In Stalker 2, the narrative unfolds through a combination of main missions and optional side quests, enriching the gameplay experience. One prominent mission, Behind Seven Seals, introduces players to significant choice mechanics and the impact of their decisions on the overarching plot. This early mission also highlights the ongoing theme of factional alliances within the game.
This guide will provide a comprehensive walkthrough for completing the Behind Seven Seals mission in Stalker 2.
How to Access the Behind Seven Seals Mission
To unlock the Behind Seven Seals mission, head to Zalissya and speak with the character known as Warlock. He will provide leads essential for finding the character Solder.
During this mission, you will interact with two critical NPCs: Richter and Captain Zotov. Assisting one will grant you vital information about Solder, who is key to revealing the fate of Skif’s stolen scanner.
Gathering Information on Solder
Your choice lies between aiding Captain Zotov, who is aligned with the Wards faction, or Richter, who represents the Sparks faction. Although both paths will ultimately reveal Solder’s location, your chosen faction will greatly influence your gameplay in Stalker 2.
Interacting with Richter and Captain Zotov
Regardless of your NPC of choice, both Richter and Zotov will instruct you to locate a character named Squint and retrieve Ward Sensors. This also initiates the A Needle in a Haystack mission, which connects with the events in Behind Seven Seals.
If you opt to work with Richter, he will insist that you return both Squint and the Ward Sensors to him. In contrast, Captain Zotov harbors a distrust for Stalkers, complicating matters should you align with Richter.
Completing the Inevitable Nests Side Objective
By aiding Richter, you will begin the Inevitable Nests quest. Richter and Gaffer will direct you to activate an antenna atop the Zalissya tower, which allows a Technician to track Squint’s PDA.
This antenna is marked by a rocket icon and is located north of Zalissya. After activating it, proceed southeast toward an ARMS antenna near a dilapidated building.
Tracking Down Mug
If you decide to support Captain Zotov, he will inform you that Squint has stolen the Ward Sensors and must be apprehended. This sets off a secondary objective where you’ll need to interrogate Mug, a bandit in a local warehouse, for Squint’s whereabouts.
Locating Squint
To find Squint, head towards the windmill situated by a farm. Exercise caution, as there are grenade traps that you need to disarm before approaching him.
Upon interacting with Squint, he will inquire whether Richter or Captain Zotov sent you. He will explain that Skif can reclaim the Ward Sensors and choose their rightful owner, as he has no further use for them.
You will now face a choice: eliminate Squint or opt for a brief side mission called Piece of Cake. This secondary quest consists of retrieving an artifact from a nearby underground area, accessible via a crumbled floor in a nearby house.
After collecting the artifact, you’ll be faced with another decision: give the “Mold” artifact to Squint or kill him to keep both the artifact and the Ward Sensors. As of this writing, the consequences of killing Squint remain uncertain, so we opted to spare him.
Ultimately, Squint willingly hands over the Ward Sensors after your dialogue concludes.
Who Should You Give the Sensors to: Richter or Captain Zotov?
Regardless of your decision regarding the Ward Sensors, the upcoming missions will lead you toward accessing the Sphere, where Solder is waiting.
Should you choose to give the Ward Sensors to Captain Zotov, he will instruct you to meet a contact near the Sphere, facilitating a discreet entry.
In contrast, opting for Richter may require more time but provides access to a num-pad-locked door. This alternative allows for a stealthier approach to reach Solder.
Navigating the Abandoned Communication Hub
If you follow Richter’s pathway, you must navigate a gravitational anomaly to access the door. Use a bolt to trigger the anomaly, allowing you to move through the area swiftly.
After bypassing the anomaly, descend to the lower level where you’ll find the bodies of several IPSF soldiers. Prepare to confront an invisible enemy known as a Poltergeist.
While in this area, your goal is to loot the fallen soldiers, gathering intel for Skif to gain access to the Sphere. You can engage the Poltergeist or avoid it while rummaging through the area.
Among the corpses, one inside a cell holds a note containing the code for the num-pad-locked door: 2765. This code remains consistent across all difficulty levels in Stalker 2.
Finding Solder in the Sphere Building
Armed with this code, you are ready to enter the Sphere. As you approach the building, veer to the left side where the path descends. On this route, keep an eye out for the entrance on the left.
Enter through this doorway, navigating quickly past pools of green, toxic waste on the floor. Make your way to the num-pad-locked door and input the code 2765.
Passing through the door signifies your entry into the Sphere. To find Solder, head towards the basement, following the route directly ahead.
You will arrive in a room marked by a white door illuminated from above. Upon entering, a cutscene will initiate where Skif confronts Solder about the theft of his scanner.
To Kill or Spare Solder?
Following your interaction with Solder, you face a pivotal choice: eliminate him or knock him out. The ramifications of this decision are varied, but given that Solder attacks Skif, we chose to eliminate him.
After addressing Solder, don’t forget to search the adjacent room for the High-Capacity PTM Magazine attachment for Skif’s weapon—a crucial upgrade to enhance your efficiency in battles.
To exit the Sphere, you can retrace your steps to the original entrance or take the left passage from Solder’s room, heading upwards.
After exiting the Sphere, you will have successfully completed the Behind Seven Seals mission.
For further assistance, consider exploring our guides on the Best Stalker 2 Graphics Settings for PC, How to Repair Weapons, and How To Adjust the Stalker 2 FOV and Disable Vignette.
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