The Luftgarde is one of the most interesting unique weapons hidden in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Cost of Hope. However, reaching it requires the right artifact and some careful exploration in the Iron Forest.
Get The Water Drop Artifact First
The most important requirement is the Water Drop artifact. You need to have it equipped before entering the final part of the route because it allows you to pass through a Mercury anomaly blocking the secret room.
Players following Freedom can obtain it during Dangerous Way, where collecting the artifact is part of the mission. Duty players can find another Water Drop in the CNPP region, west of the Water Treatment Plant near DPP-2.
Do not sell the artifact before collecting the weapon. If you already sold it, you can obtain another one and return to the Iron Forest.
Go To The Southern Iron Forest Building
Once you have Water Drop, travel to the southern part of the Iron Forest. Look for the unmarked building you used to exit at the end of the Distant Mirage main mission.
Enter it and prepare to head underground.
Reach The Hidden Underground Room
Follow these steps to reach the Luftgarde:
- Enter the unmarked building in the southern Iron Forest.
- Turn left after entering and go down the staircase.
- Continue down the second spiral staircase until you reach the underground monorail station.
- Move along the catwalk and head toward the right side.
- Use a bolt on the Vortex anomaly blocking your route.
- Enter the door on the right side of the catwalk.
- Continue toward the Mercury wall with Water Drop equipped.
- Pass through the anomaly and enter the hidden room.
- Walk to the far end of the room and collect the Luftgarde from the table.
There may also be a Burer in the underground section, so keep your weapon ready. If the anomaly pulls you toward the lower area, climb back up and continue along the catwalk.
What Makes The Luftgarde Special?
The Luftgarde is a unique variant of the GP3A platform. It uses .308 ammunition and combines the power expected from a DMR with a relatively compact carbine design. It can fire in both single-shot and full-auto modes, making it more flexible than a traditional precision rifle.
Its listed base statistics are:
- Damage: 2.6
- Handling: 2.4
- Rate of Fire: 2.4
- Range: 2.4
- Accuracy: 2.7
- Magazine: 20 rounds
- Weight: 4.782 kg
- Caliber: .308
- Inventory size: 5×2 slots
Do Not Leave Without The SEVA Suit
A SEVA suit can also be found beside the weapon, making the trip more worthwhile. Check the entire room before leaving so you do not accidentally overlook the armor.
You do not need to choose a specific faction to obtain the Luftgarde.
