Stalker 2 Side Quest Explored: Science Calls

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl's "In the Name of Science" Side Quest Guide

After the Visions of Truth main mission, Dr. Shcherba will contact Skif, initiating the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves locating electronic collars from various mutants and presents multiple choices impacting the outcome.

Collecting the Electronic Collars

The first objective is to find five electronic collars. Their locations are marked on the map, but if some are missing, you may have already collected them during other missions or exploration. The locations are:

Return to Shcherba in the Roofed Warehouse (Chemical Plant) after collecting all collars. If the quest is bugged due to previously collected collars, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0".

The Jamming Device: Disable or Recalibrate?

Shcherba will discover a signal jamming the collars. You must investigate and choose between disabling or recalibrating the jamming device in the Storage on the Hill (west of the Roofed Warehouse).

• Disable/Destroy the Jammer (Recommended): This progresses the quest, rewards you with coupons, and leads to a bloodsucker encounter and another crucial decision.
• Recalibrate the Jammer: You receive coupons from Dvupalov, and the quest ends.

The Final Choice: Kill or Spare Shcherba?

Disabling the jammer leads to a call from Shcherba, more coupons, and a wait period (use "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab" if he doesn't call). You'll receive Magic Vodka from Dvupalov, encounter bloodsuckers, and face Shcherba. He'll attempt to expose you to PSI radiation, but the vodka negates this. Escape, confront Shcherba, and choose:

• Kill Shcherba: Results in the same rewards as sparing him.
• Spare Shcherba (Recommended): Maintains positive relations with scientists and Dvupalov.

The quest concludes with a Gauss Gun reward from Dvupalov and the "On a Leash" trophy.