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PDAs mostly act as a narrative device in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, but sometimes they turn out to be a key item, just like the Unusual PDA found during the “Deal with the Devil” main mission. After meeting up with Varan and taking his gang down, players will search his hideout and discover an Unusual PDA from one of the corpses in his captivity.
Although the exact use of this PDA is unknown at the time, it quickly becomes an important part of an upcoming choice players have to make that involves either showing it or not.
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Should You Show the Unusual PDA or Not in STALKER 2?
After acquiring the PDA, the quest “Back to Slag Heap” will activate, prompting players to return to the base. After coming back to Slag Heap, you’ll notice that it has been taken over by the Ward faction. After making it to the first floor, players will meet Col. Korshunov (leader of the Ward) and Dr. Darlin (head of SIRCAA).
After a brief conversation between Skif, Dr. Darlin, and Korshunov, players will be prompted with the choice to either show the Unusual PDA to them or not in STALKER 2. Let’s discuss the changes in the story that occur if you go with one choice or the other.
Showing the Unusual PDA
- Receive the “Ward Badge” from Korshunov, which makes entering restricted areas and bases much easier.
- Receive a custom AKM-74S called “The Combatant.”
- Going to the Sawmill next will trigger sentiments of resentment from the Spark faction, especially Star.
- Directly start the “Hot on the Trail” main mission.
Not Showing the Unusual PDA
- Receive no special rewards or key items from Korshunov.
- Go to the Sawmill next; the Spark faction, including Star, will behave normally with Skif.
- The mission progresses normally until you have to do an additional side quest called “A Heavy Burden.”
- Players can only start the “Hot on the Trail” main mission after completing the aforementioned side quest.
These are all the major differences between showing the Unusual PDA and not showing it in STALKER 2.
Show Unusual PDA or Not – What’s the Best Choice?
Showing the Unusual PDA to Dr. Darlin and Korshunov is the best choice in STALKER 2, considering the items you receive.
Receiving a Ward Badge doesn’t also mean that Skiff is now a part of the Ward faction. It solely acts as a key to help him access restricted areas of the map, which may require extra work to get into. Other than that, the only change is in the mission structure, where the badge lets Skif directly enter the Wild Islands instead of doing an extra side mission.
This choice doesn’t impact the storyline of upcoming missions nor does it gain or lose any faction reputation he has accumulated up to this point. There will be two more choices coming up where Skif will have a chance to show the Unusual PDA to Scar and Strider in STALKER 2. However, players can choose any option, as these have little to no impact on the mission when compared to the choice with Dr. Darlin and Korshunov.
- Released
- November 20, 2024
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair