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

Following the Visions of Truth main mission and a call from Dr. Shcherba, players embark on the side quest "In the Name of Science." This quest involves locating electronic collars from various mutants, leading to multiple choices impacting the outcome.

Collecting the Electronic Collars

The initial task is to find five electronic collars from specific locations (shown on the in-game map). If locations aren't visible, you may have already collected them during other missions. The collar locations are:

After retrieving all collars, return to Shcherba at the Roofed Warehouse in the Chemical Plant. If the quest becomes bugged due to prior collar collection and trading, use the console command "XEndQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S2_SetJournal_WaitForSherbaCall_Finish_Pin_0" to proceed.

The Jamming Device Dilemma

Upon delivering the collars, Shcherba reveals a jamming signal interfering with them. He tasks the player with investigating and disabling the source. This leads to a crucial choice:

Option 1: Destroy/Disable the Jammer (Recommended)

This progresses the quest, rewarding the player with coupons and leading to an encounter with bloodsuckers and a further choice.

Option 2: Recalibrate the Jammer

This concludes the quest with coupons as a reward from Dvupalov.

The Final Confrontation: Kill or Spare Shcherba?

Disabling the jammer leads to Shcherba contacting the player, activating the collars, and sending coupons. The objective changes to "Wait for your reward from Shcherba." Progress may require waiting or using the console command "XStartQuestNodeBySID E08_SQ01_S3_Technical_SherbaInvitedToLab."

Shcherba's subsequent call leads to receiving Magic Vodka from Dr. Dvupalov. A confrontation ensues, involving bloodsuckers and a final choice: kill Shcherba or let him go. Both options yield the same rewards (a Gauss Gun and the "On a Leash" trophy), but sparing Shcherba maintains better relations with scientists.