S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Navigating "Just Like the Good Old Days"
This guide details the "Just Like the Good Old Days" main mission in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The mission's starting point depends on your choices in the preceding "Wishful Thinking" mission—either "To the Last Drop of Blood" or "Law and Order"—both culminating in an escape from SIRCAA.
Key Objectives:
- Speak with Professor Lodochka:
- (Optional) Activate the Ventilation System:
- Find the Source of the Signal:
1. Locating Professor Lodochka at Wild Island
Travel to the mission marker on Wild Island, leading you to Professor Lodochka at Quite's Camp. Expect a prior objective: eliminating mercenaries in the area. These enemies will be clearly marked on your map. It's advisable to have strong equipment, as this is not the only combat encounter in the mission. Once the mercenaries are dealt with, a new marker will pinpoint Lodochka's location. An optional objective, activating the ventilation system, will then become available.
2. (Optional) Restoring the Ventilation System
To complete this optional objective, locate the marked fuse on your map. After retrieving it, a new marker will appear, guiding you to the engineering rooms. Be prepared for an invisible enemy within the shelter. Follow the passageways to the engine room and use the fuse to restore power to the ventilation system. While not offering unique rewards, completing this task simplifies the remainder of the mission.
3. Finding the Signal Source
Before proceeding, consider upgrading your weaponry, as the upcoming challenges increase in difficulty. The next objective marker leads to a cave entrance near the water. Navigate the caverns westward, descending and maneuvering through obstacles. A broken pipe provides access to higher cave levels.
Locate the large, cone-shaped spire, and you'll find the emitter at the marked point beside it. An invisible enemy awaits on your return journey. Finally, return to Professor Lodochka to complete the mission and unlock the next main mission: "Hornet's Nest."
