Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl's "In the Name of Science" Side Quest: A Comprehensive Guide
Following the Visions of Truth main mission and a call from Dr. Shcherba, players embark on the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves locating electronic collars from various mutants, presenting players with impactful choices that shape the mission's outcome.
Collecting the Electronic Collars
The initial objective is to find five electronic collars from specific locations marked on the map. These locations might already be explored if you've collected collars during other missions or while exploring The Zone. Below is a breakdown of the collar locations:
| Region | Collar Location | Mutant Type |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage | The Brood | Snork |
| Wild Island | Boathouse | Psy Bayun |
| Zaton | Hydrodynamics Lab | Controller |
| Malachite | Brain Scorcher | Brain Scorcher |
| Red Forest | Containers | Pseudogiant |
After gathering all collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant. If you've previously collected and traded collars, the quest might bug. Use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to proceed.
The Jamming Device: Disable or Recalibrate?
Upon delivering the collars, Shcherba discovers a signal jamming their functionality. He tasks Skif with investigating and disabling the source. This leads to a crucial choice:
- Destroy/Disable the Jammer (Recommended): This advances the quest, rewarding players with coupons and leading to an encounter with bloodsuckers and a subsequent choice.
- Recalibrate the Jammer: This concludes the quest with a coupon reward from Dvupalov.
The Final Confrontation: Kill or Spare Shcherba?
Disabling the jammer triggers a call from Shcherba, followed by a visit to his lab. Players receive Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov, then encounter a trap, PSI-radiation, and three Bloodsuckers. Escaping this leads to a confrontation with Shcherba, where the final choice arises:
- Kill Shcherba: Results in the same rewards as sparing him.
- Spare Shcherba (Recommended): Maintains positive relations with scientists and Dvupalov.
Regardless of the choice, players receive a Gauss Gun from Dvupalov and unlock the "On a Leash" trophy. This detailed guide ensures a smooth and rewarding experience navigating the complexities of "In the Name of Science."
