Stalker 2 walkthrough: How to complete Down Below mission

After completing the Road to the Foundation mission, the Down Below mission in Stalker 2 takes things to a whole new level. This chapter is a high-stakes blend of intense combat, story-altering choices, and revelations that redefine your understanding of the Zone. From teaming up with Col. Degtyarev to your dramatic showdown with Col. Korshunov, every step of this mission is designed to test your skills and decision-making.

This guide will confidently guide you through the treacherous underground, ensuring you don't waste any time on the Down Below mission.

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How to complete Down Below mission in Stalker 2

Locate the Down Below mission from Prypiat Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

Step 1: Rendezvous at Polissya Hotel

Your Down Below mission kicks off at the Polissya Hotel, where you regroup with your allies. This meeting sets the stage for your descent into the perilous depths of the Zone.

• Combat Alert: Eliminate the nearby Warden troops using grenades and rifles. These enemies are tough but manageable with the right gear.
• Loot Tip: Search the bodies for ammo, medkits, and grenades.

Tip: Before entering the tunnels, stock up on medkits, ammunition, and explosives. You’ll need every resource for the fights ahead as your ally team is dead.

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Step 2: Locate the Tunnel to the Foundation

Tracking the tunnel in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

After the briefing, your objective is to find the tunnel leading to the Foundation. Use your GPS to track the location for the Down Below mission.

• Unlock the tunnel using the key card provided during the mission setup.
• Stealth Strategy: Avoid unnecessary fights by using shadows and quiet movements. Save your ammo for the Foundation.

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Step 3: Get to the Foundation

The Foundation is a vast, underground complex and the primary setting for this mission. It’s packed with enemies, environmental hazards, and critical items.

Navigating the Tunnels

Way through the down tunnel in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

• Initial Combat: Upon entering the tunnel, you’ll encounter mutants and rats. Eliminate them cautiously, using GPS to navigate the dimly lit corridors.
• Resource Gathering: Near the ladder leading deeper into the facility, you’ll find shelves stocked with medkits, ammo, and other supplies. Take everything you can carry.

Inside the Foundation

Overview of the Foundation in Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

Once you enter the Foundation, things heat up:

1. Sniper Tactics: Use a sniper rifle to pick off distant enemies guarding the upper levels.
2. Mutant Encounter: A mutant will appear inside. Kill it strategically, avoiding prolonged exposure to its attacks.
3. Activate the Lever: Clear the upper-level enemies and use the control system to go to the next phase.

Warning: While descending, watch out for Bulba bubbles and electrical traps embedded in the pathways. Time your movements and use jumps to avoid these dangers.

1. Final Prep: Before reaching the main metal door, loot nearby shelves and stashes for anti-radiation drugs, Psi-blockers, and other essentials.
2. Vent Passage: Locate the vent by climbing over boxes near a hanging body. Jump through to proceed deeper.

Also check out: How to use flashlight in Stalker 2

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Step 4: Korshunov Boss fight

As you approach the main hall, Dr. Dalin will warn you about Col. Korshunov.

Waiting for Dr Dalin to unlock the door from Stalker 2 (Image via GSC Game World)

• Use the video surveillance room to observe enemy positions. Dalin will unlock the room to help you.
• Regroup with Col. Degtyarev and his team to take down the two guards blocking the door. Once inside, Korshunov awaits.

The boss fight in the Down Below mission (Image via GSC Game World)

• Battle Plan: Use explosives and sniper fire to take out his guards. Focus on damaging Korshunov’s exoskeleton.
• Team Strategy: Let Col. Degtyarev distract Korshunov while you aim for headshots.
• Victory Loot: Collect the Faust Pendant from Korshunov after defeating him.

Dr. Dalin will instruct you to use the pendant as a key. However, as he tries to destroy the hologram message that appears, an explosion occurs, and you lose consciousness.

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Step 5: Strelok and the Armor

When you wake up, Strelok and Richter will brief you about your next steps. Strelok stresses the need to stop Kaymanov, who plans to access the Noosphere— a move that could destroy the Zone and its inhabitants.

Before moving forward:

• Retrieve experimental armor stored in a blue locker within the Foundation. This armor is critical for surviving the hazardous Red Forest ahead. Strelok provides the coordinates to find it.

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Step 6: Head to the Red Forest in Stalker 2

With Richter as your guide, make your way to the Red Forest. This marks the end of the Down Below mission and sets the stage for your next challenge.