Stalker 2: Choose to Kill Shah or Roosevelt in King of the Hill Mission Guide

Decoding the King of the Hill Mission in Stalker 2

Stalker 2 immerses players in a world of choices that significantly affect the narrative’s trajectory. Early missions, including “King of the Hill,”present multiple options, all leading to a common yet predictable theme: betrayal. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to clarify the best strategies for the “King of the Hill”mission, assisting you in deciding whether to eliminate Shah or Roosevelt, two pivotal characters within the storyline.

Accessing the King of the Hill Mission in Stalker 2

Varan's domain in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

The primary missions are often initiated by engaging with the Diode NPC located in the Garbage section of the game. Eventually, he will guide you to meet Varan at a nearby plant south of Slag Heap, paving the way to unearth details about Nestor’s disappearance and the lost artifact scanner.

This interaction successfully triggers the “King of the Hill”main mission, after which an in-game marker will direct you to Varan, one of the rival gang leaders in the Garbage area.

Confronting Varan at the Plant

Upon entering Varan’s territory, it’s apparent he commands a substantial number of bandits across the Plant area. As you approach, these bandits will initially remain neutral, allowing a seamless entry for your discussion with Varan.

During your conversation, Varan candidly reveals the complications posed by Shah and Roosevelt, two rival factions vying for power in the region.

Should You Target Shah or Roosevelt in Stalker 2?

Dilemma of choosing between Shah and Roosevelt — Image courtesy of Prima Games

As you probe Varan regarding Skif’s assault and the missing artifact scanner, you will face four potential choices:

Pay 20,000 coupons immediately.
Eliminate rival gang leader Shah.
Remove rival gang leader Roosevelt.
Engage and kill The item.

Understanding that most players will find accumulating 20,000 coupons challenging early in the game—especially since you are still in the second area—it’s often more beneficial to invest in better gear rather than yield to Varan’s demands.

Shah's PDA in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

If you choose to obey Varan’s request and take out one of the rivals, Shah provides an easier target due to his less fortified location, enabling quicker progression in the mission. Conversely, Roosevelt poses a more formidable challenge, requiring thorough preparation in terms of superior weaponry and tactical knowledge regarding the Commissary.

Roosevelt's PDA in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Choosing the fourth option, which involves attacking Varan, will immediately instigate aggression from him and his crew, compelling you into an immediate fight.

Optimal Strategy and Outcome

Before committing to a decision, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Varan will ultimately betray you, instructing his men to eliminate you. Given this inevitable betrayal, it’s illogical to invest either 20,000 coupons or significant effort into defeating rival factions for Varan’s sake.

Instead, considering an immediate attack on Varan—or holding off until safely regrouped—often serves as a more rational strategy. Accepting betrayal as a certainty means it is unwise to placate Varan further.

Obtaining the Metal Key from Varan

Metal Key obtained in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Your ultimate objective is to secure the Metal Key, crucial for accessing a room in the garage where you can uncover the fate of your scanner. Multiple methods exist to acquire this key:

Provide Varan with 20,000 coupons for an immediate transaction.
Return with Shah’s PDA, Roosevelt’s PDA, or both to exchange for the key.
Eliminate Varan and loot the key from his remains.

Outsmarting Varan and His Bandits in Stalker 2

Using Metal Key in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Once the Metal Key is in your possession, proceed to the garage room where you will encounter Nestor’s body and another character known as The Last One. This prisoner has crucial information regarding your scanner.

Be sure to loot The Last One’s body for the Unusual PDA—while it may be damaged, this item is vital for upcoming quests that follow “King of the Hill.”

Body of Nestor in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Body of The Last One in Stalker 2 — Image courtesy of Prima Games

Looting this PDA signifies the conclusion of the “King of the Hill”mission and triggers the next quest titled “Deal with the Devil,”centering on your exit from the Plant area.

As you attempt to leave, expect Varan and his bodyguard Iron to confront you, threatening your life. To survive, adopt a methodical approach, eliminating foes individually. Utilizing a scoped weapon in single-fire mode to favor headshots can significantly enhance your efficiency and conserve ammunition.

This guide encapsulates the key strategies and decisions within Stalker 2’s “King of the Hill.”With careful planning and execution, you can navigate its treacherous narrative landscape.

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