the merchant.
3. Search for the Cargo: Follow the quest marker to the location of the cargo. Clear the area of enemies.
4. The Deal (⚠️ Important Choice): Inside a locked room, you’ll find a survivor. Talk to him. He will offer you a deal: his life in exchange for information about Shah’s hideout. Agree and choose the line: “Alright, give me the goods and the info on Shah’s hideout.” You cannot kill him, or you will lose the tip.

1. Search for the stash: Head to the northern part of the Dump (Garbage). The stash is hidden in one of the tunnels.
2. Ambush: As soon as you pick up the “Checkmate” weapon, be ready for battle! A dangerous mutant will attack you immediately. Keep your shotgun ready.

As soon as you pick up the weapon and survive the attack, the game will reward you with a rare achievement.