Taking Back What’s Mine Side Mission Guide in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Linked Missions: Taking Back What’s Mine is a side mission that directly intertwines with the Escape From The Cage main mission, so timing and sequence are critical.
2. Essential Rewards: Completing the side mission allows players to recover all their lost equipment, a crucial step for progressing in the game.
3. Stealth and Strategy: Navigating enemy soldiers and leveraging escape routes are pivotal to successfully completing the mission.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a post-apocalyptic horror FPS filled with rich storytelling, intense gameplay, and a plethora of main and side missions. One such mission, “Taking Back What’s Mine,” is a compelling side quest that players encounter during the main mission, “Escape From The Cage.” This guide will walk you through every step to ensure you retrieve your equipment and escape successfully.

The Premise: How “Taking Back What’s Mine” Begins

To trigger the “Taking Back What’s Mine” side mission, you must first start the “Escape From The Cage” main mission. Following the conclusion of “Dangerous Liaisons,” you’ll wake up in a locked cell, stripped of all your equipment.

Your journey begins here, and things quickly escalate when Dr. Dalin arrives. He hands you the key to the cell and urges you to escape. What’s the catch? There’s another prisoner in the adjacent cell who asks for your help. He proposes a trade: give him the key, and he’ll reveal the location of your confiscated gear. This decision sets the stage for the side mission.

Step-By-Step Guide: Completing “Taking Back What’s Mine”

1. Unlock Your Cell

Once Dr. Dalin leaves, use the key he provided to unlock your cell. As you do so, the prisoner in the opposite cell will call out to you, requesting the key. Agree to his proposal; doing so initiates the “Taking Back What’s Mine” side mission.

The prisoner informs you that your equipment is stored in another building nearby. This information is crucial for recovering your belongings and proceeding with the main mission.

2. Escape Through the Window

To begin your escape:

• Head down the stairs until you reach a window.
• Jump through the window to exit the prison building.

Once outside, you’ll need to locate another structure with an open window. This building houses your confiscated gear.

3. Recover Your Equipment

Climbing into the building through the open window, you’ll find yourself in a small room. Look for a blue locker next to a table. Inside this locker, you’ll find all your belongings. The locker doesn’t require a key or passcode to open, making this a straightforward step.

4. Make Your Escape

After retrieving your gear, the side mission is complete, but your work isn’t done yet. To finish the “Escape From The Cage” main mission:

• Head towards the Chemical Plant’s watchtower.
• Be vigilant, as enemy soldiers patrol the area. Use stealth or combat, depending on your playstyle, to navigate through the threats.

At the watchtower, locate the guardrail at the corner and jump from it to escape the Chemical Plant. This marks the end of the main mission.

Pro Tips for Success

• Stealth Over Combat: The prison and surrounding areas are heavily guarded. Avoiding detection is often easier and less resource-intensive than engaging in direct combat.
• Quick Recovery: Prioritize reaching the blue locker to retrieve your equipment. Without your gear, you’ll be at a disadvantage against enemies.
• Explore Carefully: While rushing to complete the mission might seem tempting, take your time to scout enemy movements and plan your route.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I skip the side mission “Taking Back What’s Mine”?

While it’s possible to skip this side mission, doing so will leave you without your equipment, significantly increasing the difficulty of subsequent tasks in the main mission.

Q: Do I need a passcode for the blue locker?

No, the locker containing your equipment doesn’t require a passcode or key to open. Once you locate it, simply interact with it to retrieve your belongings.

Q: What happens if I refuse to give the key to the other prisoner?

If you don’t give the key to the prisoner, you may not receive the information about where your equipment is stored, making it harder to complete the mission efficiently.

Q: Are there enemies inside the building with the blue locker?

No, the building with the blue locker is unguarded. However, the area outside the building is patrolled by enemy soldiers, so proceed with caution.

Q: Can I complete “Escape From The Cage” without completing “Taking Back What’s Mine”?

Technically, yes, but retrieving your gear is vital for successfully completing the main mission. Without your equipment, you’ll face significant challenges, including tougher combat encounters.