Stalker 2: Science Quest Guide

After speaking to the C-Consciousness Representative during the Visions of Truth main mission in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players will receive a call from Dr. Shcherba requesting Skif's assistance. Accepting this request initiates the side mission "In The Name of Science," where the primary objective is to collect electronic collars from various mutants scattered across The Zone.

How to Find All the Electronic Collars for Dr. Shcherba

The quest to find the electronic collars involves visiting five specific locations marked on your map. If fewer than five locations appear, it's likely you've already collected some collars during other missions or while exploring The Zone. Here's a detailed guide to each location:

Once all the collars are collected, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant region. If you've previously collected and sold the collars to a merchant, the mission might get bugged. In such cases, 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?

After delivering the collars to Shcherba, he discovers a jamming signal affecting their functionality. Skif is then tasked with investigating the signal's source at the Storage on the Hill west of the Roofed Warehouse. Upon reaching the location, you'll face various enemies, including poltergeists, zombified soldiers, and rodent mutants, before locating the jamming device.

You have two options regarding the jamming device:

• Destroy/Disable the Jammer (Recommended): This choice progresses the mission and rewards you with coupons from Shcherba. It also leads to further encounters with bloodsuckers and another decision point.
• Recalibrate the Jammer: Opting to recalibrate the device will end the mission early, and you'll receive coupons from Dvupalov.

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

Choosing to disable the jamming device prompts Shcherba to contact Skif, confirming the collars are now operational. He sends coupons and promises to call again when needed. To progress, either undertake other missions or rest to pass time until Shcherba's next call. If he doesn't call, use the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab" to continue.

Upon returning to Shcherba's lab, you receive two bottles of Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. Entering the lower floor, you'll find Shcherba with three Bloodsuckers. After navigating a trap involving PSI-Radiation, which can be negated by the Magic Vodka, you'll confront Shcherba in the main office.

Here, you must decide whether to kill Shcherba or let him go. Both choices yield the same rewards, but letting Shcherba live maintains positive relations with the scientific community and Dvupalov. After the confrontation, you'll be rewarded with a Gauss Gun and unlock the "On a Leash" trophy in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl.