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Back to the Slag Heap Mission Walkthrough
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Back to the Slag Heap Mission Walkthrough

Navigate the 'Back to the Slag Heap' mission in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Make critical choices about the Unusual PDA affecting your standing with the Ward and Stalkers.

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Navigate the 'Back to the Slag Heap' mission in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Make critical choices about the Unusual PDA affecting your standing with the Ward and Stalkers.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Meet up with Diode: After gathering information from Nestor, head back to Diode. You may spot a helicopter heading towards the Slag Heap. Find Diode's usual location, but he's gone. A Ward soldier directs you to the first floor. Go through the bar area to find stairs leading up. Approach the door at the top to trigger a scene.
  2. 2
    Show the Unusual PDA or Not: This is a major choice.
    • If you show the Unusual PDA: Colonel Korshunov returns it, and you're seen as working with the Ward. You receive the Ward Badge, granting easier access to certain areas.
  3. 3
    If you don't show the Unusual PDA: You're treated as 'Stalker scum' by the Ward but let go, preserving your relationship with Star and the Sparksters.
  4. 4
    Get to the Sawmill: The Sawmill is in the Wild Island region. Head southeast from the Slag Heap towards a warehouse. Here, you'll meet the leader of the Sparksters and learn that the Stranger is Scar. You'll face another choice.
  5. 5
    Show Scar the Unusual PDA or Not: This choice mirrors the one with Korshunov.
    • If you already showed the PDA to Korshunov: This is a formality. Scar won't trust you and warns you, ending your association with him and the Sparksters.
  6. 6
    If you did not show the PDA to Korshunov:
    • Show Scar the Unusual PDA: You'll be directed to meet Strider on the island, who will help you get there.
  7. 7
    Don't show Scar the Unusual PDA: Scar leaves you to your own devices. You won't have access to the island and must seek out Mute nearby to complete his side mission, 'A Heavy Burden,' to gain access.

The 'Back to the Slag Heap' mission concludes here, leading into 'Hot on the Trail,' which requires meeting Strider at the Noontide Base.

Tips
  • Make a hard save before meeting with Diode, as the decision about the Unusual PDA is significant.
  • Remember to pick up the Combatant from the table after your conversation with Korshunov, regardless of your choice.
  • The Ward Badge, received for showing the PDA to Korshunov, can be useful for accessing certain areas more easily.
  • Reputation changes with the Ward and Stalkers.
  • Potential access to the Wild Island region via different routes depending on your choices.
  • Ward Badge (if PDA shown to Korshunov).
  • Combatant (item, always available after Korshunov conversation).

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