To finish the story quest Extreme Simplicity in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players must obtain a psi-protection suit and support one of the existing factions. The journey leads into the Swamps, a zone notorious for anomalies, mutants, and constant danger where every step could be fatal. This guide collects practical tips and proven tactics to help players escape this deadly region and reach safety.
Guides for STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl
The beginning of the escape
After disabling the last psi beacon at the Second Outpost, the protagonist is attacked by a flock of wild boars. A hunting rifle is a solid protection choice, with models like the M860 capable of delivering precise shots that break through mutant defenses. The moment of danger is sharp, but preparation pays off; players who carry a reliable rifle can disrupt several threats with minimal exposure, buying crucial seconds to adjust their stance and plan the next move.
Yet other threats lurk in the area. The best approach is to avoid unnecessary confrontations and keep moving. By following the yellow marker on the map, the traveler encounters the first hurdle: floating fragments that drift through the air, obscuring the way and demanding careful, deliberate movement through a possibly unstable zone.
Moving around becomes easier with bolts, using them as distractions to slip past hazards. When the hut comes into view, the map marker updates and the traveler is directed toward the Clear Sky base. The route ahead is straightforward, so run toward the base, stay focused, and wait for the cutscene. A calm and methodical approach helps mitigate risk as the environment throws unexpected twists and sound cues that signal change in the terrain ahead.
Tips for escape
After you pick up the scanner, you have to walk a path of over a kilometer. Do not look for alternative routes, as this can lead to serious difficulties and failures. Instead, follow the same path you arrived on. Go through the hut first and then head towards the area Old Church. The long march requires attention to footing, staying out of reach of anomalies, and conserving resources for the remaining segments of the mission.
A swamp is a treacherous area where you can drown even in the most unexpected places that seemed safe. To determine how deep a swamp is at a certain point, look at the vegetation. If you see small shrubs growing straight out of the swamp, it means the area is safe to walk through.
From the church follow the path on the left until you reach a fork. Here you keep strictly to the right and continue driving.
When you approach the hill, the escape mission is considered complete and you can continue with the mission.
Other guides
Other guides cover alternative routes, equipment setups, and strategies for surviving similar swamp zones, offering practical options for different playstyles and preferences.