Assault on the Duga: Complete Walkthrough for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Key Takeaways
- Faction-Driven Choices: The mission’s objectives vary significantly based on whether you align with the Spark or Ward faction, influencing your tactics and challenges.
- Critical Mission Steps: Both paths involve engaging Monolith forces, managing PSI interference, and strategic retreats.
- Strategic Rewards: Successfully completing the mission paves the way for subsequent quests and establishes faction dominance.
Overview of “Assault on the Duga”
“Assault on the Duga” is a pivotal main mission in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, offering faction-specific objectives for either the Spark or Ward factions. While the ultimate goal remains neutralizing Monolith forces and retreating from the dangerous Duga radar facility, the tactics and storyline progression differ significantly depending on your allegiance. This walkthrough provides a comprehensive guide to completing the mission, ensuring you achieve victory and move seamlessly to the next quest.
Quest Objectives
Depending on your faction choice, you’ll face unique objectives during this mission. Below are the primary tasks broken down by faction:
Spark Faction Objectives
- Meet up with the Spark Squad.
- Capture and reconnect the Comm Center.
- Enter the Monolith HQ.
- Kill the Monolith Leader and Faust.
- Retreat safely from the Duga.
- Meet up with Senkevych’s group.
Ward Faction Objectives
- Advance with the Ward Squad through the checkpoint.
- Destroy the portable PSI installation.
- Secure the checkpoint and hold your position.
- Retreat safely from the Duga.
Spark Faction Walkthrough
1. Meet Up with the Spark Squad
Head to the southwest of the Promin CMD Factory, where you’ll find a hidden hatch in the forest leading to an underground bunker. Descend into the bunker to meet Scar, the mission leader, and strategize the assault.
2. Capture the Comm Center
Join the Spark soldiers, identified by their green uniforms, and eliminate all Monolith forces guarding the Comm Center. Loot fallen enemies for essential supplies like ammo and health kits.
3. Reconnect the Comm Center
Locate the large computer in the Comm Center and pull the red lever to restore the communication systems. This will help coordinate further operations against Monolith forces.
4. Infiltrate the Monolith HQ
Follow the mission marker to the Monolith HQ. Inside, you’ll face heavily armed enemies and a PSI Emitter causing disorientation. Focus on neutralizing these threats to proceed.
5. Kill the Monolith Leader
The Monolith Leader hides near the scaffolding below the PSI Emitter. Note that he won’t appear on your compass, requiring sharp observation. Eliminate him to trigger the next sequence.
6. Confront Faust
Enter the room with a red-handled door upstairs to encounter Faust. A cutscene will disorient your vision, signalling Faust’s appearance. After regaining control, retreat to recover health, then defeat Faust and his forces.
7. Retreat from the Duga
Once Faust is eliminated, your mission changes to survival. Escape the Duga radar facility while neutralizing any pursuing enemies.
8. Meet Up with Senkevych’s Group
Travel to the Watchpost east of the Duga facility to meet Captain Senkevych. After a brief conversation, this concludes the mission and leads into the next quest, A Minor Incident.
Ward Faction Walkthrough
1. Advance Through the Checkpoint
Join the Ward soldiers as they push through Monolith resistance near the checkpoint. Focus on assisting your squad in clearing the area of enemies.
2. Destroy the Portable PSI Installation
Locate the portable PSI installation on the second floor of the red brick building near the checkpoint. Destroy it to disable Monolith’s disorienting PSI interference.
3. Secure the Checkpoint
Eliminate the remaining Monolith forces within the checkpoint area. Ensure the zone is clear before reinforcements arrive.
4. Hold Position and Wait for Reinforcements
Prepare for waves of Monolith attackers. Defend your position until the Ward faction reinforcements secure the area.
5. Retreat from the Duga
Once reinforcements arrive, safely retreat from the Duga radar facility. Avoid the Watchpost, as it is likely overrun by Monolith forces, to prevent unnecessary skirmishes.
Rewards for Completing “Assault on the Duga”
Successfully completing this mission rewards you with:
- Progression to the next main quest (A Minor Incident).
- Valuable loot from defeated Monolith soldiers.
- Enhanced faction reputation, unlocking future quests and support.
Tips and Strategies
- Optimize Resources: Loot fallen enemies thoroughly to stock up on ammo, consumables, and grenades. These will be crucial for survival during extended skirmishes.
- Manage PSI Effects: When encountering the PSI Emitter, take cover or retreat to recover from disorientation effects.
- Enemy Awareness: The Monolith Leader and Faust are not marked on your compass. Use visual cues and maintain vigilance in their respective areas.
- Coordinate with Your Faction: Work closely with your faction squad. They provide cover fire and support during intense engagements.
FAQ
1. Can I switch factions during the mission?
No, your faction choice is determined earlier in the storyline and cannot be changed mid-mission.
2. What happens if I fail the mission?
Failing to complete an objective will usually result in a checkpoint reload. Ensure you manage resources and health to avoid critical failures.
3. Are there additional rewards for choosing the Spark faction over Ward?
Both factions offer unique experiences, but the Spark faction has more objectives, potentially leading to better loot and progression opportunities.
4. How do I avoid the Watchpost during the retreat?
Follow the mission markers carefully and use alternate routes to bypass the Watchpost. Stick to areas with fewer Monolith patrols.
5. Is it possible to avoid combat entirely?
While some stealth elements may help, most objectives require active combat, especially in securing key locations and defeating specific enemies.
