STALKER 2: Richter or Zotov? A Guide to Choosing Your Path in Heart of Chornobyl

Key Takeaways:

1. Richter’s route offers a smoother entry into The Sphere, saving Skif from a tougher infiltration.
2. Zotov’s path lets you explore additional areas, providing richer lore and side quests.
3. Your choice reflects your playstyle: ease and morality with Richter or a challenge and practicality with Zotov.

One of the first significant choices in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl challenges players to decide between two factions: Richter’s group of independent Stalkers in Zalissya and Zotov’s authoritarian Ward. This decision, while not game-breaking, influences your journey through the Zone and offers unique insights into its dangerous dynamics.

In this guide, we’ll explore what happens when you give the Ward Sensors to either Richter or Zotov, their motivations, and the pros and cons of each choice.

The Setup: Choosing Between Two Factions

As Skif, the protagonist of STALKER 2, your primary goal is to locate Solder, a man tied to your betrayal. To find him, you’ll need to retrieve stolen Ward Sensors from a Zalissya civilian, Squint. Once you recover the sensors, you’ll face a critical decision: hand them over to Richter or Zotov.

• Richter: Represents the independent Stalkers, fighting for freedom against the Ward’s control.
• Zotov: Leader of the Ward in Zalissya, aiming to secure the Zone for their authoritarian regime.

Your decision sets the tone for how the subsequent missions unfold.

What Happens If You Choose Richter?

Mission Progression

After retrieving the Ward Sensors, returning them to Richter leads to the following outcomes:

1. Sneaky Entry into The Sphere:
   Richter provides you with a code to access a tunnel leading into The Sphere. The tunnel is riddled with acid anomalies, requiring careful navigation but avoiding heavily armed IPSF soldiers stationed outside.
2. A Trustworthy Ally:
   Richter, a consistent ally throughout the game, shows genuine care for Skif, offering better monetary rewards (2,024 coupons) and moral support.
3. Lore Insights:
   Richter reveals Solder’s connection to the International Perimeter Security Force (IPSF), adding depth to the unfolding story. He also guides you towards meeting Nestor, the next key figure in your quest.

Pros of Choosing Richter

• Easier Entry into The Sphere: Avoid a high-risk infiltration by bypassing the heavily guarded front gate.
• Better Rewards: Receive more currency for your efforts.
• Moral High Ground: Supporting Richter aligns with the independent Stalkers’ fight for freedom against authoritarian forces.
• Improved Trust Later: If you side with Richter, Scar, leader of the Spark faction, trusts you more during critical negotiations later in the story.

Cons of Choosing Richter

• Limited exploration of certain areas (e.g., the Chemical Plant region).

What Happens If You Choose Zotov?

Mission Progression

Choosing Zotov as your ally leads to a similar end goal, but the journey takes a different shape:

1. Front Gate Access to The Sphere:
   Zotov provides a contact within the IPSF, allowing you to enter The Sphere through the side gate. This path is riskier, as it involves sneaking through a heavily guarded area.
2. Direct Orders:
   Zotov’s guidance is more practical and military-like, reflecting the Ward’s structured approach. He points you towards Colonel Korshunov, leader of the Ward, at the Chemical Plant.
3. Exploration Opportunities:
   Following Zotov opens up additional areas, including the Chemical Plant and Pontoon Bridge Checkpoint, before converging back with the main quest.

Pros of Choosing Zotov

• Additional Map Regions: Explore new locations like the Chemical Plant, gaining more lore and challenges.
• Tactical Choices: Players seeking a more challenging route will enjoy the stealth and combat opportunities.
• IPSF Connection: Zotov’s contacts offer a smoother negotiation with IPSF forces.

Cons of Choosing Zotov

• Riskier Entry into The Sphere: The front gate approach is perilous, with heavily armed guards patrolling high vantage points. A single mistake could lead to instant death.
• Lower Rewards: Zotov’s monetary reward is less generous than Richter’s.
• Morality in Question: Supporting the Ward may feel like aligning with an oppressive regime.

Comparing Richter vs. Zotov

Which Should You Choose?

Go with Richter if:

• You prefer a morally sound choice.
• You value better rewards and easier stealth missions.
• You align with the ideals of independence and anti-authoritarianism.

Choose Zotov if:

• You want a more challenging and combat-focused gameplay experience.
• You’re eager to explore additional map areas early.
• You appreciate the strategic approach of the Ward.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your playstyle and personal alignment. Neither path drastically alters the main story, but they provide distinct experiences and insights into the Zone’s intricate power struggles.

FAQ

1. Does this decision impact the main story significantly?

No, the main quest converges after a few missions, regardless of your choice. However, the factions you side with offer unique missions and lore.

2. Can I switch allegiances later?

Not directly. Your choice locks in the immediate storyline path, but subsequent decisions allow you to interact with both factions.

3. Which path is better for beginners?

Richter’s path is recommended for newer players due to its simpler stealth mechanics and higher rewards.

4. Do rewards differ significantly between the two?

Yes, Richter provides better monetary compensation (2,024 coupons) compared to Zotov.

5. Is one route longer than the other?

Not significantly. Both paths offer unique missions but eventually converge into the main storyline.

The choice between Richter and Zotov in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl serves as an early test of your playstyle and values. Whether you align with freedom fighters or embrace the militaristic order of the Ward, your decision will shape your initial experience and add depth to your journey through the Zone. Choose wisely, Stalker.