Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – “Back to Slag Heap” Choices: Who Should You Show The Unusual PDA To?

Key Takeaways:

1. Critical Choices Shape Gameplay: Deciding whether to show the Unusual PDA influences immediate rewards and story progression in “Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.”
2. Faction Interactions Matter: Sharing or withholding information impacts your relationships with the Ward, Spark, and Noontide factions.
3. Rewards and Missions Differ: From weapons and badges to new mission pathways, your decisions lead to varied outcomes, offering replayability and tactical depth.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world where every decision matters. In the quest “Back to Slag Heap,” a seemingly innocuous choice whether to reveal an Unusual PDA has rippling consequences. This guide unpacks how these choices unfold, the rewards they offer, and which path might be the best for your playthrough. Ready to navigate the Zone?

Starting the “Back to Slag Heap” Quest

Before you can tackle the decisions in this quest, you must complete the “Deal with the Devil” mission. Here’s how to set things up:

1. Locate the Unusual PDA:
   Head to the Plant, east of the Slag Heap in Garbage. Inside, open a gray door to find the corpse of The Last One. Investigate the body to collect the Unusual PDA, triggering the “Back to Slag Heap” quest.
2. Meet Diode:
   Exit the Plant and head west to Slag Heap, where Diode contacts you. Upon arrival, you’ll encounter the Ward’s presence, leading to your first interaction with Sgt. Metlov.
3. Prepare for Choices:
   Progress through conversations with Metlov, Diode, and key figures like Col. Korshunov and Dr. Dalin, where the decision-making begins.

The Critical Choice: Show or Hide the Unusual PDA

Option 1: Don’t Show the Unusual PDA

If you withhold the PDA:

• Col. Korshunov grows frustrated and insults Skif.
• Dr. Dalin reveals details about a Scanner and an Artifact that could aid humanity. Skif remains indifferent and exits the room.

Outcome:
This path sets up extra tasks later, including the “Heavy Burden” side mission. While withholding the PDA doesn’t offer immediate rewards, it provides alternative dialogue and story opportunities.

Option 2: Show the Unusual PDA

If you share the PDA:

• Col. Korshunov uses the information to blame Dr. Dalin, escalating tensions between factions.
• Skif learns about Wild Island, the location of the Scanner and the Artifact.

Rewards:

• Ward Badge: This emblem marks Skif as an ally of the Ward, unlocking easier access to restricted areas and additional dialogue options.
• The Combatant Rifle: A reliable weapon early in the game, offering solid firepower and resale value.

Heading to the Sawmill

The quest progresses regardless of your PDA decision. After your meeting, exit the room to find Richter, who directs you to the Sawmill, located southeast of your current position.

At the Sawmill, Skif meets Scar, another key figure tied to the Spark faction. This encounter mirrors your earlier choice:

Option 1: Don’t Show the PDA to Scar

Scar expresses distrust, potentially limiting your rapport with Spark.

Option 2: Show the PDA to Scar

Scar appreciates your transparency, ending the quest amicably and starting the next mission.

Outcome:
Both choices lead to the same story path, so the decision here is less impactful than earlier ones.

Pros and Cons of Each Choice

Showing the PDA to Korshunov

Pros:

• Gain the Ward Badge, which simplifies future missions and conflict resolution.
• Immediate rewards like the Combatant Rifle.
• Faster progression to the next main quest, “Hot on the Trail.”

Cons:

• Draws ire from Spark faction members Scar and Star.

Withholding the PDA from Korshunov

Pros:

• Alternate storylines through the “Heavy Burden” side mission.
• Greater narrative depth by maintaining neutrality between factions.

Cons:

• No immediate rewards like the Ward Badge or Combatant Rifle.
• Requires extra steps before progressing to the main quest.

Faction Dynamics

The Ward (Korshunov’s Group)

• Aligning with Korshunov by showing the PDA strengthens your relationship with this authoritarian faction.
• Rewards include the Ward Badge, helpful for bypassing restricted areas and avoiding unnecessary battles.

Spark (Scar & Star)

• Spark values knowledge and innovation. Sharing the PDA with them keeps them as allies.
• However, they may show hostility if they learn you sided with Korshunov first.

Noontide (Strider’s Faction)

• Interactions with Strider are less flexible, as the PDA must be shown to progress the main quest.

The Best Choice

For a streamlined experience and maximum rewards, show the Unusual PDA to Korshunov. The Ward Badge simplifies gameplay by granting access to restricted areas, while the Combatant Rifle boosts your arsenal early on. Despite potential friction with Spark, there are no lasting consequences, allowing you to maintain relationships with all factions.

If you prefer narrative depth and a neutral stance, consider withholding the PDA to explore the “Heavy Burden” side mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does showing the PDA to Korshunov lock you into supporting the Ward?
No. While you gain the Ward Badge, you can still work with other factions like Spark and Noontide later.

Q2: Is the Combatant Rifle worth it?
Yes, it’s a strong early-game weapon. However, it becomes obsolete as you find better gear.

Q3: What’s the benefit of the “Heavy Burden” side mission?
It offers an extra 1,350 credits and deeper insights into Noontide’s objectives.

Q4: Can I replay the quest to see alternate outcomes?
Yes, the game’s structure encourages replayability to explore different paths and outcomes.