Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete A Sign of Hope side mission

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, there's a side mission A Sign of Hope that promises quite an interesting dose of morality play and some tricky navigation. This quest is unlocked after you meet Professor Lodochka at the Noontide base. It’s one of the many opportunities in this sequel where your decisions influence the story and your rewards.

Here's a step-by-step walkthrough to finishing the A Sign of Hope mission with all the choices involved and their consequences in Stalker 2.

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How to complete A Sign of Hope side mission in Stalker 2

A still from Stalker 2 1/2 (Image via GSC Game World)

Starting the A Sign of Hope mission in Stalker 2

You'll encounter Professor Lodochka on the main quest once you reach the Noontide base, who lives in his bunker. On talking to him, he will send you on a side quest — A Sign of Hope.

The objective? Head to the top of the Noontide base to disable an antenna emitting harmful Psi radiation. Along the way, you’ll meet Kvashka, and Lodochka suggests putting him out of his misery. But is that your only option? Not really.

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How to access the antenna in the A Sign of Hope side mission

A still from Stalker 2 2/2 (Image via GSC Game World)

After accepting the task, leave the bunker and proceed toward the central Noontide base building. To get there, follow these instructions on how to find your way to the antenna:

• Climb the stairs: Take a straight path from the bunker exit to find yourself on a roof with stairs ahead. Climb the first set of stairs and enter the door to your right.
• Coming down and going up: Go forward, then down a set of stairs, and turn left. Here, you’ll find some wooden planks leading upward.
• Continue climbing: Follow these planks to another set of stairs. Ascend these stairs and enter the first door on your right.
• Pipe jump: Inside, jump onto the pipes in the middle of the room and cross to the platform on the other side. Head through the door to return to another set of stairs.
• Roof navigation: Climb up till you see a part broken in the stairs. Instead of continuing, go around the building.
• Reach Kvashka: You will see a structure with ladders in the center. Climb to meet Kvashka (zombie noontider) and spot the stairs and ladder leading to the antenna just ahead.

Once you reach the antenna, turn it off to stop the Psi radiation.

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The Kvashka Dilemma: To Shoot or Not to Shoot

Kvashka (zombie noontider) from Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

When you encounter Kvashka (zombie noontider), you have a decision to make. Professor Lodochka had specifically requested you end Kvashka's suffering by shooting him in the head. However, you will receive a radio transmission from Khors asking you to spare him.

• Option 1: Shoot Kvashka — The obvious decision is to do what Lodochka told you to do. You return to him and receive a higher detector as your reward.
• Option 2: Spare Kvashka — If you choose to spare Kvashka, you can speak with Khors about him at the base. Besides the detector upgrade, Khors will award you 2,600 extra coupons for your mercy.

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Which option should you choose in A Sign of Hope side mission?

It's your call. Both choices will gift you an upgraded detector, but giving Kvashka a life rewards you with coupons in addition to that. If you want rewards and see the game go on in a better hope-and-gloom scenario, then leaving Kvashka alive might be the right choice.

Also check out: How to increase stamina in Stalker 2