Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete Behind Seven Seals mission

"Behind Seven Seals" is the second mission in Stalker 2. In the previous mission, you entered the Exclusion Zone and received coordinates from Solder, a key character in the main storyline. He instructed you to place your scanner at a specific location to recharge the anomalous properties of a faded artifact. However, it was a set-up by Solder, where certain enemy soldiers stole the scanner and knocked you unconscious.

This sets the stage for the Behind Seven Seals mission, where your primary objective is to locate and confront Solder.

This Stalker 2 mission guide provides detailed steps to help you save time and effort.

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Stalker 2 "Behind Seven Seals" mission walkthrough

The Behind Seven Seals mission in Stalker 2 is a decision-driven one where your choices significantly impact the storyline. With the game offering four possible endings, each decision shapes how the narrative unfolds.

As you regain consciousness, a cutscene introduces Richter, who throws you a bolt — a key item. You find yourself surrounded by an anomaly field that can be deadly upon contact. To neutralize it temporarily, throw the bolt into the anomaly, allowing you enough time to cross safely.

Afterward, Richter advises you to stop at Zalissya and speak with Warlock, a bartender who can provide valuable information. This triggers another mission, A Tough Awakening, which must be completed first.

Also read: Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete There and Back Again mission

Talk to Warlock, the bartender

When approaching Zalissya, remember to holster your weapon upon entering the settlement. Head toward the house marked by a yellow exclamation mark, triggering a brief cutscene that officially begins the Behind Seven Seals mission.

The first objective of the Behind Seven Seals mission (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

Following the cutscene, interact with Warlock, who directs you to two possible leads: Zotov of the Ward, or Gaffer, a guide known for helping rookies. Your choice will determine how you proceed in your search for Solder.

Talk to both Zotov and Gaffer

Interacting with both Zotov and Gaffer (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

Both Zotov and Gaffer request your help in retrieving sensors stolen by a man named Squint. You’re directed to a warehouse to start your search, triggering another main story mission — A Needle in a Haystack.

Complete the mission: A Needle in a Haystack

Finding out Squint's location (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

This mission focuses on locating Squint.

Head to the Warehouse: Upon arrival, you’ll be attacked by feral dogs. Eliminate them, then proceed inside.
Speak to the Bandits: Go to the marked building, head to the second floor, and find the required bandit in a room where someone is playing guitar. Bribe him with 1,500 in-game currency to learn Squint's location.
Locate Squint: Squint is hiding in a wooden windmill at Farstead. Move cautiously inside, as the area is filled with traps. Heal quickly if injured.
Interact with Squint: Squint will ask you to retrieve an artifact in exchange for the stolen sensors, starting the side mission called Piece of Cake.

Complete the Side Mission: Piece of Cake

Open your journal and select "Piece of Cake" for tracking.

Find the artifact

Head to the marked house and locate the cave entrance in the middle room.
Inside, you’ll encounter a Bloodsucker, a fast, cloaking enemy. Run toward the nearby water to spot its footsteps, which makes it easier to defeat.
Continue to the green acidic puddles. Equip your Echo Detector and follow the beeping to locate the artifact.

Collecting the artifact (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

Return to Squint

Give Squint the Artifact and in return, you receive the stolen sensors (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@MKIceAndFire)

Once you collect the artifact, deliver it to Squint in exchange for the Ward sensors, completing Piece of Cake and advancing the main quest, Behind Seven Seals.

Also read: All side missions in Stalker 2

Give the Ward Sensors to Richter or Zotov

This decision impacts how the story unfolds, though both choices reveal Solder's location.

Return the stolen sensors to Cpt. Zotov (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@WoW Quests)

Choosing Zotov offers a simpler approach. After handing over the sensors, Zotov reveals that Solder is an IPSF technician working at the Sphere, a facility rumored to be used by IPSF for mapping anomalies. He also mentions an insider who can quietly help you infiltrate the Sphere.

Infiltrate the Sphere

Head to the Sphere's location. Outside, you'll find the insider, who owes Zotov a favor. Look for an open door and proceed quietly, or choose a more aggressive approach. Be prepared, as there will be several armed soldiers.

Zotov's insider guy helps you get inside the Sphere quietly as part of the Behind Seven Seals mission (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@WoW Quests)

Once inside, move to the left side of the building. You'll come across a large structure with a spherical top. On the left, you’ll find a hole in the wall. Enter through it and continue. After passing the first door, you'll reach a hallway — turn left and proceed. Upon reaching the hallway door, turn right immediately to find a stairway going down.

Broken wall through which you can enter the facility as part of the Behind Seven Seals mission (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@WoW Quests)

Descend and follow the path to another flight of stairs. Continue down and find a door at the end. Enter, eliminate the stationed soldiers, and turn right to continue forward. Now, open the first closed door on your left and move through the hallway. Next, open the first closed door on your right. Inside, you will find Solder.

As you confront Solder, a cutscene triggers, revealing a fight between you and him. It becomes clear that Solder is merely a pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by Nestor, who runs the scanner business. Solder reveals Nestor's location, north of Zalissya.

You can either opt to kill Solder or knock him out as part of the Behind Seven Seals mission (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@WoW Quests)

Another cutscene follows, where Solder attacks you again. At this point, you must choose to either kill him or knock him out. This decision may affect the storyline later on.

Leave the Sphere

Once the encounter is over, head back from where you came from and exit the Sphere region. Upon leaving, contact Zotov and inform him that Solder is just a pawn working for Nestor. Zotov directs you to a western checkpoint, where his men will assist you.

Cross the pontoon bridge to complete the Behind Seven Seals mission (Image via GSC Game World || YouTube/@WoW Quests)

Head to the checkpoint, where you'll find a small pontoon bridge. Cross it to complete your final objective — leaving the Lesser Zone. This will finish the Behind Seven Seals mission in Stalker 2.

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Edited by Niladri Roy