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 game replay.
Key Choices and Endings:
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 results from siding with Strelok, aiming to protect the Zone and antagonizing other factions (rejecting Scar, escaping Korshunov, and eliminating Kaymanov).
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 killing Kaymanov, you spare him, aligning with his scientific perspective on the Zone's uncontrolled future.
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, the leader of the Spark faction, leading to his entry into a pod believed to transport him to the Shining Zone. Only two missions directly influence this outcome.
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 allying with Colonel Krushunov and his campaign to completely destroy the Zone. Like the Spark ending, only choices in two missions determine this outcome.
The choices presented within each mission significantly impact the narrative and the final resolution experienced by the player. Strategic decision-making in these crucial moments shapes the ultimate fate of the Zone and the player's role within it.
