This guide details the four distinct endings in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and how player choices in three key missions determine the outcome. The game's branching narrative allows for multiple playthroughs without requiring a full game restart after reaching "Legends of the Zone." A manual save at this point enables exploration of all endings.
Key Missions and Choices:
The three crucial missions impacting the ending are: "Subtle Matter," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "The Last Wish."
Ending 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, prioritizing the Zone's protection, and antagonizing all other factions. This involves rejecting Scar, fleeing Korshunov, and eliminating Kaymanov.
Ending 2: Project Y
- Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
- Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]."
- The Last Wish: Choose "[Lower the Gun]."
This mirrors the previous ending, except for sparing Kaymanov, aligning with his scientific perspective on the Zone's uncontrolled evolution.
Ending 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 supporting Scar and the Spark faction, culminating in his journey into the Shining Zone. Only two mission choices are decisive here.
Ending 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 the Ward faction, leading to the Zone's destruction. Similar to the Spark ending, only two mission choices determine this outcome.
