Stalker 2: Should You Side With Noontide Or The Ward? – Pros and Cons

Key Takeaways

1. The “Wishful Thinking” mission in STALKER 2 introduces a pivotal choice that profoundly influences the overarching narrative.
2. Players must decide between supporting the independent Noontide faction, led by Simon Dubny, or the authoritarian Ward, each with unique moral and strategic consequences.
3. This decision impacts side quests, relationships with key characters, and the eventual ending of the game, making it one of the most defining moments in STALKER 2.

In STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the Zone isn’t just a post-apocalyptic wasteland crawling with anomalies, artifacts, and mutants it’s also a battleground for factions vying for control. One of the game’s core storylines revolves around the escalating power struggle between the authoritarian Ward and various independent Stalker factions, like Noontide.

The Ward seeks absolute dominance over the Zone, motivated by its insatiable desire to unlock the Zone’s secrets and exploit its otherworldly resources for sinister purposes. Opposing them are the independent factions, each with its own territory and objectives, united by their shared resistance against the Ward’s encroachments.

Enter Simon Dubny, a pivotal figure in the Noontide faction. Once a brainwashed member of the Monolith cult, Dubny broke free and now leads Noontide in its mission to create an autonomous, self-sufficient society within the Zone. During the “Wishful Thinking” mission, Dubny challenges the protagonist, Skif, to make a crucial decision: ally with Noontide and fight for independence, or side with the Ward and assist their authoritarian agenda.

The “Wishful Thinking” Mission: A Defining Choice

“Wishful Thinking” is a critical quest within STALKER 2’s main storyline. Taking place during the third chapter of the “In Search of Miracle” questline, it is a turning point where players must decide which faction to support. This decision has ripple effects that alter the narrative, relationships with key characters, and ultimately, the game’s ending.

The mission begins with Skif receiving a radio call from Dalin to meet at the D1 Hall, where pivotal events unfold. Here’s a breakdown of the mission:

1. Exploring the SIRCAA Facility

At the D1 Hall, Skif finds Dalin and Colonel Korshunov in a heated conversation about activating the Monolith. Skif is then tasked with interacting with mysterious blue figures kneeling before the Monolith. However, this encounter triggers a hallucination, caused by the Wish Granter’s influence, and Skif must fend off an onslaught of Ward soldiers.

After the battle, Agatha intervenes, leading Skif to a choice about Professor Hermann’s fate and whether to expose Strider and Scar’s sabotage plans. Once this is resolved, Skif is directed to meet Simon Dubny in the Cryptobiology Lab.

2. The Choice: Noontide or The Ward?

In a tense meeting, Dubny presents Skif with an ultimatum: “Are you with the Ward, or are you with us?”

• Siding with Dubny (Noontide):
  Choosing to support Dubny means standing with the independent Stalkers and opposing the Ward’s authoritarian rule. Dubny opens the door behind him, revealing a room full of Ward troops that Skif must defeat. Despite being a challenging battle, it is manageable with strategic use of cover and resources.

This choice aligns Skif with pivotal independent figures like Spark, Richter, Strider, and Scar. Over time, repeatedly siding with Noontide and other independent factions contributes to a narrative where the Zone resists Ward domination.

• Siding with the Ward:
  Alternatively, siding with the Ward requires Skif to kill Dubny and his Noontide allies. Afterward, the Ward troops welcome Skif, and the mission proceeds in a similar fashion. This decision aligns Skif with the Ward’s agenda, inching the storyline closer to their vision of control over the Zone.

Pros and Cons of Siding with Noontide

If Skif chooses to align with Dubny, several key outcomes unfold:

Pros:

1. Moral High Ground: Noontide and other independent factions are portrayed as more compassionate and honorable, emphasizing courage and kindness over the Ward’s brutality.
2. Better Narrative Payoff: Supporting Noontide aligns Skif with the game’s more sympathetic characters, potentially leading to a richer story and more satisfying ending.
3. Reputation Boost: This choice strengthens Skif’s relationship with independent factions like Spark and Richter, opening doors to future alliances.

Cons:

1. Immediate Challenge: Siding with Noontide pits Skif against a room full of heavily armed Ward soldiers, making this a tough battle early on.
2. Failed Side Quests: Any incomplete side quests in the Lesser Zone, like “Nightingale’s Hunt” or “Lost Boys,” will fail as the main storyline progresses.

Pros and Cons of Siding with The Ward

Alternatively, supporting the Ward comes with its own set of consequences:

Pros:

1. Short-Term Security: Ward troops will welcome Skif after Dubny’s death, making it easier to proceed in this portion of the mission.
2. Different Narrative Path: Siding with the Ward opens up a storyline where they gain more control over the Zone, offering a darker perspective.

Cons:

1. Moral Consequences: The Ward is painted as an authoritarian force that uses cruelty to achieve its goals, making this choice less appealing for players seeking a morally just path.
2. Weakened Alliances: Killing Dubny distances Skif from key independent factions, potentially leading to less favourable story outcomes.

A Guide to Completing “Wishful Thinking”

Here’s how the mission unfolds after choosing a side:

If You Side with Noontide

1. Defeat the Ward soldiers in the room behind Dubny.
2. Proceed to floor X11 of the SIRCAA facility.
3. Assist Strider in breaching a bunker wall using explosives.
4. Escape the sewers to complete the mission, transitioning into the “To the Last Drop of Blood” quest.

If You Side with The Ward

1. Kill Dubny and his allies.
2. Head to floor X11, where the mission continues in much the same way as the Noontide route.
3. Complete the mission, earning the same monetary rewards regardless of difficulty level.

Why You Should Side with Dubny

While both choices are valid and allow for further exploration of the story, siding with Dubny offers a more compelling narrative experience. The independent Stalkers, including Dubny’s Noontide, embody themes of freedom, resistance, and solidarity. Their cause is inherently more sympathetic, with characters like Richter and Spark showcasing humanity in an otherwise desolate world.

By contrast, the Ward’s agenda is rooted in domination and exploitation, making them a less appealing ally for players invested in the Zone’s survival and autonomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still get a good ending if I side with The Ward?
Yes, siding with The Ward during “Wishful Thinking” doesn’t completely lock you out of a good ending. However, it may make it harder to align with key independent factions later in the game.

2. What happens to side quests if I progress “Wishful Thinking”?
Any incomplete side quests in the Lesser Zone will fail as the story moves forward. Be sure to finish them before tackling this mission.

3. Does the choice affect rewards or loot?
No, the mission rewards remain the same regardless of whether you side with Dubny or the Ward. The difference lies in the narrative impact and relationships with factions.

4. Is the fight against Ward soldiers avoidable if I side with Dubny?
No, you must defeat the Ward soldiers to proceed. Strategic use of cover and resources is essential to survive this challenging encounter.

5. Which choice offers the most satisfying story?
Most players find siding with Dubny and Noontide more rewarding, as it aligns with the game’s overarching themes of resistance and independence.