STALKER 2 Walkthrough: How To Complete The “An Invisible Threat” Mission
Key Takeaways:
- Mission Objectives Depend on Faction Loyalty: Your mission tasks change based on whether you side with the Ward or Spark faction, affecting the storyline and game endings.
- Two Distinct Paths: Deliver the emitter to the Chemical Plant (Ward) or to Scar at the Rostok Depot (Spark), each unlocking unique rewards and cutscenes.
- Strategic Choices Matter: Decisions you make in this mission impact future gameplay, alignments, and potentially lead to one of four distinct endings in STALKER 2.
A Complete Guide to “An Invisible Threat” Mission in STALKER 2
STALKER 2, the highly anticipated sequel in the acclaimed STALKER series by GSC Game World, is set in the eerie and radioactive Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Players assume the role of Skif, a stalker navigating this post-apocalyptic world filled with factions, anomalies, and moral choices. Among the various missions in the game, “An Invisible Threat” stands out as a pivotal turning point, setting the stage for future narrative events based on your alliances. This guide will break down every detail, ensuring you complete the mission effortlessly while making informed choices.
Mission Overview: What Is “An Invisible Threat”?
The “An Invisible Threat” mission occurs shortly after completing either the “Just Like the Good Old Days” or “The Hornet’s Nest” missions, depending on your progression. It involves delivering a crucial emitter to one of two factions: the Ward faction or the Spark faction. The mission differs significantly depending on your chosen allegiance, with each path offering unique objectives, interactions, and storylines.
Whether you decide to side with the Spark faction, or the Ward faction will not only determine the course of this mission but also affect the subsequent missions and, ultimately, the game’s ending. Here’s how each scenario plays out.
Path 1: Ward Faction – Deliver the Emitter to the Chemical Plant
If you’ve aligned yourself with the Ward faction, your mission objective will be labelled “Take the Emitter to the Chemical Plant.” Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to do:
1. Head to the Chemical Plant
- Follow your mission tracker to the Chemical Plant base. This will be clearly marked on your map.
- As you arrive, you’ll be prompted to meet Major Dvoryankov in his office. Enter the base and initiate a conversation with him to progress the mission.
2. Interact with Sergeant Ivalyov
- After speaking with Major Dvoryankov, locate Sergeant Ivalyov within the facility. He will provide you with the PSZ-20W Convoy armor, a reward that can be useful in subsequent missions.
3. Meet Colonel Korshunov
- Next, proceed to the meeting room to find Colonel Alexander Korshunov, the leader of the Ward faction. Alongside him, you’ll also encounter Dr. Dalin.
- This interaction triggers a detailed cutscene that advances the storyline and concludes the mission.
4. Mission Conclusion
- Upon completing the cutscene, the “An Invisible Threat” mission ends, seamlessly transitioning into the next main mission, titled “Assault on the Duga.” Make sure to check your inventory for the new armor received during this mission—it could come in handy.
Path 2: Spark Faction – Deliver the Emitter to Scar
If you’ve decided to side with the Spark faction, your task will involve delivering the emitter to Scar, a prominent character in the STALKER universe and the leader of the Spark faction. This path unfolds as follows:
1. Travel to the Rostok Depot
- Your first objective will be to head toward the depot at Rostok. Use your quest marker to navigate the map and locate this area.
- Scar, along with Star (another key character), can be found at the depot waiting for your arrival.
2. Initiate the Cutscene
- Once you approach Scar and Star, a lengthy cutscene will be triggered. This dialogue-heavy interaction delves deeper into the Spark faction’s motives and sets the stage for future missions.
3. Mission Completion
- After the cutscene concludes, the mission will officially end. The next main story mission, “Dawn of a New Day,” will begin, paving the way for your continued alliance with the Spark faction.
The Impact of Your Choices
In STALKER 2, the factions you support play a significant role in shaping your story and the game’s ending. “An Invisible Threat” is one such mission where the stakes of your allegiance become evident. Whether you side with the militaristic Ward faction or the rebellious Spark faction, your choice will influence your interactions, rewards, and narrative path. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Ward Faction: Aligning with Ward puts you on a path of military order and discipline. The rewards include the PSZ-20W Convoy armor and deeper involvement with Ward’s leadership.
- Spark Faction: Joining Spark connects you with Scar, a beloved character from earlier games, and sets you up for a more rebellious and unpredictable storyline.
These decisions contribute to the four possible game endings: Spark, Kaimanov/Project Y, Strelok, or Ward. Choose wisely!
Tips for Completing the Mission
- Follow Your Quest Marker: Both paths have straightforward objectives. Always check your quest marker to avoid wandering aimlessly.
- Prepare for Cutscenes: Both mission routes conclude with cutscenes that reveal crucial story details. Pay attention to the dialogue, as it may hint at future decisions and challenges.
- Understand Your Alliance: Before embarking on the mission, reflect on your alignment with the factions. This is a pivotal moment in shaping your storyline and the game’s ultimate outcome.
- Explore and Loot: While navigating the mission areas, take time to explore for supplies, weapons, or upgrades. These will prove valuable in the battles ahead.
FAQs
1. Can I switch factions during the game?
No, once you’ve chosen a faction, you are locked into that alliance for the remainder of the game. Your decisions in earlier missions influence your alignment.
2. What are the rewards for completing this mission?
- Ward Faction: PSZ-20W Convoy armor, plus the “Assault on the Duga” mission unlocks.
- Spark Faction: Progression to the “Dawn of a New Day” mission, along with storyline developments tied to Scar and Star.
3. How do faction choices affect the ending?
Your faction loyalty determines which of the four game endings you will receive. The factions’ objectives, philosophies, and outcomes diverge significantly, providing a unique experience for each path.
4. Is “An Invisible Threat” a difficult mission?
Not at all. This is one of the simpler missions in STALKER 2. The primary focus is on narrative progression rather than combat or exploration.
5. Can I replay this mission to choose the other faction?
You cannot replay missions to change your decisions in the same save file. However, starting a new game or using a prior save allows you to explore alternative outcomes.