STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Should You Kill or Knock Out Solder?

Key Takeaways:

1. Solder’s fate significantly impacts gameplay in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, though not in ways that drastically alter the main narrative.
2. Choosing to knock him out unlocks future opportunities, while killing him provides immediate loot that isn’t particularly valuable.
3. Decisions in the game emphasize moral complexity, blending practical benefits with the player’s ethical outlook.

The world of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a dynamic, unforgiving landscape where every decision feels weighty. One of the earliest pivotal choices players encounter involves the fate of a character named Solder, a former contact who betrayed protagonist Skif. As players navigate Skif’s pursuit of answers, they’ll find themselves wrestling with the question: should Solder live or die?

Let’s unpack this decision in detail, examining its consequences, pros, and cons, so you can determine the best path forward in your journey through the Zone.

The Setup: A Betrayal That Sets the Stage

Early in the game, Skif discovers that Solder, a seemingly trustworthy contact, has betrayed him. This betrayal sets off a chain of events that forms the foundation of the story’s opening chapters. Skif’s pursuit of Solder takes him to the heart of The Sphere, a dangerous territory filled with hostiles and environmental hazards.

Once there, the tables turn, and Skif finally gets Solder cornered. But rather than being a powerful antagonist, Solder turns out to be a relatively insignificant figure, a pawn in a much larger game controlled by someone named Nestor. With Solder restrained and at Skif’s mercy, players face a choice: kill him or knock him out.

Option 1: Killing Solder

What Happens If You Kill Him?

If you choose to kill Solder, the confrontation is swift and brutal. Skif, having already restrained Solder, dispatches him with ease. There’s no extended struggle or dramatic battle. Killing him offers a chance to loot his belongings, but the rewards are underwhelming: a broken gun, a small stash of ammo, and a PDA with limited information.

Pros of Killing Solder

• Immediate Loot: You gain a broken firearm, ammo, and Solder’s PDA, which contains a cryptic message about Nestor and the Ward. While not critical to the story, it adds a small piece to the larger puzzle.
• No Future Encounters: Solder won’t appear later in the game, eliminating any potential complications or alliances.

Cons of Killing Solder

• Minimal Rewards: The items you collect from Solder’s body are barely useful. His gun is non-functional, the ammo is negligible, and the PDA provides no crucial information for subsequent missions.
• Missed Future Benefits: By killing Solder, you lose the chance to recruit him later during a tough mission called “The Hornet’s Nest,” where his unique skills can make a significant difference.

Immediate Aftermath

After killing Solder, Skif must make a daring escape from The Sphere. Hostile NPCs populate the area, and stealth becomes essential to avoid being overwhelmed. While the IPSF (International Perimeter Security Force) won’t hold a grudge against Skif for killing Solder, players should expect a tough fight if they’re spotted.

Option 2: Knocking Solder Out

What Happens If You Let Him Live?

If you choose to knock Solder out, the immediate sequence plays out similarly. Skif restrains him, escapes The Sphere, and continues to the next phase of the story. However, leaving Solder alive unlocks a significant advantage later in the game.

Pros of Knocking Solder Out

• Future Ally: Solder reappears during a later mission called “The Hornet’s Nest,” where his assistance makes an otherwise difficult combat sequence much more manageable. While not essential, his help can save time and resources.
• Moral High Ground: Solder may have betrayed Skif, but he’s more of a pawn than a mastermind. Sparing him feels like the more ethical choice, reflecting the game’s nuanced moral landscape.

Cons of Knocking Solder Out

• No Loot: You forgo the minor rewards found on Solder’s body, including his PDA, gun, and ammo.
• Potential Risk: Keeping Solder alive might seem like a gamble, though his reappearance later is ultimately beneficial rather than harmful.

Immediate Aftermath

The escape sequence from The Sphere is identical to the “kill” option, requiring stealth and strategy to evade hostile NPCs. Skif’s next objectives remain unchanged, but players should note that their decision has planted the seeds for Solder’s return later in the story.

Why Sparing Solder Is the Better Choice

Ultimately, sparing Solder is the more strategic decision for most players. While the loot from killing him is tempting, it’s not particularly valuable, and the PDA adds little to the overarching narrative. By keeping him alive, you gain a useful ally for “The Hornet’s Nest,” a mission that can be challenging without his support.

Additionally, Solder isn’t the true villain in this situation. He’s a minor player caught up in larger schemes orchestrated by figures like Nestor. Sparing him feels not only practical but also morally justifiable.

That said, STALKER 2 thrives on player agency, so there’s no “wrong” choice here. The game’s world reacts dynamically to your decisions, allowing you to craft a story that aligns with your personal playstyle and moral compass.

Key Gameplay Tips for the Solder Decision

1. Prepare for Stealth: Regardless of your choice, escaping The Sphere requires careful navigation and strategic use of resources. Save your ammo and prioritize stealth over combat.
2. Explore Thoroughly: Before leaving Solder’s room, loot the area for useful items like healing supplies, food, and the High-Capacity PTM Magazine attachment, which can enhance your weapons.
3. Think Long-Term: While the immediate rewards for killing Solder might seem appealing, consider the potential benefits of having him as an ally in future missions.

FAQ: Solder’s Fate in STALKER 2

1. Does killing Solder affect faction reputation?
No, killing Solder doesn’t appear to impact faction reputation or relationships with the IPSF. The game’s faction system is influenced more by broader actions, like how many IPSF members you kill during your infiltration of The Sphere.

2. What’s the significance of Solder’s PDA?
The PDA reveals a brief message about Nestor and the Ward, hinting at shady dealings involving scanners. While intriguing, it doesn’t provide essential information for the main quest.

3. Can “The Hornet’s Nest” mission be completed without Solder’s help?
Yes, the mission is still beatable without Solder, but having him as an ally makes it significantly easier. His unique skills provide a noticeable advantage in combat.

4. Is sparing Solder the “canon” choice?
There’s no definitive “canon” choice in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The game is designed to adapt to player decisions, allowing you to shape your own story.

5. What’s the best strategy for escaping The Sphere?
Stealth is your best friend here. Avoid unnecessary fights, conserve your resources, and carefully plan your route to the exit. If detected, focus on evasion rather than direct combat.