This guide provides a walkthrough for the "Behind Seven Seals" side mission in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Players can approach this mission in two distinct ways, aligning themselves either with the stalkers or the Wardens. This walkthrough focuses on the stalker path, offering detailed instructions and contextual information. It is a work in progress and will be updated as needed.
The "Behind Seven Seals" mission presents players with a choice: side with Gaffer and the stalkers of Zalissya, or ally with Captain Zotov and the Wardens. Both paths lead to the completion of the mission, although the narrative and subsequent tasks differ significantly. For new players seeking a deeper understanding of the game's world and survival mechanics, engaging with this side mission is highly recommended.
The stalker path begins by seeking out Gaffer, a respected figure within the Zalissya settlement. His house, easily identified by its brick structure and smoking chimney, is located on the settlement's eastern border. [Insert image 1 here: showing Gaffer's house on the map] A visual representation of its location within the settlement is provided for clarity. [Insert image 2 here: showing a closer view of Gaffer's house].
Upon entering Gaffer's house, the player overhears a conversation between Gaffer and Richter, a character previously encountered. Their discussion centres around the whereabouts of a man named Squint, whose involvement in the death of Wardens from a previous mission is a key plot point. Richter, anxious to locate Squint before Captain Zotov, seeks the player's assistance.
Interacting with Gaffer and inquiring about "Solder" initiates a chain of events. Richter intervenes, offering information on Solder's location in exchange for help in finding Squint. This involves climbing a tower near the settlement's iconic hot air balloon and interacting with specific equipment. [Insert image 3 here: showing Richter and the Squint mission objective].
Agreeing to assist Richter in this task begins the next main mission, "A Needle in a Haystack," further intertwining the player's fate with that of the stalkers. Players who decline the offer can choose to pursue the Warden path instead, though the details of that route are not covered in this specific guide. This guide serves as a starting point for navigating the "Behind Seven Seals" mission via the stalker route and highlights the crucial decision-making point that shapes the playerâs experience in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Further updates will expand on subsequent mission stages and offer additional strategies.
