Explore Secrets in 'STALKER 2' with Latest Side Quest

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

Following the Visions of Truth main mission, players receive a call from Dr. Shcherba, initiating the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves retrieving electronic collars from various mutants, leading to multiple choices affecting the outcome.

Locating the Electronic Collars

The first step is to find five electronic collars at the locations marked on your map. If fewer locations are shown, you may have already collected some. Here's a breakdown:

Return to Shcherba in the Roofed Warehouse (Chemical Plant) once you've gathered all collars. If you've previously collected and sold collars, the quest might bug. Use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to resolve this.

The Jammer Decision: Disable or Recalibrate?

After delivering the collars, Shcherba reveals a jamming signal affecting them. You must locate the source (Storage on the Hill, west of the Roofed Warehouse) and choose:

Destroy/Disable the Jammer (Recommended): This advances the quest, rewards you with coupons, and leads to a bloodsucker encounter and a further choice.

Recalibrate the Jammer: Rewards you with coupons from Dvupalov, concluding the quest.

The Final Choice: Kill or Spare Shcherba?

Disabling the jammer leads to Shcherba contacting you, sending coupons, and promising future assistance. Wait (or use the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab" if needed) for his next call.

This leads to a confrontation. You'll receive Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. In a trap, Shcherba exposes you to PSI-radiation, potentially awakening Faust-like abilities. The vodka negates this. Escape, kill the Bloodsuckers, and confront Shcherba.

Choose to kill or spare Shcherba. Both choices yield the same rewards (a Gauss Gun and the "On a Leash" trophy), but sparing him maintains positive relations.