Science in the Shadows: Unraveling 'Stalker 2' Side Quest

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Dr. Shcherba's request initiates the side mission "In The Name of Science," requiring players to locate electronic collars from various mutants. This mission presents multiple choices impacting its outcome.

Collecting the Electronic Collars:

This quest involves finding five collars from specific locations (see table below). If locations aren't visible, you may have already collected them.

After retrieving all collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant. If the quest bugs due to prior collar collection, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0."

Jammer Decision:

Shcherba discovers a signal jamming the collars. You must choose to disable or recalibrate the jamming device at the Storage on the Hill.

• Destroy/Disable (Recommended): Progresses the mission, yielding coupons and leading to a bloodsucker encounter and a further choice.
• Recalibrate: Completes the mission with coupons as a reward.

Confrontation with Shcherba:

After disabling the jammer, Shcherba will contact you, providing coupons and promising future assistance. The objective changes to "Wait for your reward from Shcherba." Use "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab" if he doesn't call.

Shcherba's subsequent call leads to a trap involving PSI-radiation. Drinking Magic Vodka (received from Dvupalov) negates the effects. Escape the room, eliminate three bloodsuckers, and confront Shcherba.

The final choice: kill Shcherba or let him go. Both yield the same rewards (Gauss Gun and the "On a Leash" trophy), but letting him go is recommended for maintaining positive relations.