In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players face important choices that shape their journey. One of the key missions is the “Wishful Thinking” quest. During this mission, players must decide whether to side with Noontide or Ward. This guide will help you understand your options and what happens with each choice.
Understanding the Factions
What is Noontide?
Noontide is a group that focuses on hope and rebuilding. They want to control the dangerous areas of the Zone and use their power for good. Players who join Noontide often take part in missions that emphasize teamwork and helping others. This faction values life and wants to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
What is Ward?
Ward is a more aggressive group that believes in using strength to survive in the Zone. They think it is important to control the dangerous areas by any means necessary. Players who choose Ward often find themselves in missions that require combat skills and quick thinking. This faction believes in fighting against threats to maintain order.
Choosing between Noontide or Ward in Stalker 2 means deciding what kind of survivor you want to be. Do you want to help others and seek peace, or do you prefer a stronger approach to survive?
Starting the Wishful Thinking Quest
To begin the “Wishful Thinking” quest, players must first finish the “Forge of Progress” mission. After a chaotic teleportation event, you will find yourself back at SIRCAA. Dr. Dalin will contact you through your radio and tell you to meet him in the D1 Hall.
Once you arrive at D1 Hall, go upstairs to reach the D2 Level. You will overhear a conversation between Dr. Dalin and Colonel Korshunov, which leads into a cutscene that sets up the main objectives of the mission.
Making Your Choice: Noontide or Ward
Interacting with the Monolith
After the cutscene, leave the room and go down to the lowest floor where the Monolith is located. Interact with two blue figures kneeling by the Monolith, which triggers an illusion. A third blue figure will appear, allowing you to interact with it as well.
This interaction leads to a wave of hostile Ward soldiers attacking you. You must defend yourself against these soldiers until you wake up back in reality.
Meeting Dr. Dalin Again
Once back in reality, return upstairs to meet Dr. Dalin and Colonel Korshunov again. They will discuss what happened at the Monolith and direct you toward your next goal: a meeting in the Projection Room.
The Choice with Professor Hermann
After leaving D1 Hall, go into room B2 and take the stairs up to room C1. Here, you will encounter Professor Hermann and Agatha. At this moment, you face an important choice: kill Professor Hermann or let him go.
- Letting Hermann Go: If you choose to spare Hermann, he stays part of your story. This decision may lead to future interactions that could help your journey.
- Killing Hermann: If you decide to kill him, he will no longer be part of your story. The impact of this choice on later events remains unclear.
Aligning with Noontide or Ward
After your choice about Hermann, you will proceed to meet Simon Dubny in the Cryptobiology Lab.
Choosing Noontide
If you select “I’m With You,” prepare for combat against Ward soldiers in Dubny’s room. By siding with Dubny, you align yourself with Noontide and its allies like Strider and Spark faction members.
This choice leads to missions focused on working together and exploring how to control anomalies for good.
Choosing Ward
If you choose “I’m With the Ward,” prepare for battle against Noontiders, including Dubny himself. Aligning with Ward means supporting Dr. Dalin and Colonel Korshunov’s vision of order through strength.
This path often involves aggressive tactics and confrontations with those who oppose your faction’s goals.
Consequences of Your Choice
The decision between Noontide or Ward in Stalker 2 shapes your gameplay experience significantly:
- Story Development: Your choice influences future interactions with characters from both factions.
- Mission Objectives: Depending on your alliance, different tasks will arise later in the game.
- Character Relationships: The way NPCs react towards you changes based on your chosen side.
Choosing wisely can enhance your gameplay experience by opening new paths or closing off others entirely.
Making Your Decision
Deciding between Noontide or Ward in Stalker 2 during the “Wishful Thinking” quest presents players with a meaningful choice that impacts their journey through the game. Consider what kind of survivor you want to be when making this decision: do you want to promote hope and cooperation with Noontide, or do you prefer strength and control with Ward?
Think about how each faction matches your playstyle before making your choice. Each path offers unique challenges and rewards that can change how you experience Stalker 2. Ultimately, your decisions shape not only your character’s fate but also influence how the world around you unfolds as you navigate through this intense survival experience.
