STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a monumental addition to the gaming landscape. While the core experience revolves around navigating the perilous environment of The Zone, the narrative intricacies tie back to previous STALKER installments and the foundational novel, Roadside Picnic.
Players will encounter a myriad of challenges throughout their journey, from mutated creatures and militant factions to deranged shamans and a variety of foreboding Soviet-era complexes—both deserted and active. Additionally, the game is laden with dangerous anomalies and rare artifacts that can profoundly influence gameplay.
To truly grasp the ongoing chaos, it’s imperative to engage with the main story missions. These quests not only unveil the game’s lore but also deliver some of the most breathtaking moments, escalating in complexity as the plot threads begin to intertwine.
Your choices within these missions wield substantial influence over both the world and the game’s conclusion. Here’s a closer look at some pivotal quests that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
8 There and Back Again
The Lesser Zone
The mission “There and Back Again”serves as an effective introduction, encapsulating the enigma, suspense, and moral ambiguity tied to illegally venturing into The Zone for the first time. A dramatic exchange with Hermann sets the stage as Skif leaps beyond the boundaries and finds himself confronting a surreal anomaly that levitates massive concrete debris.
Despite its linear nature, players face significant danger, notably from a lone Bloodsucker lurking near hazardous chemical pools. This early ordeal underscores the brutal realities of The Zone, showcasing the vast array of weapons, entities, technologies, and factions present. It deftly communicates the notion that players are but minor players in a vast, dangerous arena.
7 Wishful Thinking
SECRET
In contrast, “Wishful Thinking”and its subsequent quests provide a refreshing change in scenery. Players will find themselves in the sleek confines of a scientific facility overseen by SIRCAA. This respite offers an insightful glimpse into the limits of The Zone and the authoritarian strategies employed to control it.
Missions like “In Search of a Miracle”and “A Long Overdue Visit”unfold within this context, allowing players to interact with key characters such as Dr. Dalin and Agatha. Engaging in this environment, you’ll encounter Monolith artifacts and face mutants that have escaped from the Cryptobiology lab, further enriching the narrative experience.
6 The Assault on the Duga
Rainbow
“The Assault on the Duga”offers gameplay with two distinct approaches, depending on whether you’ve allied with Spark or Ward. Regardless of your choice, the mission presents a cinematic display of action.
Those aligned with Spark/HTC Malachite experience nighttime stealth sequences that transition into chaotic confrontation upon emerging to the surface, with the Duga illuminating in the dark. Conversely, players choosing the Ward route tackle the mission in daylight, facing open confrontation that replaces stealthy maneuvers.
Whichever path you take, the mission culminates in a spectacular event as Faust activates the Duga, causing a Ward helicopter to plummet nearby, reinforcing the awe inspiring power of this installation.
5 Happiness for Everyone
Rainbow
Roadside Picnic, draws players into a critical confrontation with Faust amid the Duga. Here, Skif must execute the final assault against the Duga and eliminate Faust.
The narrative twists when Faust offers a philosophical monologue about The Zone and C-Consciousness—key themes that deepen the lore of the STALKER universe. This mission combines stealth, intense boss encounters, and sweeping views of the precarious landscape from the Duga’s apex.
4 Legends of The Zone
Cordon
The nostalgia factor is rich in “Legends of The Zone,”as players revisit iconic locales and characters from earlier STALKER titles. Even newcomers will feel a sense of belonging among the few trustworthy allies in The Zone as they return to Cordon to consult with Sidorovich, who pays homage to storied events and characters, including the “Marked One.”
As the quest progresses, players have the chance to meet Strelok personally and uncover significant insights into The Zone’s enigmatic nature and the mind-altering powers of the Noosphere.
3 The Road to the Foundation
Pripyat
Entering Pripyat marks a monumental checkpoint for players; “The Road to the Foundation”emerges as the first mission in this haunted city. Your initial task involves meeting with Colonel Degtyarev at the Energetik Palace of Culture, a location well-known to fans of many games.
Upon arrival, a frenzied shootout erupts as Corps forces clash with Monolithians. After securing the area, you’ll venture further into the forsaken city to recover sensitive data from a crashed helicopter, leading to an exhilarating battle with a fierce Chimera.
2 Down Below
Pripyat
“Down Below”marks a definitive turning point; players lose the ability to return to The Zone, steering them toward an ultimate showdown. Based on previous choices, this mission can unfold in multiple ways, leading toward an epic confrontation with Colonel Korshunov if the player has consistently chosen the Ward path.
Offering options for stealth or direct assault, players will find support from Strelok’s elite soldiers throughout this captivating quest, which culminates in the exhilarating boss fight against Korshunov within the reactor facility.
1 The Last Wish
Red Forest/Cooling Towers
Following “Down Below,””The Last Wish”invites players to undertake a comprehensive offensive against the Monolithian stronghold, regarded as one of the toughest challenges the game offers. Before the brawl commences, players confront a significant ethical dilemma regarding Dr. Kaymanov, a decision with far-reaching consequences.
The quest delivers a climactic experience where players feel their skills and arsenal converge for an explosive finale. With Richter by your side during the initial escalation—an ally who truly embodies friendship in The Zone—the battle progresses floor by floor, leading to some of the most stunning visuals the game has to offer from high above.
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