Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl challenges players with pivotal faction choices that significantly alter the narrative direction. After determining the fate of Professor Hermann, players face a critical dilemma: should they assist Dubny in executing the Noontide assault on SIRCAA, or stand with the Ward and eliminate the Noontide soldiers? The choice made here is not only a crucial narrative point but also shapes the potential ending of the game.
Choosing Between the Ward and Dubny in Stalker 2
The conclusion of the Wishful Thinking mission guarantees violence, regardless of your decision. Upon entering a room filled with Ward Soldiers who have their weapons trained on Dubny, a key member of the Noontide faction, players must navigate a tense dialogue. Dubny queries Skif regarding the veracity of rumors surrounding the Monolith’s involvement at SIRCAA facilities.
A brief exchange leads to an ultimatum from Dubny, challenging Skif to choose his allegiance: will he side with Dubny and the Noontide/Spark/Richter factions or opt for the Ward? Let’s delve into both choices to determine the more favorable path.
Aligning with Dubny Against the Ward
Opting to side with Dubny positions you in alliance with Strider and both the Noontide and Spark factions. As Dubny charges forward, the door behind him bursts open, allowing him to evade the onslaught of gunfire. Skif also assists Strider in breaching a wall to confront Dr. Dalin, who is overseeing the controversial artifact experiment.
This sequence culminates in the reactivation of the Monolithians as Skif descends into the tunnels to flee the chaos, thereby triggering the mission titled “To the Last Drop of Blood.”While this choice does not completely bar future alliances with the Ward, it may severely limit your chances if you have consistently opposed them. However, it plays a crucial role in steering towards the Richter/Spark ending in Stalker 2.
Choosing the Ward Against Dubny
Should you choose to side with the Ward, your actions will pit you against both the Spark and Noontide factions, including Richter. Skif’s objective will then be to eliminate Dubny and the Noontide soldiers present, effectively disrupting Strider’s planned attack on SIRCAA. After dispatching Dubny, you’ll proceed to the X11 room where Dr. Dalin is set to initiate the experiment.
Despite this choice, outcomes remain unchanged as the experiment is doomed to fail, resulting in the Noontiders transforming back into Monolithians. Skif’s journey will shift into the “Law and Order“mission, wherein he navigates through the devastation alongside Dr. Dalin rather than making a discreet escape through the tunnels. Additionally, this path compels Skif to face a Pseudogiant while paralleling the previously outlined route.
Selecting this path aligns Skif more closely with the Ward’s doctrines, fostering trust with Col. Korshunov and paving the way for the Ward ending in Stalker 2.
Whichever faction you opt for, the emergence of Monolithians will escalate into a serious threat post-“Wishful Thinking.”Be aware that your decisions may restrict access to various side missions associated with the Zalissya or Spark/Noontide factions. It is highly advisable to complete other side quests before progressing through the core mission of Wishful Thinking in Stalker 2.
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