How to Resolve the STALKER 2 Good Old Days Bug Effectively

One of the most frequently encountered issues by players of STALKER 2 is the notorious Just Like the Good Old Days quest bug. This quest is integral to the story, and the bug can effectively softlock your entire gameplay experience, requiring a workaround to proceed. In this article, we’ll explore the nature of this bug and offer solutions to help you overcome it.

Understanding the STALKER 2 Just Like the Good Old Days Bug

The Just Like the Good Old Days quest creates significant turmoil within the game world, especially in regions like the Zone, Wild Islands, and Zalyssia. This turmoil is triggered by a Monolithians attack, resulting in several NPCs and doors becoming locked, which essentially freezes your progress until you complete an objective—specifically, reaching Ludochka’s bunker with the Emitter.

Moreover, locating the Emitter can become quite frustrating due to these game freezes and restricted access. If the bunker door remains locked, progressing in the quest becomes impossible. For PC users, however, there are a few potential solutions to alleviate this issue.

STALKER 2 Just Like The Good Old Days quest description — Screenshot via Twinfinite

It’s worth noting that engaging with Professor Ludochka is actually optional; you can bypass this interaction. If you continue to advance to the next mission, the Just Like the Good Old Days quest may auto-complete itself. However, skipping this objective can still lead to further complications, potentially locking you out from proceeding later in the game.

If you encounter the bug, your best recourse is to load a previous save file, as the quest is currently flawed and awaits an official patch from the developers. Before you give up entirely, consider trying the following two fixes.

Solutions to the STALKER 2 Just Like the Good Old Days Bug

A quick solution for accessing Ludochka’s bunker involves utilizing console commands on your PC. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Download UETools from NexusMods.
Launch STALKER 2 and open the Console by pressing the ‘/’ key.
Input the command ‘UETools_Ghost‘. This allows you to pass through the door and communicate with Professor Ludochka.
After your interaction, use ‘UETools_Walk‘ to return to normal gameplay.

While effective, this method isn’t without its drawbacks. After speaking with Ludochka, he may become hostile and attack you, and there’s a possibility that the subsequent part of the quest might remain bugged.

Alternatively, a more reliable method to resolve the Just Like the Good Old Days bug involves taking the Emitter to Scar and waiting for a cutscene to initiate. If it doesn’t activate immediately, consider reloading your game or trying to sleep a few in-game times. To locate the Emitter, revisit the spot in Wild Islands where you first encountered Faust and Dubny during their argument, after which Dubny sends you to assist Strider.

STALKER 2 Just Like The Good Old Days emitter location — Screenshot via Twinfinite

You may need to execute some parkour maneuvers to return here from your earlier path. Head back to where the platforms collapsed and leap to the right pipe tunnel, then navigate across the protruding metal pipes before proceeding along the main pipeline path.

This method might take several attempts, but it’s achievable if you’re not overencumbered, saving you time compared to other fixes. Once you reach the location, shoot the lock paddle on the opposite side, and the Emitter you need will be found lying centrally in the room.

STALKER 2 Just Like The Good Old Days emitter — Screenshot via Twinfinite

In summary, these strategies should help you navigate the challenges posed by the STALKER 2 Just Like the Good Old Days bug and complete the quest involving Ludochka. For further insights, feel free to explore more guides, including solutions for the Three Captains Quest bug and tips on locating the Whirlwind Artifact.

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