Stalker 2 Guide: Should You Give Dmytro Nor the Scanner-M? Full Walkthrough of “The Boundary” Mission

Key Takeaways:

1. Critical Decision: Giving Dmytro Nor the Scanner-M leads to an easier route into Pripyat, while keeping it unlocks a challenging alternate path.
2. Rewards and Consequences: Choosing to give the scanner earns a Pripyat permit and coupons, while keeping it allows you to clear anomalies in dangerous tunnels.
3. Strategic Planning: Align your choice with your preferred gameplay style ease and resources versus a tougher, lore-driven route.

Stalker 2 is packed with morally ambiguous decisions, and “The Boundary” mission is no exception. Your choices here can shape your journey toward Pripyat, determining the risks you take and the rewards you reap. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of this pivotal mission, including the decision of whether to hand over the Scanner-M to Dmytro Nor.

The Boundary Mission in Stalker 2: Overview

This quest is a thrilling combination of exploration, combat, and strategic choices. Your goal is to secure a passage to Pripyat, a critical location filled with end-game loot and story significance. Along the way, you’ll meet key NPCs, fend off deadly threats, and face a crucial moral dilemma.

Step 1: Starting at Yaniv Station

Your journey begins at Yaniv Station, where you meet Dmytro Nor, the station leader, and his deputy, Wreck.

Objectives:

• Convince Nor to let you proceed toward Pripyat.
• Build rapport with Nor by completing tasks for his crew.

How to Proceed:

• Speak to Nor and Wreck. Be honest about your intentions, especially if you name-drop Strelok or Spirit.
• Nor will strike a deal: locate Spirit and retrieve a critical item, the Scanner-M, to earn your passage.

Step 2: Defending Yaniv Station

Just as you finish negotiations, Monolith forces launch an attack on Yaniv Station.

Objectives:

• Defend the station from multiple waves of attackers.

Combat Tips:

• Strategic Positioning: Use cover to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Grenade Usage: Take advantage of grenades for clustered enemies.
• Protect Allies: Keep NPC allies alive they’ll support you in later stages.
• After the battle, loot Monolith soldiers for valuable gear and supplies.

Step 3: Locating Spirit

Your next lead is a stalker named Richter, stationed at the water tower near Yaniv Station.

Objective:

• Find out where Spirit, a key figure in this mission, was last seen.

What to Do:

• Climb the water tower and talk to Richter.
• Richter, though unhelpful and drunk, suggests heading to Lymansk, where Spirit was last spotted.

Step 4: Heading to Lymansk

Lymansk is a treacherous zone crawling with mutants and Monolith patrols.

Objective:

• Find Spirit and gain his trust to acquire the key to the Spark bunker.

Steps:

• Assist local stalkers, led by Sanya Ocheret, in fending off Monolith attacks.
• Speak with Sanya to learn that Spirit is hiding in a bunker.
• Find Spirit, who is injured and hesitant to help at first. Mention Strelok to earn his trust.
• Spirit provides a keycard and coordinates to the Spark bunker, where the Scanner-M is located.

Step 5: Retrieving the Scanner-M

With Spirit’s keycard, infiltrate the Spark bunker to retrieve the Scanner-M.

Objectives:

• Secure the modified scanner while avoiding or eliminating hostile guards.

What to Do:

• Move cautiously through the bunker, using your flashlight sparingly to avoid detection by mutants.
• Use Spirit’s keycard to access the scanner’s location.
• Once you have the scanner, exit the bunker and prepare for the next step.

The Big Decision: Should You Give Nor the Scanner-M?

At this point, you must decide whether to hand over the Scanner-M to Dmytro Nor or keep it for yourself. Both options have significant implications.

Option 1: Give the Scanner-M to Nor

Outcome:

• Receive a Pripyat permit, allowing official and safe entry into Pripyat.
• Earn coupons as a reward (amount depends on difficulty):
  • Rookie: 32,391 Coupons
  • Stalker: 24,000 Coupons
  • Veteran: 18,000 Coupons
• Avoid the dangerous tunnels west of Yaniv Station.

Why Choose This?

• Easier access to Pripyat.
• Immediate rewards.
• Aligns with Nor and potentially the Ward faction.

Option 2: Keep the Scanner-M for Yourself

Outcome:

• Use the Scanner-M to clear anomalies in the tunnels west of Yaniv Station, creating an alternate route into Pripyat.
• Face a more challenging path filled with electric anomalies and hostile forces.
• No coupons or Pripyat permit as a reward.

Why Choose This?

• Greater sense of adventure and challenge.
• Aligns with Spark or those opposed to Nor.
• Adds depth to the game’s story and lore.

Wrapping Up “The Boundary” Mission

Once you’ve made your choice and completed the Scanner-M segment, “The Boundary” mission concludes. With your Pripyat permit in hand (or the tunnels cleared), you’ll proceed to the next chapter of Stalker 2: “The Road to the Foundation.”

FAQ Section

Q1: What’s the easiest way to complete “The Boundary” mission?
The easiest route is to give Dmytro Nor the Scanner-M, as this secures a Pripyat permit and avoids the challenging tunnel route.

Q2: Can you retrieve the Scanner-M after giving it to Nor?
No, once you give the scanner to Nor, it’s permanently gone.

Q3: Is the alternate tunnel route worth exploring?
Yes, if you enjoy a tougher challenge and want to explore every nook of the Zone, the tunnels offer a unique gameplay experience.

Q4: Does your choice affect your reputation with factions?
Yes, siding with Nor aligns you with the Ward, while keeping the scanner may favor Spark or other independent factions.

Q5: What’s the significance of Pripyat in Stalker 2?
Pripyat is a crucial end-game location filled with top-tier gear, important story elements, and high-level challenges.