Lex the Legend in STALKER 2: How to Avoid Bugs in the Lex Quest

Tarun2 weeks ago

Key Takeaways

Lex the Legend is a scammer in STALKER 2 who sends players to an empty stash with a mocking letter.
Players can encounter him again in the Swamp area if they wish to confront him, leading to potential rewards and story progression.
The quest is prone to bugs, but avoiding premature stash looting or saving at strategic points can help mitigate crashes.

The Zone in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a treacherous, unrelenting wilderness filled with dangers ranging from mutants to deadly anomalies. But sometimes, the deadliest danger isn’t the radioactive anomalies or packs of feral creatures it’s other stalkers. And in the Garbage Region, players will come across one of the most infamous scammers in the game: Lex the Legend.

Lex is a crafty character who tricks players into traveling to an empty stash with promises of legendary loot. But instead of riches, all you’ll find is a bag with a letter mocking you and a rifle that barely compensates for the journey. Intriguing? Frustrating? Absolutely. Let’s delve deeper into this cunning character, his deceptive tactics, and how you can outsmart him or at least get some satisfaction out of your revenge.

Who Is Lex the Legend?

Lex the Legend is one of the many colourful and morally ambiguous characters scattered throughout the radioactive wasteland of STALKER 2. You’ll encounter him in the Garbage Region, where he presents himself as a helpful but shifty fellow offering the location of a legendary stash. Lex thrives on exploiting naive or greedy stalkers by sending them on a wild goose chase.

But what’s his endgame? Many players speculate that Lex operates as a self-serving scavenger, luring rookies or careless adventurers to their deaths so he can pillage their belongings later. Others view him as a harmless trickster who enjoys pulling fast ones on gullible stalkers. Regardless of his motives, Lex’s quest leaves a lasting impression on players whether it’s frustration, amusement, or a mix of both.

How Lex’s Scam Unfolds

Step 1: Meeting Lex in the Garbage Region

When you encounter Lex in the Garbage Region often near the Flea Market he’ll offer to share the location of a “legendary stash.” This stash is hyped up as containing rare loot, which is enough to tempt even seasoned stalkers. Once you agree, he provides coordinates for the stash and sends you on your way.

However, a sharp player might notice Lex’s dubious demeanour. From his vague promises to his suspicious location near the Flea Market (a known hotspot for shady dealings), the warning signs are there.

Step 2: Following the Coordinates

When you travel to the stash’s location, you’ll find a bag containing two items:

A mocking letter: This note is Lex’s way of gloating over his scam, poking fun at you for falling for his trap.
A rifle: While it’s not a legendary item, the rifle is at least some consolation prize though not nearly enough to make up for the wasted effort.

Players often feel duped at this stage, realizing they’ve been played. But the story doesn’t end here.

Step 3: Confronting Lex

After discovering the empty stash, your first instinct might be to return to Lex and give him a piece of your mind or maybe just your shotgun shells. However, when you return to his original location, you’ll find that Lex has vanished.

So, where is he? To confront him again, you’ll need to head to the Swamp area. Here, you’ll encounter him once more, and this time, you’ll have the option to take revenge, interrogate him, or leave him be. Players who choose to kill him report receiving his Fora assault rifle and a PDA containing details of his scams.

How to Avoid Bugs in the Lex Quest

Like many complex games, STALKER 2 isn’t without its quirks and bugs and Lex’s quest is no exception. Players have reported crashes and glitches tied to this side mission. Here’s how to avoid them:

Don’t loot the stash before meeting Lex: If you find the stash and loot it before speaking to him, the game may crash when you talk to him later.
Wait before traveling to the coordinates: Let Lex provide the quest and coordinates properly before heading to the stash location. Rushing ahead can trigger issues.
Save frequently: This quest is prone to crashing, especially if you try to revisit the stash after completing it. Save your game before embarking on Lex’s wild goose chase.

By following these tips, you can avoid unnecessary frustration and enjoy the quest as intended.

Is Killing Lex the Best Option?

Many players debate whether to kill Lex or spare him. Here’s a breakdown of the outcomes:

Killing Lex

Rewards: If you kill Lex, you’ll receive his Fora assault rifle and a PDA that sheds light on his numerous scams.
Satisfaction: For those who feel betrayed or annoyed by his antics, killing him offers some catharsis.
Potential Impact: Some players have speculated that killing Lex may have consequences later in the game, such as affecting how other stalkers perceive you.

Sparing Lex

Second Encounter: If you spare Lex in the Garbage Region, you’ll encounter him again in the Swamps, where you’ll have the option to confront him more fully.
Additional Dialogue: Sparing Lex may unlock more lore or quests tied to his character.
Moral Dilemma: By letting him live, you might feel like you’re giving him another chance or leaving him free to scam other unsuspecting stalkers.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your playstyle and how you want your story in the Zone to unfold.

Lex the Legend and Hidden Lore

Some players have uncovered intriguing connections between Lex and other characters or events in the game. For example:

The PDA: Lex’s PDA, acquired after killing him, hints that he may have been working with other shady figures like Varan or preying on rookies near bandit territories.
The Swamp Camp: His camp in the Swamps suggests he’s more than just a wandering scammer there’s a method to his madness, and he might be part of a larger network of con artists in the Zone.

For players invested in the lore of STALKER 2, these details add depth to Lex’s character and raise questions about how far his schemes go.

FAQs About Lex the Legend in STALKER 2

1. Can you avoid being scammed by Lex the Legend?
No, you can’t avoid the scam if you take his quest. However, you can choose to confront or kill him afterward for some compensation.

2. What happens if you loot the stash before meeting Lex?
Looting the stash prematurely may cause the game to crash when you talk to Lex. Always meet him first and let him give you the coordinates.

3. Does Lex reappear later in the game?
Yes, Lex can be found in the Swamp area after the initial encounter in the Garbage Region. Here, you can confront or kill him for additional rewards.

4. What should you do if the game crashes during the quest?
Save your progress frequently, especially before visiting the stash. Avoid revisiting the stash location after looting it, as this is a common trigger for crashes.

5. Is there any benefit to sparing Lex?
Sparing Lex allows you to encounter him again later and potentially access more dialogue, lore, or quests tied to his character.