Stalker 2 “In The Name Of Science” Walkthrough: Kill or Let Shcherba Go
Key Takeaways:
- The “In the Name of Science” mission in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a thrilling side quest that involves locating four electronic collars, destroying a jamming device, and confronting betrayal.
- The collars are scattered across Malachite, Red Forest, Wild Island, and Zaton, with each requiring combat or negotiation to retrieve.
- The mission concludes with a dramatic showdown in Shcherba’s lab, where players can decide his fate after battling his mutant creations.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is not just a game; it’s an immersive survival experience. This first-person shooter plunges you into the eerie and radioactive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where danger lurks around every corner. Among the many side quests, “In the Name of Science” stands out for its engaging narrative, challenging combat, and moral choices. In this detailed walkthrough, we’ll break down every step of the quest so you can navigate it like a seasoned Stalker.
Getting Started: How to Initiate “In The Name Of Science”
To begin the “In the Name of Science” mission, you’ll need to head to the Chemical Plant region, which is located near the center of the map. Specifically, make your way to the Roofed Warehouse in the northern part of the area. Here, you’ll encounter Doctorant Shcherba, a character who kickstarts the quest.
Shcherba explains his need for assistance: collecting four electronic collars scattered across various regions in the Exclusion Zone. These collars, essential to his scientific research, are located in Malachite, Wild Island, Zaton, and the Red Forest. Your mission is to retrieve these collars and return them to him. Sounds straightforward? Think again each collar retrieval presents its own unique challenges.
Locating the Electronic Collars
1. Malachite Region: The Brain Scorcher
Your first destination is the Malachite region, where the collar is located inside the ominously named Brain Scorcher. Be prepared for a fight, as the collar is in the hands of a group of heavily armed soldiers.
You have two options here:
- Negotiate: Offer to purchase the collar from the soldiers.
- Attack: Engage in combat to eliminate the soldiers and take the collar by force.
Choose your approach based on your supplies and playstyle. If you’re low on ammo or medkits, consider negotiating.
2. Red Forest: The Containers Area
Next, travel to the western part of the Red Forest, where the second collar is hidden in the Containers area. Here, you’ll encounter a ferocious mutant guarding the collar.
To retrieve the collar:
- Defeat the mutant in combat.
- Search its body to claim the collar.
The Red Forest is notoriously dangerous, so watch out for additional anomalies and hostile creatures in the vicinity.
3. Wild Island: The Boathouse
The third collar can be found in the Wild Island region, specifically at the Boathouse. Similar to the Red Forest, you’ll face another mutant protecting the collar.
- Eliminate the mutant to secure the item.
- Be prepared for surprise attacks, as the Wild Island region is teeming with hidden dangers.
4. Zaton Region: The Hydrodynamics Lab
Finally, head to the Zaton region, where the last collar awaits inside the Hydrodynamics Lab. This time, you’ll face yet another mutant, but the environment adds an extra layer of complexity. The lab is filled with hazards, so tread carefully.
Once you defeat the mutant, collect the fourth collar and prepare to return to Shcherba.
The Twist: Destroying the Jamming Device
After successfully retrieving all four collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse. He’ll examine the collars and reveal a problem: their signals are being jammed. To fix this, he’ll send you coordinates for the location of the jamming device, which you must destroy.
How to Destroy the Jamming Device
- Travel to the marked location.
- Fight your way through any enemies or obstacles guarding the device.
- Use explosives or your weapons to destroy the jamming equipment.
With the device out of commission, the collars’ signals are restored. At this point, Shcherba will promise to contact you soon with your reward.
Betrayal at the Lab: The Final Confrontation
After waiting for Shcherba’s message, you’ll receive coordinates directing you to his lab. Excited for your reward, you arrive, only to discover that Shcherba has been using you for his twisted experiments. His plan? To create his version of Faust, a horrifying mutant, using the data collected from the collars.
Escaping Shcherba’s Trap
Professor Dvupalov, an ally in the lab, offers you a way out. He gives you vodka to counteract the effects of the gas released in the room. Drink it immediately to avoid passing out, then prepare for the next stage.
Defeating the Mutants
Shcherba unleashes his mutant creations on you. Survive the onslaught by using your best weapons and taking advantage of the environment for cover. Once the mutants are defeated, it’s time to confront Shcherba.
The Choice: Kill or Let Shcherba Go
At this point, you’ll have a critical decision to make:
- Kill Shcherba: Take revenge for his betrayal and ensure he cannot conduct further experiments.
- Let Shcherba Go: Spare his life, allowing him to live with the consequences of his actions.
Completing the Mission
After resolving the situation with Shcherba, speak with Professor Dvupalov, who provides some closure to the mission. Exit the lab, and the “In the Name of Science” mission is officially complete.
Tips for Success
- Stock Up: Before starting the quest, ensure you’re well-equipped with weapons, ammo, medkits, and anti-radiation drugs.
- Explore Thoroughly: Each region is full of hidden loot and anomalies. Take your time to gather resources.
- Save Frequently: The Exclusion Zone is unpredictable. Save your progress often to avoid losing hard-earned progress.
- Combat Strategy: Use cover and aim for headshots during combat encounters. Mutants and human enemies can overwhelm you if you’re not careful.
FAQs
Q: Can you avoid fighting the soldiers in the Malachite region?
A: Yes, you can negotiate with the soldiers and purchase the collar instead of engaging in combat.
Q: What happens if you let Shcherba go?
A: If you spare Shcherba, he disappears from the game, and his ultimate fate is left ambiguous. However, it has no significant impact on the story.
Q: Are there alternate endings to the mission?
A: The main variation comes from your choice to kill or spare Shcherba. Otherwise, the mission outcome is the same.
Q: What’s the best weapon for fighting mutants?
A: Shotguns and high-damage rifles are particularly effective against mutants, especially at close range.
