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

Following the Visions of Truth main mission, players receive a call from Dr. Shcherba, initiating the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves locating electronic collars from various mutants, presenting multiple choice points that affect the outcome.

Locating the Electronic Collars

The first objective is to find five electronic collars. Their locations are marked on the map; however, if some are missing, they may have been collected during previous missions or exploration.

After collecting all collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant. If the quest bugs due to prior collar acquisition, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to proceed.

The Jamming Device: Disable or Recalibrate?

Upon delivering the collars, Shcherba reveals a jamming signal affecting their functionality. He tasks Skif with investigating and disabling the source. The device is located in the Storage on the Hill, west of the Roofed Warehouse. Players face a crucial choice:

• Destroy/Disable the Jammer (Recommended): This advances the quest, rewarding players with coupons and leading to an encounter with bloodsuckers and a further choice.
• Recalibrate the Jammer: This concludes the quest with coupons from Dvupalov as a reward.

The Final Confrontation: Kill or Spare Shcherba?

Disabling the jammer leads to Shcherba contacting Skif, confirming the collars' functionality and sending coupons. The objective changes to "Wait for your reward from Shcherba." Progress can be sped up using the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab" if Shcherba doesn't call.

Shcherba's subsequent call leads to a meeting, a trap, and a confrontation. Players receive Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov, which negates PSI-radiation effects from Shcherba's trap. After escaping and killing bloodsuckers, a final choice arises: 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 with scientists.