This guide details the four distinct endings in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, determined by player choices in three key missions: Subtle Matter, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Last Wish. A manual save before Legends of the Zone allows players to experience all endings without a full game replay.

Choices That Determine the Ending

The three pivotal missions offer crucial decision points:

• Subtle Matter: Your choice here significantly impacts the overall narrative trajectory.
• Dangerous Liaisons: This mission presents a critical juncture affecting alliances and outcomes.
• The Last Wish: A final choice that seals the fate of the Zone and shapes the ending.

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 sees the player aligning with Strelok to protect the Zone, requiring antagonism towards other factions (rejecting Scar, escaping 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]".

Similar to the first ending, but instead of eliminating Kaymanov, you choose to spare him, siding with his scientific approach to the Zone's future.

Ending 3: Today Never Ends

• Subtle Matter: Choose "Eternal spring."
• Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]."
• The Last Wish: This choice is inconsequential for this ending.

This ending involves aiding Scar and the Spark faction, culminating in Scar's journey to the Shining Zone. Only two of the three missions directly influence this outcome.

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 choice is inconsequential for this ending.

This ending results from siding with Colonel Krushunov and the Ward faction, leading to a campaign to eradicate the Zone. Like the Spark ending, only two missions determine this outcome.