Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete Piece of Cake side mission

The Piece of Cake is a side mission in Stalker 2 linked to the Behind Seven Seals main mission. In the main mission, you're tasked with finding a character named Squint and retrieving stolen Ward sensors from him. When you locate Squint, you'll face decision-driven choices that may impact the storyline, as the game features four possible endings.

If you choose not to kill Squint and instead decide to help him, he will request you to retrieve an artifact for him. In return, he’ll willingly hand over the Ward sensors. Agreeing to help Squint triggers the Piece of Cake side mission.

This guide provides detailed steps to complete the Piece of Cake mission in Stalker 2.

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Stalker 2 "Piece of Cake" side mission walkthrough

The "Piece of Cake" side mission will become available after agreeing to help Squint by retrieving the artifact. Open your journal, select the mission, and track it. Side missions are marked with a blue exclamation mark, guiding you to your objective. For this mission, you'll need to locate and enter a cave.

Finding the cave entrance

The cave entrance is inside this house (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

Follow the blue exclamation marker, but be cautious as feral dogs may attack along the way. The cave entrance is hidden inside a marked house. Once inside, go to the middle room and look for a hole in the floor. Jump down to proceed into the cave.

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Retrieving the artifact

The cave layout can be tricky, with several dead ends, but it’s relatively small. Stick to the left paths to navigate efficiently. As you progress deeper, you’ll encounter a dangerous mutant called the Bloodsucker. This fast enemy can turn invisible but becomes visible when it attacks.

Tip for defeating the Bloodsucker

Bloodsucker that you will encounter in the Piece of Cake mission (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

To make the fight easier, run forward until you reach a water-filled area. The Bloodsucker’s footsteps will become visible in the water, making it easier to predict its attacks. Eliminate it before proceeding further.

Continue deeper into the cave, where you’ll come across green acidic puddles. Equip your Echo Detector and follow the beeping to locate the artifact. When the artifact surfaces, act quickly to collect it, as it will relocate after a short time.

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Returning to Squint

Return this artifact to Squint (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

With the artifact in hand, return to the wooden mill and interact with Squint. At this point, you have two options:

1. Keep the artifact and kill Squint
2. Give the artifact to Squint – This makes him happy, and he will hand over the Ward sensors in return.

After the cutscene where you acquire the sensors, the Piece of Cake mission will be complete.

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Check out our other Stalker 2 articles:

• How to fast travel in Stalker 2
• All available Artifacts and their locations in Stalker 2
• How to increase the carry limit in Stalker 2