Stalker 2: How To Complete The Warlock’s Debtor Quest And Get Valik Lummox’s AKM-74S Rifle

Key Takeaways:

1. The Warlock’s Debtor side quest in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl offers exciting choices and rewards, including the powerful scoped AKM-74S rifle.
2. Your decisions during the quest affect how you handle the bandits, but the ultimate outcomes rescuing Valik and obtaining the weapon remain similar.
3. You can still retrieve Valik’s AKM-74S rifle even if you miss it during the mission, making it a crucial addition to your arsenal for surviving Stalker 2’s post-apocalyptic challenges.

Why Side Quests and Choices Matter in Stalker 2

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the world isn’t just about survival; it’s about how you survive. From navigating mutant-infested zones to making tough choices in side quests, the game thrives on offering players dynamic paths that affect their journey. Among the most engaging of these quests is the Warlock’s Debtor mission. Not only does it involve meaningful choices, but it also gives you the opportunity to claim a rare, scoped AKM-74S rifle a weapon that will make the treacherous battles ahead more manageable.

This guide walks you through every step of the quest, explores the different choices you can make, and even helps you recover the rifle if you missed it the first time. Ready to explore Zalissya and unlock your potential in the Zone? Let’s dive in.

Starting the Warlock’s Debtor Side Quest

Before you can embark on this exciting side mission, you need to meet a few prerequisites in the game. The Warlock’s Debtor quest begins at the Zalissya Bar, a key location in the game world.

How To Start The Quest:

1. Progress through the main storyline until you reach the quest called Behind Seven Seals.
2. During this mission, you’ll visit the Zalissya Bar to gather intel about Solder.
3. While at the bar, talk to the bartender named Warlock. At any point, you can ask him if he has work for you, and he’ll task you with recovering money owed to him by a man named Valik Lummox.

The mission sounds simple on the surface track down Valik, collect the debt, and return. But as is often the case in Stalker 2, nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems.

Finding Valik Lummox

Once you accept the job from Warlock, your map will mark the location of Valik Lummox. Head to the water tower located north of Zalissya, where you’ll find Valik hiding.

Reaching The Water Tower:

On your way to Valik’s location, you’ll encounter a group of bandits loitering near the water tower. This is where your first major decision comes into play.

1. Non-Violent Approach: Speak to the bandits’ leader and agree with him to avoid an immediate confrontation. This keeps things calm for now.
2. Violent Approach: If you’d rather fight them head-on, prepare for a challenging battle. However, this isn’t the recommended approach unless you’re confident in your combat skills.

After dealing with the bandits (or avoiding them altogether), locate Valik Lummox by speaking to him through a broken window near the water tower. Valik admits that he doesn’t have the money Warlock wants but offers you something better: the location of his stash, which contains the AKM-74S rifle.

Looting Valik’s Stash: The AKM-74S Rifle

The stash is hidden on top of the water tower. To retrieve it, climb the nearby ladder to reach the roof of the structure. Once there, you’ll find a bag containing:

• AKM-74S Rifle: A scoped assault rifle perfect for long-range engagements.
• Ammo for the AKM-74S: Essential for immediate use in the coming fight.

Now that you have the weapon, you face another critical decision.

Choice: Help Valik or Hand Over The Loot To The Bandits?

Once you acquire the rifle, Valik will contact you via radio. He’ll plead for your help in dealing with the bandits outside, asking you to shoot them from your elevated position on the water tower.

Option 1: Shoot The Bandits From The Tower

This is the recommended choice, as it gives you a tactical advantage. The height of the water tower makes it easier to pick off the bandits without exposing yourself to direct danger. Use your new scoped AKM-74S rifle to take them out, rescue Valik, and complete the mission.

Option 2: Hand Over The Loot To The Bandits

If you decide to climb down and talk to the bandits, you’ll discover that they aren’t actually interested in the weapon. Instead, they’re looking for a rare artifact that you don’t possess. Unfortunately, this dialogue quickly escalates into a fight. Battling the bandits on the ground is much more difficult, as you lose the high-ground advantage and face increased risks.

Outcome of the Quest

Regardless of your choice whether you fight from the tower or on the ground the result is the same. Once the bandits are defeated, Valik is freed, and you keep the AKM-74S rifle as your reward. Additionally, Warlock will reward you with 900 Coupons for completing the job.

The key takeaway here is that there are no lasting repercussions for how you handle the bandits. Whether you fight them on the ground or from the tower, you walk away with the rifle and finish the mission.

What If You Missed The AKM-74S During The Quest?

If you didn’t collect the rifle during the Warlock’s Debtor mission, don’t worry—you can still retrieve it later.

1. Head back to the water tower north of Zalissya.
2. Climb the ladder to the top of the structure.
3. The stash containing the AKM-74S and its ammo will still be there, waiting for you to claim it.

This flexibility ensures that you don’t miss out on one of the game’s most valuable weapons, even if you initially overlook it.

Why Valik’s AKM-74S Is Worth It

The AKM-74S is more than just another weapon in your loadout it’s a game-changer. This heavy assault rifle comes equipped with a scope, making it ideal for long-range combat situations. Its accuracy and firepower give you an edge against both human enemies and mutants alike.

While you can remove the scope and attach it to another compatible weapon, it’s recommended to keep the scope on the AKM-74S for maximum effectiveness. After all, in a world as hostile as Stalker 2, having the right tools can mean the difference between life and death.

Make The Most Of Your Journey

The Warlock’s Debtor quest exemplifies what makes Stalker 2 so captivating: player choice, high-stakes encounters, and meaningful rewards. By completing this side mission, you not only secure a powerful weapon but also gain insight into the game’s richly layered world.

Remember, the choices you make shape your experience in the Zone. Whether you shoot the bandits or negotiate, the real victory lies in being prepared for whatever comes next.

FAQ:

Q1: Can I fail the Warlock’s Debtor quest?
No, the quest is designed to be completed regardless of the choices you make during your interactions with the bandits.

Q2: Is Valik’s AKM-74S the best weapon in the game?
While it’s not necessarily the strongest weapon in Stalker 2, its scoped capabilities make it incredibly useful for mid- to long-range battles.

Q3: Are there consequences to killing the bandits or helping Valik?
No, the game doesn’t penalize you for how you handle the bandits. Either way, you’ll complete the mission and receive your rewards.

Q4: Can I find the AKM-74S later if I miss it during the mission?
Yes, you can return to the water tower north of Zalissya to retrieve the stash containing the rifle.

Q5: What’s the best way to upgrade the AKM-74S?
Focus on enhancing its stability, recoil control, and ammunition capacity at a workbench. Pairing these upgrades with the scope will maximize its effectiveness in combat.