STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl presents a richly woven narrative with multiple branching paths. Every choice can alter what happens next, and several endings reveal different visions of the Zone and its people. This guide outlines the key decisions that unlock all endings and explains how to approach each path.
Guides for STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl
Spoiler warning: plot details ahead.
Which quests affect the ending?
The point of no return in the game is the beginning of the mission War Mole. From the moment the mission begins, access to the rest of the Zone is blocked and all side missions listed in the diary are effectively closed. The three main missions that shape the endings are:
- Subtle Matter
- Dangerous Relationships
- The Last Wish
Remark: It is advised to save before the first task so a player can replay the game to see different endings.
Ending with Strelok – She’ll Never Be Free
In this ending, Strelok takes control of the Zone, becoming its owner. The path to this outcome runs through several pivotal decisions made during the game.
The first key decision comes during Subtle Matter. When Scar catches the player at the Orbit station, choose Life is given to the living. This choice starts the sequence toward controlling the Zone.
The next step is to complete the Dangerous Relationships mission. When Korshunov confronts the hero, select Escape to avoid triggering an alternate route. This choice keeps the path aligned with the desired outcome.
Finally, during The Last Wish, in the Red Forest region, defeat the doctor encountered there. This final act completes a chain of crucial decisions that seals the ending and ties the fate of the Zone to the protagonist’s decisions.
Ending with Korshunov – Brave New World
This ending is arguably the darkest, as it ends with the Zone facing destruction. To reach it, the player must support the Varta group, effectively aligning with Korshunov.
In Subtle Matter, choose Life is given to the living again. In Dangerous Relationships, select I’m Not Your Enemy. This choice pushes Korshunov to join the group and shapes the final outcome toward the Zone’s destruction.
Ending with Skif – Project Y
In this ending, Skif becomes the Zone’s owner. The route mirrors the Gunslinger endings but takes a distinct turn at the end to unlock a unique development.
Play Subtle Matter and pick Life is given to the living. When Dangerous Relationships triggers, run away when the head of Varta catches you to avoid a divergent ending. At Red Forest, when you meet the Doctor, select Lower the Weapon to reach the desired outcome.
Ending with Scar – Today Never Ends
In this ending, Scar enters the capsule and the Zone is cast in a more hopeful light. She becomes an idealized version of the city, contrasting her usual hostile demeanor. Follow these steps to reach this ending.
During Subtle Matter, choose Eternal Spring if Scar catches you at the station. Then in Dangerous Relationships, select Escape when Korshunov overtakes the hero.
Other guides
Additional tips and strategies for branching playthroughs and alternative endings appear in other guide resources.