Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Complete Guide to Behind Seven Seals and Escaping the Sphere

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Choices Matter: The decisions you make during the Behind Seven Seals mission will shape your playthrough and lead to one of Stalker 2’s four potential endings.
2. Stealth or Combat: Whether you choose to infiltrate the Sphere stealthily or go in guns blazing will determine your success in this challenging mission.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected: The Zone is filled with mutants, radiation, and deadly anomalies. Stock up on anti-radiation supplies, ammunition, and healing items before venturing into dangerous areas like the Ribs or the Sphere.

The Behind Seven Seals mission in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a pivotal part of your journey through the Zone. It’s packed with dangerous mutants, fierce firefights, and critical decisions that can shape your story. This guide will walk you through every twist and turn, ensuring you don’t miss a step as you track down Solder, the elusive technician who holds key information about your stolen Scanner.

Starting the Mission: Behind Seven Seals

To kick off the mission, you’ll need to gather intel on Solder, the person responsible for setting you up during the earlier mission There and Back Again. Your journey begins in Zalissya, where you must decide between two key informants:

1. Captain Zotov – Represents the militaristic Ward faction.
2. Gaffer – A respected elder of the stalkers in Zalissya.

This choice will affect not only your approach to this mission but also the trajectory of your story later in the game. Here’s how to proceed with each option:

Speaking to Captain Zotov

To side with the Ward, you’ll need to obtain the Ward Sensors from Squint and deliver them to Zotov. Doing so puts you on good terms with the Ward but distances you from the stalkers.

Choosing Gaffer

If you prefer the stalker path, you’ll need to activate the ARMS Antenna for Gaffer, allowing him to locate Squint. Once completed, Gaffer and Richter will offer critical information to help you locate Solder.

Preparing for the Sphere: Choose Your Path Wisely

Once you’ve gathered intel on Solder, you’ll learn that he’s hiding inside the Sphere, a massive military compound heavily guarded by IPSF soldiers. At this point, you have two options:

1. Direct Assault – Storm the Sphere’s gates and engage in intense firefights.
2. Stealth Infiltration – Use a secret tunnel and bypass most guards.

If you’re up for a challenge, the direct approach can be thrilling, but stealth provides a safer and quieter way to get inside.

The Stealthy Approach: Entering the Sphere

Step 1: Visit the Ribs

Before infiltrating the Sphere, Richter advises you to head to an area called the Ribs, located southeast of Zalissya. This dangerous bunker is crawling with radiation, mutants, and anomalies. Use your Echo Detector and Bolts to navigate the hazards safely.

While exploring, keep an eye out for:

• Anti-Radiation Drugs and Bandages – Found on shelves and bodies.
• The Ribs Artifact – A rare find near the entrance.
• A powerful cloaked mutant – Shoot where the air shimmers to defeat this psychic predator.

At the end of the bunker, you’ll discover a soldier’s PDA with the Sphere’s access code: 2765. Use this to unlock a hidden sewer entrance into the Sphere.

Step 2: Infiltrating via the Sewers

Head to the Sphere’s northern side and look for the tunnel entrance. Use the code 2765 to access the door and proceed through the sewers. Be prepared for:

• Mutant Rats – Fast and agile, these creatures can cause Bleed damage with a single bite.
• Radioactive Sludge – Avoid the glowing puddles to prevent damage.

Progress through the tunnels until you reach a broken catwalk. Look for loot in the room to the right, then continue left to advance further into the Sphere.

The Direct Approach: Storming the Sphere

If you choose to go in guns blazing, follow these steps:

1. Approach from the Right
   Circle the Sphere’s outer wall to the right and locate a partially destroyed metal walkway. Climb the stairs, leap across the gaps, and enter through the first gate.
2. Neutralize the Guards
   Outside the Sphere’s main entrance, you’ll encounter three guards. Take them down quickly and prepare for reinforcements. A lone guard will approach from behind, so stay alert.
3. Push Inside
   Once inside, search the rooms on the first level for supplies before descending into the basement.

Navigating the Sphere: Finding Solder

Step 1: Deal with Guards in the Basement

As you descend deeper into the Sphere, you’ll encounter numerous guards. Use cover effectively and take them out as they appear. Be thorough in looting their bodies for ammo, healing supplies, and food.

Step 2: Confront Solder

Eventually, you’ll trigger a cutscene with Solder. Here, you’re faced with a critical choice:

• Kill Solder – Loot his PDA for a message revealing details about Nestor, the next person to track down.
• Knock Solder Out – A more merciful option that may have consequences later in the story.

After the confrontation, prepare for another wave of guards storming into Solder’s room. Use the room’s layout to your advantage to fend them off.

Escaping the Sphere

The escape is as thrilling as the infiltration. Follow these steps to make it out alive:

1. Loot the OZK Explorer’s Suit
   Before leaving Solder’s room, grab the suit from the cart outside. It offers better protection than most early-game gear.
2. Climb to the Catwalk
   After dispatching a group of guards, climb a ladder to a catwalk where you’ll encounter a pack of Rats. Keep your distance and take them out quickly.
3. Navigate the Sewers
   Drop into the sewers and follow the path until you reach the Sphere’s exit. Along the way, watch for anomalies and loot hidden stashes for valuable items like an Extended Magazine.

Completing Behind Seven Seals

Once you’ve escaped the Sphere, head to the Northern Checkpoint to leave the Lesser Zone. To unlock the gate, you’ll need the Northern Checkpoint Key, which can be obtained from Gaffer after completing the mission A Race Against Death.

Your meeting with Solder revealed your next target: Nestor, who manages the Scanner operation. With this new lead, your journey continues into the treacherous northern territories of the Zone.

FAQs

Q: Should I side with Captain Zotov or Gaffer?
A: Both choices have pros and cons. Siding with Zotov aligns you with the Ward, granting military support, while choosing Gaffer strengthens your bond with the stalkers, opening different story paths.

Q: Is it better to kill or spare Solder?
A: The choice doesn’t immediately affect the story but may have repercussions later. Sparing Solder might lead to future benefits, while killing him provides a PDA with valuable intel.

Q: How can I prepare for the Sphere?
A: Stock up on ammo, anti-radiation items, and healing supplies. If possible, upgrade your weapons and armor before entering.

Q: What’s the best way to deal with Rats?
A: Create distance and use a fast-firing weapon. Avoid letting them get too close, as they can cause Bleed damage.

Q: What happens after Behind Seven Seals?
A: The next mission, Answers Come at a Price, takes you deeper into the Zone to track down Nestor, the next link in your quest for the stolen Scanner.