As Skif converses with a representative of C-Consciousness during the Visions of Truth mission in Stalker 2, he uncovers the existence of eternal life within the Noosphere. To verify this revelation, Skif sets out for the Center of the Zone, a location only visited by the legendary stalker, Strelok. However, the path to Strelok leads through his trusted ally, the Doctor, who was last seen in the perilous Red Forest. This initiates the Dark Times main mission, propelling Skif on a quest to locate the Doctor.
Journey to Hunter’s Camp in the Red Forest (Pile Driver)
Upon completing the Visions of Truth mission and exiting the STC Malachite base, players should head towards Hunter’s Camp located in the Red Forest, specifically at an area known as “Pile Driver.”Here, Skif will need to converse with Arkhyp Lichen and his companion, Hornet.
Upon arrival, players will find Arkhyp and Hornet examining the body of a deceased stalker. Following a chilly exchange with Hornet, Skif learns that mercenaries are pursuing the Doctor, closely tied to the death of another stalker named Gray, which intensifies the urgency of Skif’s mission.
This prompts the next objective: gather clues regarding the mercenaries’ whereabouts and seek information about the elusive Doctor.
Investigating Gray’s Death Site
Next, Skif will venture to the site where Gray met his fate. Players will encounter a formidable Bayun mutant guarding the area. Defeating this creature allows players to discover Gray’s bag on the road, which contains a PDA essential for gleaning more information about the mercenaries.
Playing Gray’s final message reveals the tragic fate of his companion, Tundra, who was shot under suspicious circumstances near an anomaly. This revelation sets Skif on a new path to locate the potentially dead stalker and uncover the next clue in his search.
Uncovering Tundra’s Body in the Symbiont Zone
The following destination for Skif is the Symbiont, characterized by its unique stone formations surrounding an anomaly. Upon arrival, players will witness a grim sight: the bodies of several dead stalkers, with Tundra’s corpse at the center.
Loot Tundra’s remains to obtain his PDA, which reveals a vital message intended for a doctor, warning him of the ongoing mercenary threat. This information further directs Skif’s journey, urging him to seek out the mercs to inquire about the Doctor’s location.
Players should also be sure to equip their artifact detectors and search for any artifacts in the area.
Tracking Down Wolfhound’s Mercenaries
Upon reaching the designated area, players will hear loud music emanating from a nearby house. As Skif approaches, he is ambushed by a gang of Blind Dogs.
After dispatching the mutant pack, players should enter the house through a left-side window, as the front door is secured. Inside, players can gather supplies before conversing with a soldier named Jarl in a room dominated by a radio.
Following this conversation, players will intercept a radio communication from Wolfhound, leader of the mercenaries, who reveals to his team that he has pinpointed the Doctor’s location at the cemetery. As players reach the cemetery, they will be under fire from the mercenary squad, necessitating a battle to secure the area. After defeating Wolfhound’s crew, players can loot his body to acquire the coordinates for the Doctor’s whereabouts.
Arriving at the Doctor’s Residence
Following the coordinates obtained from Wolfhound, Skif will arrive at a crater containing a large bubble anomaly at its center. Players must find a way to descend into this crater, navigate to its core, and enter the bubble anomaly.
Inside this anomaly, a house is situated at the center surrounded by a fence. Players should meander along the perimeter to locate an entryway. Near this entrance, they will discover the body of Strider, facilitating a critical interaction with the Doctor.
Upon completing this pivotal interaction, the Dark Times mission concludes, transitioning players into the next quest titled An Act of Mercy.
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