In Stalker 2, players are frequently faced with challenging decisions that hold significant implications for both characters and factions. One such scenario is the Wishful Thinking mission, where your choices can create rifts between various groups in the game. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the mission, particularly focusing on the critical decision of whether to align with the Noonstriders or the Ward faction.
Initiating the Wishful Thinking Mission
To unlock the Wishful Thinking mission, you must first complete the Forge of Progress main quest. Both of these missions become accessible once you reach the SIRCAA facility, which is situated in the northeastern part of the game map.
The mission is triggered when Dr. Dalin contacts Skif shortly after being transported through a portal. Skif is instructed to meet Dr. Dalin in the D1 Hall. As you navigate through the hall towards the D2 room, a cutscene unveils a tense discussion between Dr. Dalin and Col. Korshunov.
Engaging with the Monolith
During the confrontation, Dr. Dalin urges Skif to activate the Monolith using the alpha artifact, noting its dual role in powering both the generators and the Monolith itself. Despite Col. Korshunov’s assertions that his team can manage the task, Skif insists on taking responsibility for the artifact.
The mission progresses as you interact with the Monolith at the facility’s lowest level. You will encounter two shadowy figures whose order of interaction is irrelevant. Following this interaction, a third figure will emerge, leading to a cutscene that immerses you in an illusion where you are ambushed by Col. Korshunov’s soldiers. Despite your efforts to fight back, the overwhelming numbers will continue to assault you until the illusion finally dissipates.
Upon returning to reality, proceed to engage in conversation with Dr. Dalin and Col. Korshunov, as Skif questions them about the memory he just experienced in the Monolith Room.
Dr. Dalin reveals that the alpha artifact has been successfully activated, allowing for safe experimentation. However, their meeting is abruptly interrupted when Col. Korshunov tasks Skif with heading to the Projection Room to meet Agatha.
The Dilemma: Kill or Spare Professor Herman?
In the Projection Room, Skif finds Professor Herman tied up and pleading for a chance to explain. Agatha accuses Herman of scheming against Dr. Dalin by stealing scanners from SIRCAA, hinting at a conspiracy involving Faust. This revelation forces Skif to confront a moral choice regarding Herman’s fate.
Handed a pistol by Agatha, Skif faces a timer that compels him to make a rapid decision—he can choose to execute Herman or spare his life. If the timer reaches zero, Skif will automatically choose mercy.
This critical choice significantly impacts the storyline. If Herman is killed, he will be completely removed from the narrative, resulting in no further interactions or developments linked to his character. Although Agatha represents him as a villain, suggesting he acted against Skif, the full complexity of Herman’s backstory may not be fully explored.
Thus, it is advisable to spare Professor Herman during the Wishful Thinking mission. This choice preserves potential narrative avenues and allows for deeper character exploration without unnecessary violence.
Choosing to spare Herman results in him expressing gratitude and leaving the room during the subsequent cutscene.
Choosing Between Noonstriders or Ward
Regardless of whether you spared or killed Professor Herman, you will be immediately faced with another crucial decision: which faction to align with—Noonstriders or Ward? This choice bears significant ramifications for the storyline and should complement your earlier decisions and allegiances.
This decision unfolds shortly after leaving the Projection Room, as Skif meets Sgt. Mykhailov in the Cryptobiology Lab. Dubny awaits you near a vault door, where he will prompt you to select a side: “I am with you” (aligning with the Noonstriders) or “I am with the Ward” (aligning with the Ward).
Consequences of Choosing Noonstriders
If you’ve supported the Noonstriders previously or have not antagonized them, siding with this faction appears to be a natural progression. By choosing this route, you align with Dubny and the Noonstriders’ cause for liberation in the Zone. However, this will render the Ward faction, including Dr. Dalin and Col. Korshunov, as immediate adversaries.
Following your choice, Dubny and his allies will engage in combat against the Ward soldiers. You will navigate through a long tunnel, ultimately reaching Strider, who is positioning charges on a vault door leading to the X11 room. After breaching the door, Strider will charge in, incapacitate Dr. Dalin, and attempt to seize the activated alpha artifact.
Aligning with the Noonstriders initiates the “To the Last Drop of Blood” main mission.
Consequences of Choosing Ward
If your previous actions have demonstrated loyalty to the Ward—such as returning Ward Sensors obtained from Squint—this choice aligns with their vision of security and structured order. Siding with the Ward allows for collaboration with Dr. Dalin, Col. Korshunov, and a future filled with safety and scientific progress.
However, choosing this path will also make Dubny and the Noonstriders hostile, leading to an attack against you and your allies. Post-conflict, your objectives will shift to support the Ward in their mission for dominance.
This choice will lead you into the Law and Order main mission in Stalker 2, focusing on reaching the X11 sector through an elevator in the SIRCAA facility.
Unlocking the House of Glass Achievement
Upon completing the Wishful Thinking mission, players unlock the House of Glass achievement. Additionally, rewards in the form of Coupons are granted, with the number received varying based on the game’s difficulty level.
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