STALKER 2: Unraveling the Enigma of Chornobyl's Endings

This guide details the four distinct endings in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, determined by player choices in three key missions: Subtle Matter, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Last Wish. A manual save before Legends of the Zone allows players to experience all endings without a full replay.

Choices that Determine the Ending

Three pivotal missions shape the game's conclusion:

• Subtle Matter: Your decision here significantly impacts the overall narrative trajectory.
• Dangerous Liaisons: This mission presents a critical choice influencing alliances and outcomes.
• The Last Wish: The final decision in this mission seals the player's fate and the Zone's future.

Ending 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 aligns the player with Strelok, prioritizing the Zone's protection and establishing dominance over other factions. This path necessitates antagonizing Scar, Korshunov, and Kaymanov.

Ending 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, the player sides with him, reflecting a scientific approach to the Zone's future and its right to autonomy.

Ending 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 assisting Scar, leader of the Spark faction, leading to his entry into a pod believed to transport him to the Shining Zone. Only choices in two missions are crucial here.

Ending 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 siding with Colonel Krushunov and the Ward faction, resulting in a campaign to completely eradicate the Zone. Like the Spark ending, only two missions' choices matter.