Stalker 2: Science Quest Guide

After engaging with the C-Consciousness Representative during the Visions of Truth main mission in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players receive a call from Dr. Shcherba, requesting Skif's assistance. By accepting this request, players initiate the side mission "In The Name of Science," which involves collecting electronic collars from various mutants scattered across different locations in the game.

The "In The Name of Science" side mission is quite extensive and involves several decision points that can influence its outcome. Let's delve into the details of the mission and the choices players must make.

How to Find All the Electronic Collars for Dr. Shcherba

The initial phase of the "In The Name of Science" quest requires players to gather five electronic collars from specific locations marked on the map in Stalker 2. If fewer than five locations are visible, it's possible that some collars were already collected during other missions or while exploring The Zone. Here's a breakdown of where to find each collar and the corresponding mutants:

After collecting all the collars, return them to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant region. Be aware that this mission can encounter bugs if the collars were previously collected and sold to merchants. If you can't collect a collar, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to progress the quest.

Should You Disable or Recalibrate the Jamming Device?

Once all the collars are delivered to Shcherba, he discovers a jamming signal interfering with the collars' functionality. He then tasks Skif with investigating and neutralizing the source of this signal. Players must travel to the Storage on the Hill, west of the Roofed Warehouse, to locate the jamming device. Along the way, Skif will face various enemies, including poltergeists, zombified soldiers, and rodent mutants.

Upon reaching the device, players face a critical decision: destroy the jammer to disable the signal and activate the collars, or recalibrate it to deactivate the collars permanently. Here's an analysis of both options:

Should You Kill or Let Shcherba Go During the "In The Name of Science" Quest?

If players opt to disable the jamming device, Shcherba will inform Skif that the collars are now operational and send over some coupons. The mission objective then shifts to "Wait for your reward from Shcherba." Players can either engage in other missions or rest to pass time until Shcherba contacts Skif again. If Shcherba fails to call, use the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab" to move forward.

When Shcherba eventually calls Skif back to his lab, players receive two bottles of Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. Upon entering the lower floor of the warehouse, Skif finds Shcherba with three Bloodsuckers. Shcherba directs Skif to a room to collect his reward, which turns out to be a trap exposing Skif to PSI-Radiation to awaken Faust-like abilities. Consuming the Magic Vodka neutralizes the PSI-radiation effects.

Players must then escape the room, defeat the three Bloodsuckers, and confront an armed Shcherba threatening Dvupalov. At this point, players face a choice: kill Shcherba or let him go. Both options yield the same rewards, but it's advisable to let Shcherba live to preserve good relations with the scientists and Dvupalov.

After resolving the confrontation, players receive a Gauss Gun from Dvupalov and unlock the "On a Leash" trophy in Stalker 2.