Diehard fans need not worry too much about fast travel trivialising exploration, though.

Look for the crosshair icon - this is where the Guide can be found.

In Zalissya, the Guide is Uncle Lyonya; in Slag Heap, the Guide is Bonkers.

A close-up of the face of Uncle Lyonya, a NPC in Stalker 2, and a Guide who you can pay to fast travel to other major settlements.

Not every settlement has a Guide, but most do.

It costs you money each time, though.

Do any Guides move or disappear later on?

Cover image for YouTube video

CAUTION: MINOR STORY SPOILERS AHEAD!

You just won’t be able to quickly travel to those locations from across the map.

Part of the Stalker 2 map focusing in on the settlement of Zalisyya, with the location of Uncle Lyonya marked.

Part of the Stalker 2 map focusing in on the settlement of Slag Heap, with the location of Bonkers marked.

The player in Stalker 2 speaks to Machine, a Guide at Wild Island who the player can pay to fast travel to other major settlements.