Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl challenges players with its intense gameplay and complex questlines, often forcing them into difficult choices that influence not only the course of the game but also its conclusion. The perilous decisiveness expected is prevalent throughout the various missions, both main and side quests. A prime example is the mission titled Like a Moth to the Flame, where players must expose a traitor collaborating with the enigmatic Faust.
This mission requires a pivotal choice between aligning with either Doctor Kryvenko or Captain Senkevych, with each choice leading to diverging outcomes. Here’s a detailed guide on completing the Like a Moth to the Flame quest along with recommendations on which path to take.
Quest Walkthrough for “Like a Moth to the Flame”
The quest becomes available soon after the main story arc, Chasing Ghosts, concludes. It triggers as you enter Camp Icarus, located within the Zaton area.
Upon your arrival, you will witness an argument between Captain Senkevych and Doctor Kryvenko. After the confrontation concludes, Skiff informs you of a possible traitor among the camp members working with Faust, prompting the need for an investigation.
Captain Senkevych immediately suspects Doctor Kryvenko, questioning his loyalty given his outsider status and the secretive technology he utilizes. Senkevych requests that you dismantle the Psi-Antennas while he continues his investigation. It’s crucial to resist making any agreements until you have spoken with Doctor Kryvenko, after which you must determine whether to side with him or Captain Senkevych.
Choosing Sides: Kryvenko vs. Senkevych
We recommend opting for Doctor Kryvenko during the Like a Moth to the Flame quest, as this path rewards you with approximately 5,668 credits for your efforts. Although siding with Captain Senkevych allows for the discovery of the traitor as well, it offers only Psi-blockers as a reward, which may not justify the effort, especially since you may already possess them by this point.
The desired routes and outcomes based on your choice are outlined below:
Following the Kryvenko Route
Retrieving Data from the Antennas
Approach Captain Senkevych and select “I need to talk to Kryvenko first.” Proceed to Kryvenko’s laboratory located through the corridor on your left.
During your exploration, focus on three critical antennas:
- First Antenna: Located on a raised platform near the circular building surrounded by sandbags.
- Second Antenna: Positioned atop a tall tower within the base, necessitating some climbing and dexterity to reach.
- Third Antenna: Found on the roof of a small structure outside the base, after defeating a lurking zombie to access the area.
After collecting the data, return to Doctor Kryvenko, who will express gratitude and inform you that the traitor’s evidence lies at the Saturn Bunker involving the Psi-Beacon.
Inspecting the Psi-Beacon
Follow the given coordinates to find a lit door behind the building. Navigate carefully past a hazardous anomaly and reach the Psi-Beacon. Warning: prolonged exposure here can be damaging, so act quickly.
Enter through the right door, then proceed through the left to access the beacon. Remove the data drive and disable the machine before returning to Doctor Kryvenko. He will reveal that Shterev is the traitor, leading to the quest’s conclusion.
Following the Senkevych Route
Breaking the Psi-Antennas
After witnessing the dispute, approach Captain Senkevych, who will detail the sickness affecting his squad and the role he believes Doctor Kryvenko plays in the unrest. He will task you with destroying the Psi-Antennas to clear the signal.
Agreeing to help requires you to select “We have a deal.” and find the same three antennas outlined earlier.
After destroying the antennas, return to Captain Senkevych, who will inform you that another source of interference remains beneath the observatory. He suggests that Lieutenant Shterev may have vital insights regarding the situation.
Exploring the Saturn Bunker & Destroying the Psi-Beacon
Navigate according to the coordinates to locate the large round building. Descend through the interior into the Saturn Bunker, where you’ll need to evade an electrical anomaly while looking for the device.
Identify the machine and dismantle the Psi-Beacon using your firearms. Once done, retrace your path to report back to Senkevych in the comms room. He will conclude that evidence repeatedly points towards Shterev as the instigator of the chaos.
With this revelation, you will finish the Like a Moth to the Flame quest, paving the way for the next chapter of your adventure.
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