Stalker 2: Science Side Quest Guide

After speaking with the C-Consciousness Representative during the Visions of Truth main mission in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, you'll receive a call from Dr. Shcherba, requesting Skif's assistance. Accepting this favor initiates the side mission, "In the Name of Science," requiring you to locate electronic collars from various mutants.

This side mission is relatively lengthy and presents multiple choice points impacting the outcome. Let's explore the complete mission and the decisions you'll face.

How to Find All the Electronic Collars for Dr. Shcherba

Once you've gathered all five collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant region. Note: If the mission becomes bugged due to previously collected collars, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to proceed.

Should You Disable or Recalibrate the Jamming Device?

You'll find the jamming device in the Storage on the Hill, west of the Roofed Warehouse. Inside, you'll encounter poltergeists, zombified soldiers, and rodents. Your choice is to destroy the jammer (disabling the signal) or recalibrate it (deactivating the collars permanently).

Should You Kill or Let Shcherba Go?

Disabling the jammer leads to Shcherba contacting you, confirming the collars' functionality, sending coupons, and promising future assistance. The objective changes to "Wait for your reward from Shcherba." You can progress by completing other missions or resting until he calls (or use the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab").

Upon his call, you receive Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. In the warehouse, you'll confront Shcherba and three Bloodsuckers. A trap ensues, exposing you to PSI-radiation, countered by the Magic Vodka. Escape, kill the Bloodsuckers, and confront Shcherba.

The final choice: kill Shcherba or let him go. Both yield the same rewards (a Gauss Gun and the "On a Leash" trophy), but letting him go maintains better relations with the scientists.