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 replay.
Key Choices and Endings:
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 results from siding with Strelok, securing control of the Zone by antagonizing all other factions (rejecting Scar, escaping Korshunov, and eliminating Kaymanov).
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 previous ending, but instead of killing Kaymanov, you spare him, aligning with his scientific perspective on the Zone's independent existence.
3. Today Never Ends:
- Subtle Matter: Choose "Eternal spring."
- Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
- The Last Wish: This choice is irrelevant for this ending.
This ending involves aiding Scar, the leader of the Spark faction, leading to his entry into a pod believed to transport him to the Shining Zone. Only two mission choices are crucial here.
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 irrelevant for this ending.
This ending involves allying with Colonel Krushunov and his campaign to eradicate the Zone. Like the Spark ending, only two mission choices determine this outcome. The choices made in these three missions directly impact the game's narrative conclusion, offering players a variety of impactful storylines.
