Stalker 2 Deceive The Deceiver Walkthrough -Should You Kill Or Spare Zakhar

Key Takeaways:

1. Trust is a commodity in the Zone: The A Big Score and Deceive the Deceiver quests in Stalker 2 emphasize the treacherous relationships and betrayals in the post-apocalyptic world.
2. Plan your revenge wisely: You can double your rewards by playing along with Zakhar before taking him down.
3. Choices define outcomes: These quests offer multiple pathways, allowing players to choose vengeance, mercy, or maximized profit.

Navigating the Zone in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a constant game of trust and betrayal, and nowhere is this dynamic more evident than in the Garbage region. Here, players encounter two intertwined side quests: A Big Score and Deceive the Deceiver. These missions throw you into a web of deception, where you must outsmart a scheming bandit leader, Zakhar Babay, and decide how far you’ll go to settle the score. In this guide, we’ll break down every step of these quests, the decisions you’ll face, and how to make the most out of your choices.

How to Begin A Big Score: Zakhar Babay’s Sinister Proposal

To start the journey, head to the Slag Heap in the Garbage region. There, you’ll find Zakhar Babay, a bandit with a reputation for luring unsuspecting stalkers into traps. He’s stationed across from the trader Huron’s room, pitching a seemingly simple job: help him collect some debt money, and he’ll split the earnings 50/50.

Sounds easy, right? Well, nothing in the Zone ever is.

Prerequisites for A Big Score

Before Zakhar offers you the mission, you may need to complete a few other side quests in the Slag Heap. Make sure to explore the area and help other NPCs if this mission isn’t immediately available.

Once Zakhar hands you the job, your objective will be to travel to the Car Park and meet his “crew.” However, this is where the situation spirals out of control.

Surviving Zakhar’s Betrayal at the Car Park

When you arrive at the Car Park, it won’t take long to realize Zakhar’s so-called job is a setup. His thugs ambush you, regardless of the dialogue options you choose. A firefight ensues, and survival becomes your top priority.

Pro Tips for Combat:

• Use cover strategically and take out the enemies quickly.
• Loot the bodies for ammunition, weapons, and useful items.

Once the dust settles, you’ll hear someone calling for help from behind a white-and-blue-striped bus. Follow the voice to find Akopyan, a badly injured stalker who has been similarly betrayed by Zakhar. Patch him up with a bandage, and he’ll explain Zakhar’s treachery, laying the groundwork for the Deceive the Deceiver quest.

How to Start Deceive the Deceiver: Revenge Begins

Akopyan’s plan is simple: take down Zakhar once and for all. However, he can’t risk approaching Zakhar himself without blowing their cover, so the responsibility falls on you. In return, Akopyan promises a reward if you succeed.

Step 1: Frame Akopyan’s Escape

To lure Zakhar out of the Slag Heap, you’ll need to make it look like Akopyan orchestrated the attack on Zakhar’s men. Start by looting the body of Sashko Cheery, one of the thugs you killed earlier at the Car Park. Pick up his weapon, the Spitter, and use it as evidence to sell the story.

Step 2: Confront Zakhar

Return to Zakhar at the Slag Heap and use the dialogue option “Akopyan says hi” to rattle him. This will convince Zakhar that Akopyan is gunning for him. Spooked, Zakhar will ask you to escort him to his stash near the red containers on the outskirts of the Slag Heap.

Should You Kill or Spare Zakhar? The Choices That Shape the Outcome

At this point, Zakhar’s fate lies in your hands. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Option 1: Kill Zakhar Immediately

• As soon as Zakhar leaves the Slag Heap, you can eliminate him on the spot.
• Return to Akopyan to claim your reward and complete the quest.
• While quick and satisfying, this option forfeits Zakhar’s stash and additional rewards.

Option 2: Play Along and Maximize Rewards

• Escort Zakhar to his stash and let him retrieve its contents. He’ll reward you with 2,500 coupons for your help.
• Shortly after, Zakhar will lead you to his crew. Once you’ve pocketed the payment, take out Zakhar and his bandits.
• Loot Zakhar’s body to claim a pristine AKM-74s with 100% durability, along with his stash rewards.
• Return to Akopyan to receive an additional 2,500 coupons, effectively doubling your profit.

Pro Tip:

If you choose to play along, act quickly after receiving Zakhar’s payment. Leaving the area or waiting too long may result in the quest failing.

The Aftermath: Returning to Akopyan

Once Zakhar is eliminated, head back to the Slag Heap and find Akopyan near the trader Huron’s quarters. Inform him of Zakhar’s demise, and he’ll reward you with even more coupons for your efforts. This marks the completion of the Deceive the Deceiver quest.

Key Rewards for Completing the Quests

By carefully navigating these quests, you can maximize your rewards:

• Coupons: Up to 5,000 coupons if you play along with Zakhar before taking him out.
• Weapons: A pristine AKM-74s with perfect durability, and the Spitter weapon.
• Additional Loot: Zakhar’s stash contains valuable items to bolster your inventory.

FAQs

Q: Can you avoid the ambush during A Big Score?
A: No, the ambush is scripted, and Zakhar’s thugs will attack you regardless of your dialogue choices.

Q: What happens if you spare Zakhar?
A: Sparing Zakhar after retrieving his stash forfeits Akopyan’s reward and leaves a loose end in the Zone.

Q: Is it worth playing along with Zakhar before killing him?
A: Yes, playing along nets you double the rewards, including an extra 2,500 coupons and valuable gear.

Q: What should I do if I run out of bandages before rescuing Akopyan?
A: Make sure to loot enemy bodies during the firefight or stock up on supplies at the trader before starting the quest.