S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Quest: The Duty of a Stalker

Complete S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl's quest, The Duty of a Stalker. Navigate the Zone, deal with factions, and make choices starting at the Bar.

Quest: The Duty of a Stalker

This questline tasks you with upholding the core tenets of a true Stalker: survival, resourcefulness, and aiding those in need within the Zone. You'll be navigating treacherous environments, dealing with hostile factions, and making difficult choices that can impact your reputation and the fate of others.

Part 1: The Plea from the Bar

Your journey begins at the Bar, a central hub for Stalkers. Speak with Barman, who will express concern about a missing patrol unit from the Duty faction. They were last seen heading towards the Abandoned Factory in the eastern part of the Cordon.

Objective: Investigate the Abandoned Factory

  • Location: Abandoned Factory, Eastern Cordon.
  • Enemies: Expect a significant number of Bandits and possibly some mutated creatures.
  • Strategy: Approach the factory cautiously. Utilize cover and flanking maneuvers. Prioritize eliminating ranged threats first.

Upon reaching the factory, you'll find signs of a struggle. Search the area thoroughly. You should find a Duty Stalker's PDA near a collapsed wall. This PDA will contain fragmented logs detailing an ambush and the patrol's last known position: a small, fortified outpost further east, near the railway tracks.

Part 2: The Ambush Site

Objective: Locate the Duty Outpost

  • Location: East of the Abandoned Factory, near the railway tracks.
  • Enemies: This area is heavily guarded by Bandits. Be prepared for an intense firefight.
  • Strategy: Use the railway embankment for cover. Employ grenades to flush out entrenched enemies. If possible, find a vantage point to pick off enemies before engaging directly.

At the outpost, you'll discover the grim reality: the Duty patrol was overwhelmed. You'll find the bodies of several Duty Stalkers. Search their remains and the immediate vicinity. You should find a Damaged Duty Radio and a Sealed Crate containing medical supplies. The radio, once repaired, will reveal a distress call from a lone survivor who managed to escape towards the Swamps.

Part 3: The Lone Survivor

Objective: Find the Survivor in the Swamps

  • Location: The Swamps, specifically a small, partially submerged shack on the western edge.
  • Enemies: The Swamps are notorious for their dangerous mutants, including Bloodsuckers and Snorks. Be prepared for environmental hazards like quicksand.
  • Strategy: Equip your best anti-mutant gear and carry plenty of bandages and medkits. Move slowly and deliberately, listening for mutant sounds. Use a flashlight to navigate dark areas and identify hazards.

Locate the shack. Inside, you'll find the sole survivor, a wounded Duty Stalker named Sergeant Volkov. He is critically injured and requires immediate medical attention. Use the Sealed Crate medical supplies you found earlier to stabilize him. He will then explain the full extent of the ambush and express his gratitude.

Part 4: Return to the Bar

Objective: Report back to the Barman

  • Location: The Bar.
  • Strategy: Volkov will ask you to escort him back to the Bar. Be vigilant during the return journey, as the Zone is unpredictable. Bandits may attempt to ambush you, or new mutant threats could emerge.

Upon returning to the Bar with Sergeant Volkov, report your findings to the Barman. Volkov will be tended to by the local medics. This quest significantly boosts your reputation with the Duty faction and rewards you with a substantial amount of Ruble and a unique weapon, the "Duty's Resolve" AKS-74U.