What is the carry weight limit in STALKER 2?

Skif starts with 80 kg, according to Shacknews. Beyond that he is over-encumbered and cannot move.

How can I increase carry weight?

Use Goldfish or Spring artifacts, find the armor that adds 8 kg, or use the Hercules drug for a temporary 20 kg.

Is there a permanent carry weight upgrade?

Shacknews says there is no permanent way to raise it through upgrades.

Does overload hurt stamina?

Yes. You move slower and stamina takes longer to regenerate before you reach the limit.

STALKER 2 Carry Weight: How to Increase It and Avoid Overload

In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 your carry weight limits how much loot you can take back to a trader. Being overloaded slows you down and drains your stamina. According to a Shacknews guide checked on October 13, 2026, Skif's base limit is 80 kg and there is no permanent upgrade for it, so you must use artifacts, armor and drugs.

Key takeaways

The base limit is 80 kg, and beyond it you become fully over-encumbered and cannot move.
Goldfish and Spring artifacts add carry weight.
One armor adds 8 kg. The Hercules drug adds 20 kg for 5 minutes.
Sell or drop damaged items and store extra gear.

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Ways to carry more

Method	Bonus	Notes
Goldfish artifact	Small	Found near gravitational anomalies
Spring artifact	Medium	Found near gravitational anomalies; Ribs, south of Zalissya, is a good place to start
Armor with extra capacity	8 kg	A Journalist's Stash in the Swamps (southeast) leads to one
Hercules drug	20 kg for 300 seconds	Found more often deeper in the campaign

Shacknews says there is no permanent way to raise the stat through upgrades. Our artifacts guide explains how to find and equip Goldfish and Spring.

What happens when you are overloaded?

Before you hit the limit, Skif slows down and his stamina takes longer to come back. Beyond the limit he cannot move at all. Plan your trips so that you leave the dangerous area with a light backpack.

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Smart looting

Loot weapons and armor last, because they are heavy.
Sell or drop weapons that are in the red on the durability meter. They cannot be sold.
Store spare gear in a stash instead of carrying it.
Carry loot on corpses: you can move dead enemies, but you can only walk while holding a body.

Mods that change weight

Mods such as Adjustable Carryweight and No weight for ammo, grenades, meds and food exist for the PC version. They change game balance, so use them only if you want an easier game, and read our mod guide first.