Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Guide to “Like a Moth to a Flame”

Key Takeaways:

1. Decisions Shape Your Path: Choosing between Dr. Kryvenko or Captain Senkevych determines rewards, storyline progression, and future quests.
2. Antennas or Psi-Beacon: The quest revolves around data collection or destruction, each with its challenges and outcomes.
3. Replayability and Strategy: Your choices affect how the next missions unfold, ensuring dynamic gameplay with branching narratives.

Like a Moth to a Flame Quest Walkthrough

Starting the Quest

The “Like a Moth to a Flame” quest begins when you arrive at Camp Icarus in the Zaton region. Upon entering the camp, you’ll find Captain Senkevych locked in a heated argument with a doctor. The captain briefs you about a traitor within the camp working with Faust, a known saboteur, and seeks your help. Armed with a PDA to track the culprit, you’re faced with a pivotal choice:

• Destroy antennas for Captain Senkevych.
• Collect data for Dr. Kryvenko.

Both paths lead to the same destination but offer different rewards and consequences.

The Decision: Senkevych vs. Kryvenko

The choice you make defines your approach:

Siding with Captain Senkevych

• Senkevych is wary of Kryvenko, suspecting the SIRCAA scientist’s equipment of interference.
• He tasks you with destroying three antennas around the camp to clear the signal and expose the traitor.
• Key Outcomes:
  • No monetary reward from Senkevych.
  • Leads to an additional task of checking patrols in the following quest.
  • Access to psi-pills from the camp medic.

Siding with Dr. Kryvenko

• Kryvenko pleads with you to preserve his machines, requesting data collection instead.
• He provides a flash drive for the task and promises payment for your efforts.
• Key Outcomes:
  • You receive 5,668 coupons as a reward.
  • Directed to Echo Station for the next quest without extra tasks.

Locating and Handling the Antennas

Regardless of your choice, the antennas are in the same locations. Here’s how to approach them:

1. Near the Observatory:
   • Exit the main building, and head left toward the outer wall. The antenna is near a guard post.
2. On the Water Tower:
   • Behind the main building, climb a series of ladders inside the water tower to reach this antenna.
3. Northeast in the Forest:
   • Outside the camp walls, find the third antenna atop a small building. Use the pipes to access the roof.
   • Beware of a lone zombie soldier patrolling this area.

If Destroying Antennas:

• You can shoot the antennas without alerting the camp.
• Return to Senkevych after completion.

If Collecting Data:

• Use Kryvenko’s flash drive on each antenna.
• Deliver the data back to him.

The Psi-Beacon: A Turning Point

After addressing the antennas, both Kryvenko and Senkevych direct you to investigate the source of interference in the Saturn bunker, which houses a mysterious psi-beacon.

Navigating the Bunker

• Enter the observatory and locate a lit door leading to underground tunnels.
• Avoid moving electrical anomalies by timing your movements carefully.
• Proceed to the beacon’s room but be cautious prolonged exposure causes mental damage, hallucinations, and potential harm from imagined enemies.

Your Options:

• Destroy the Psi-Beacon: This aligns you with Senkevych. Use firearms or melee attacks to disable the beacon, then collect fragments for bonus objectives.
• Inspect the Psi-Beacon: This aligns you with Kryvenko. Collect a data drive from the beacon and turn off the device.

Aftermath and Next Steps

Once you exit the bunker, report back to your chosen ally for further instructions:

If You Sided with Senkevych:

• The captain reveals that the traitor is Luetenant Shterev, who manipulated the psi-beacon. He mobilizes patrols to arrest Shterev and tasks you with assisting them.
• Suggests obtaining psi-pills from the medic for future challenges.

If You Sided with Kryvenko:

• The doctor confirms Shterev as the traitor using the data you retrieved.
• Recommends visiting Echo Station, where his colleagues can assist in unraveling Faust’s larger plot.

Rewards for Completing the Quest

Your rewards depend on the path you chose:

• Kryvenko Route:
  • Monetary payment of 5,668 coupons.
  • Fewer steps in the next mission.
  • Advancement to the Echo Station storyline.
• Senkevych Route:
  • Access to psi-pills for mental damage resistance.
  • Additional objectives that deepen your involvement with the Ward.

Overview: Senkevych vs. Kryvenko

Tips for Success

1. Stock Up on Supplies: The psi-beacon area can be treacherous; carry plenty of medkits and anti-psi pills.
2. Plan Your Path: Whether you’re collecting data or destroying antennas, map out the most efficient route to avoid wasting resources.
3. Evaluate Rewards: If you’re strapped for cash, Kryvenko’s route offers immediate payment. However, Senkevych’s path opens opportunities for future assistance.

FAQs

What Happens if I Destroy the Psi-Beacon After Collecting Data?

Destroying the beacon mid-quest aligns you with Senkevych’s path, overriding Kryvenko’s storyline.

Are There Long-Term Consequences for Choosing Kryvenko or Senkevych?

While both choices converge later in the narrative, your ally determines how you tackle the next few missions and what resources are available.

How Do I Survive the Psi-Beacon’s Effects?

Use anti-psi pills from the Icarus medic to mitigate mental damage. Move quickly and avoid prolonged exposure.

Which Route is Better for Rewards?

Kryvenko’s route provides immediate monetary benefits, while Senkevych’s path offers strategic advantages through additional equipment and allies.

Can I Revisit the Quest for a Different Outcome?

Replayability is a core feature of Stalker 2, so you can revisit decisions in subsequent playthroughs to explore alternate outcomes.