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

Following the Visions of Truth main mission and a call from Dr. Shcherba, players embark on the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves locating electronic collars from various mutants, leading to multiple choices impacting the outcome.

Collecting the Electronic Collars

The initial objective requires finding five electronic collars from specific locations (shown on the in-game map). If locations aren't appearing, you may have already collected them. Here's a breakdown:

After collecting all collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant. If encountering bugs due to previously collected collars, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0".

The Jamming Device: Disable or Recalibrate?

Upon delivering the collars, Shcherba discovers a jamming signal. Players must investigate and choose between disabling or recalibrating the jamming device located in the Storage on the Hill (west of the Roofed Warehouse).

• Disable/Destroy the Jammer (Recommended): This advances the quest, rewards coupons, and leads to a bloodsucker encounter and a subsequent choice.
• Recalibrate the Jammer: Rewards coupons from Dvupalov, concluding the quest.

The Final Choice: Kill or Spare Shcherba?

Disabling the jammer triggers a call from Shcherba, followed by a visit to his lab. You'll receive Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. A confrontation ensues, involving bloodsuckers and a choice: kill Shcherba or let him go. Both choices yield the same rewards (a Gauss Gun and the "On a Leash" trophy), but sparing Shcherba maintains positive relations.