This guide outlines the four possible endings in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and the key choices that determine them. The game features branching narratives, but the crucial decisions are concentrated in three missions: Subtle Matter, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Last Wish. Conveniently, these missions appear late in the game, allowing players to save before them and easily explore all endings without numerous playthroughs.
Key Missions and Choice Points:
Three missions hold the key to unlocking different endings:
- Subtle Matter: Choices here significantly impact the overall narrative trajectory.
- Dangerous Liaisons: Decisions in this mission further refine the path towards a specific ending.
- The Last Wish: This mission often presents a final, pivotal choice.
The Four Endings:
Each ending is presented below with the corresponding choices from the three key missions:
1. She Will Never Be Free:
- Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
- Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
- The Last Wish: Choose "[Fire]".
This ending results from siding with Strelok and seizing control of the Zone, requiring antagonism towards all other factions.
2. Project Y:
- Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
- Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
- The Last Wish: Choose "[Lower the Gun]".
Similar to the previous ending, but instead of eliminating Kaymanov, you choose to cooperate, aligning with his scientific perspective on the Zone's autonomy.
3. Today Never Ends:
- Subtle Matter: Choose "Eternal spring."
- Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
- The Last Wish: This mission's choice is irrelevant for this ending.
This ending involves supporting Scar and the Spark faction, culminating in his journey to the Shining Zone. Note that only two missions directly influence this outcome.
4. Brave New World:
- Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
- Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "I'm not your enemy."
- The Last Wish: This mission's choice is irrelevant for this ending.
This ending involves allying with Colonel Krushunov and the Ward faction, leading to the destruction of the Zone. Like the Spark ending, only two missions determine this outcome.
By strategically making these choices, players can experience the full range of narratives S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 offers. Remember to save your game before these crucial missions to easily explore all four endings.