Stalker 2: Science Side Quest Guide

After conversing with the C-Consciousness Representative during the "Visions of Truth" main mission in *Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl*, you'll receive a call from Dr. Shcherba, requesting your assistance. Accepting this favor initiates the side quest, "In the Name of Science," requiring you to locate electronic collars from various mutants.

"In the Name of Science" is a relatively lengthy side quest with multiple branching choices impacting its outcome. Let's explore the complete quest and the decisions you'll face.

How to Find All Electronic Collars for Dr. Shcherba

The initial phase of "In the Name of Science" involves locating five electronic collars from specific map locations. If fewer locations appear, you've likely already collected collars during other missions or exploration. Below are the locations and details:

Once collected, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant region. Note: If the quest becomes bugged due to previously collected collars, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to advance.

Should You Disable or Recalibrate the Jamming Device?

After delivering the collars, Shcherba discovers a signal jamming their functionality. He tasks you with investigating and disabling the source. This leads you to the Storage on the Hill, west of the Roofed Warehouse. Inside, you'll encounter poltergeists, zombified soldiers, and rodents before finding the device.

You face a choice: destroy the jammer (disabling the signal) or recalibrate it (permanently deactivating the collars).

Should You Kill or Let Shcherba Go?

Disabling the jammer leads to Shcherba contacting you, confirming the collars' functionality, sending coupons, and promising future assistance. The objective changes to "Wait for your reward from Shcherba." You can progress this by resting or using the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab".

Shcherba's subsequent call leads to receiving Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. You'll then encounter a trapped situation, exposed to PSI radiation, countered by the vodka. After escaping and confronting Shcherba, you must choose: kill him or let him go. Both choices yield the same rewards (Gauss Gun and "On a Leash" trophy), but letting him go maintains better relations.