STALKER 2: Should You Show the Unusual PDA or Keep It? All Choices Explained

Key Takeaways:

1. Showing the Unusual PDA to Colonel Korshunov rewards you with exclusive items and simplifies mission progression.
2. Keeping the PDA hidden impacts faction dynamics and requires completing additional side missions.
3. Your decision doesn’t significantly alter the overall storyline but influences gameplay rewards and challenges.

Decoding the Unusual PDA in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

In STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, PDAs often serve as narrative tools, helping to unravel the complex storylines that define the game’s post-apocalyptic setting. However, occasionally, a PDA becomes a pivotal in-game item, like the Unusual PDA discovered during the “Deal with the Devil” main mission. This mysterious device surfaces after players eliminate Varan and his gang and search his hideout, finding it among the bodies of his captives.

What makes this PDA so intriguing is its role in an upcoming critical decision. The choice of whether to show the PDA or keep it hidden influences how the next stages of the game unfold. Let’s break down the options, rewards, and consequences of this choice, so you can determine the best path for your journey through the Zone.

The Unusual PDA: To Show or Not to Show?

After obtaining the Unusual PDA, the main questline continues with a new objective, “Back to Slag Heap.” Upon returning to the Slag Heap, you’ll find that the Ward faction has taken control of the base. This is where you encounter Colonel Korshunov, leader of the Ward, and Dr. Darlin, head of SIRCAA. During a tense conversation between your character, Skif, Korshunov, and Darlin, you’ll face a choice:

• Show the Unusual PDA to Korshunov and Darlin.
• Keep the PDA hidden.

Each option leads to different story developments, gameplay rewards, and mission structures. Here’s how it all plays out.

What Happens If You Show the PDA?

Opting to show the Unusual PDA to Colonel Korshunov and Dr. Darlin triggers a unique sequence of events. Here’s what you gain:

1. Receive the Ward Badge
   Korshunov rewards you with a Ward Badge, a valuable item that simplifies access to restricted areas controlled by the Ward faction. This badge eliminates the need to complete additional side missions or persuade gatekeepers to gain entry.
2. Earn a Custom Weapon
   As a bonus, you’ll also receive a customized AKM-74S rifle, aptly named “The Combatant.” This weapon provides a tactical advantage in future combat scenarios, making it a worthwhile reward for players who prioritize firepower.
3. Alter Mission Progression
   Showing the PDA allows you to bypass the side quest “A Heavy Burden” and directly jump to the next main mission, “Hot on the Trail.” However, this choice creates tension with the Spark faction. When you arrive at the Sawmill, Spark members, particularly a character named Star, express resentment toward you.

Should You Show the PDA?

In terms of rewards and streamlined gameplay, showing the PDA is the optimal choice. The Ward Badge alone saves time and effort by granting unrestricted access to key areas, while the custom weapon is a powerful addition to your arsenal. Importantly, this decision does not affect Skif’s overall faction reputation, meaning you can proceed without fear of alienating other groups in the Zone.

What Happens If You Keep the PDA Hidden?

Choosing not to show the PDA to Korshunov and Darlin results in a different chain of events. Here’s how this decision unfolds:

1. No Immediate Rewards
   By keeping the PDA a secret, you miss out on the Ward Badge and the Combatant rifle. This can make navigating restricted areas more challenging and forces you to rely on alternate methods to progress.
2. Additional Side Mission: “A Heavy Burden”
   Players must complete the side quest “A Heavy Burden” before advancing to the “Hot on the Trail” main mission. This quest involves retrieving cargo and battling enemies such as boars and bloodsuckers, adding an extra layer of challenge to your journey.
3. Neutral Spark Faction Relations
   Unlike the first option, not showing the PDA maintains a neutral relationship with the Spark faction. When you visit the Sawmill, Spark members, including Star, interact with Skif normally, with no hostility or resentment.

Should You Keep the PDA Hidden?

This choice may appeal to players who prefer a more challenging and immersive experience. Completing the extra side mission provides additional gameplay content and avoids stirring up animosity with the Spark faction. However, you forfeit valuable rewards and conveniences, which could make the later stages of the game more demanding.

Breaking Down Other Scenarios

The decision to show the Unusual PDA reoccurs later in the game during interactions with two other characters: Scar and Strider. While these subsequent choices have minor implications for mission progression, they lack the significant rewards or impact associated with the initial decision involving Korshunov and Darlin.

Here are the possible combinations:

1. Show the PDA to Korshunov and Scar
   • You side with the Ward faction for this mission.
   • Scar will dismiss you as a “snitch” but sends you on your way.
2. Show the PDA to Korshunov but not Scar
   • Your allegiance remains with the Ward.
   • Scar and his men respond neutrally, wishing you luck.
3. Don’t Show the PDA to Korshunov but Show It to Scar
   • You must complete an extra mission (retrieve cargo) to gain access to the Noontiders base.
4. Don’t Show the PDA to Anyone
   • Scar’s men intercept you when leaving, leading to the same side mission (retrieve cargo) before progressing.

Ultimately, the first choice whether to show the PDA to Korshunov and Darlin is the most impactful decision.

Final Verdict: What’s the Best Choice?

The best choice depends on your playstyle and priorities:

• For Rewards and Efficiency: Show the PDA to Korshunov and Darlin. The Ward Badge and Combatant rifle offer tangible benefits, and the streamlined mission path lets you dive into the action faster.
• For Immersion and Challenge: Keep the PDA hidden. The additional side mission adds depth and complexity to the gameplay while maintaining neutral relations with factions like Spark.

Neither choice drastically alters the overarching storyline, so you’re free to experiment and see how each option plays out.

FAQs

1. Does showing the PDA to Korshunov affect faction reputation?
No, showing the PDA to Korshunov does not impact Skif’s faction reputation. You remain free to interact with other factions without penalties.

2. Can you still access restricted areas without the Ward Badge?
Yes, but it requires extra effort. Without the Ward Badge, you’ll need to complete additional missions or negotiate access to restricted zones.

3. What happens if you show the PDA to Scar instead of Korshunov?
Scar will send you to the Noontiders base, but you’ll need to complete a side mission to gain entry. This option offers no special rewards or shortcuts.

4. Is the decision to show the PDA permanent?
Yes, once you make your choice, it cannot be undone. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding.

5. Does the PDA choice affect the game’s ending?
No, this decision has no bearing on the overall ending of STALKER 2. It primarily impacts mission progression and gameplay rewards.