In the side quest “The Lost Boys”of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players face a pivotal decision: ally with The Ninth, a member of the Monolith cult, or Dew and his gang. If you’re uncertain about which side to choose, this comprehensive guide provides clarity on the ramifications of your decision.
Stalker 2: The Lost Boy Side Quest Walkthrough
The quest begins with Lens, who informs you about a group of diggers sent to retrieve treasures, now unresponsive. Your mission is to locate this group in their last known location—a bunker.
Upon arriving at the designated bunker, descend to the next level and check the room on your right. Here, you’ll discover a PDA next to a corpse that reveals the group’s impending doom due to an emission.
Move through the passage where you will find a shotgun and a bag on the floor, as well as a fuse. Collect the fuse and install it in the fusebox located in the adjacent room.
Continue along the path, navigating a room with an anomaly. Descend the stairs while avoiding rat enemies to find Max Saturday, a member of the diggers, who requires healing.
After your conversation with him, head back upstairs and flip the switch to unlock the door. Then, proceed down the hallway to your next objective marker.
When you reach your destination, you’ll be ambushed by a pack of dogs. Eliminate them and head to the shed adjacent to the house. Break the lock and enter to discover an underground tunnel. Cross to the other side and you’ll hear The Ninth inside.
Inside, you will find an injured Mastiff and a ladder leading to the attic. Ascend to the attic and converse with The Ninth, who will provide his perspective on the situation. However, during your dialogue, Dew and his gang members will invade, seeking to eliminate the Monolith soldier. This moment is critical as you must now choose your allegiance.
Consequences of Siding with The Ninth
If you choose to side with The Ninth, be prepared for combat as you will need to eliminate the gang members outside. This battle can be resource-intensive.
Although The Ninth will assist in fighting off the mercenaries, there is a risk of him being killed. To maximize your rewards, ensure his survival during this encounter.
After defeating the gang and their leader, engaging The Ninth further will yield insight into his faction. He will reward you with a Rubber Layer blueprint, a valuable upgrade for your automatic rifle.
Upon returning to Lens to report about the diggers, you’ll receive 500 Coupons as compensation for saving Mastiff, even as he chastises you for aiding a Monolith member.
Consequences of Siding with Dew
Choosing to support Dew means aiding him in the attempt to kill The Ninth, who is sheltered in the house. Be aware that The Ninth has considerable health compared to regular enemies, making this a more challenging fight that requires the assistance of Dew’s gang.
Defeating The Ninth will not yield significant loot, but Lens will reward you with 1000 Coupons upon your report, twice the amount offered for siding with The Ninth.
Which Choice is Optimal in The Lost Boy?
Overall, aligning with The Ninth is generally more beneficial than siding with Dew, given that you gain access to a rare blueprint and a reward less than half of what you would receive from Dew.
The Rubber Layer blueprint, a unique item only obtainable from The Ninth, significantly enhances your automatic rifle by reducing recoil, making it a worthwhile investment despite the lesser monetary reward. There are ample opportunities to accumulate funds in the game.
Can You Evade Conflict in The Lost Boy?
Unfortunately, efforts to stop Dew from entering the house to confront The Ninth will be in vain; he will disregard your attempts and proceed with his gang. Furthermore, if you disclose the truth about The Ninth saving Mastiff from mutants, Dew will view you as a traitor and attack. Thus, conflict is unavoidable, and you must ultimately choose a side.
This concludes the essential information to help you make an informed decision during “The Lost Boy”side quest in Stalker 2.
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