S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Side Quest: "In the Name of Science" Unveiled

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl's "In the Name of Science" Side Quest: A Complete Guide

Following the Visions of Truth main mission, Dr. Shcherba will contact Skif, initiating the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves retrieving electronic collars from various mutants and presents players with crucial choices affecting the outcome.

Locating the Electronic Collars

The first objective is to find five electronic collars scattered across The Zone. These locations are usually marked on your map; however, if some are missing, you may have already collected them during previous missions or exploration. The table below details their locations:

After collecting all collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant. If you've previously collected and sold collars, the quest might bug. Use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to resolve this.

The Jammer Decision: Disable or Recalibrate?

Upon delivering the collars, Shcherba reveals a signal jamming their functionality. He tasks Skif with investigating and disabling the jammer located in the Storage on the Hill, west of the Roofed Warehouse. Inside, you'll face poltergeists, zombified soldiers, and rodents. The crucial decision:

• Destroy/Disable the Jammer (Recommended): This advances the quest, rewards you with coupons, and leads to a bloodsucker encounter and a further choice.
• Recalibrate the Jammer: This concludes the quest with a coupon reward from Dvupalov.

The Final Confrontation: Kill or Spare Shcherba?

Disabling the jammer leads to another contact from Shcherba, who sends coupons and promises 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 call leads to receiving Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. In his lab, you'll encounter three Bloodsuckers and a trapped Shcherba. He exposes Skif to PSI-radiation, but the vodka negates the effects. After escaping and confronting Shcherba, you face the final choice:

• Kill Shcherba: Results in the same rewards as sparing him.
• Spare Shcherba (Recommended): Maintains positive relations with scientists and Dvupalov.

Completing either choice rewards you with a Gauss Gun from Dvupalov and unlocks the "On a Leash" trophy.