Ranking Every Faction In Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl

Summary

Siding with factions in Stalker 2 will impact your outcomes, with four possible endings.
Factions like Bandits, Mercenaries, and Ecologists play key roles in the game.
Joining well-intentioned factions like Freedom or Spark could be beneficial in gameplay.

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, there’s an abundance of material to explore; the expansive open world is inhabited by dangerous mutants, cunning thieves lurking in the Zone, and around a dozen well-established factions. While you can’t officially join these groups, aligning with different factions will lead to varying outcomes and one of four distinct endings.

In this game, these groups will be crucial for your gameplay: While the storyline in the game is naturally evolving and doesn’t excessively focus on these groups, it’s clear that they play a significant role in the game’s environment. Some factions may appeal to you more than others, but we’ve listed them all below, ranked for your convenience.

12.

Bandits

The Outlaws Of The Zone

In the game, bandits are the most frustrating group you’ll encounter. This is because they’re difficult to collaborate with. Typically, they exhibit unsavory behavior, and many interactions with them begin with them bullying a solitary stalker.

Generally speaking, Bandits are prone to opening fire on you immediately, aiming to kill you for your possessions. You probably won’t feel much empathy towards them as you retaliate with gunfire. The Bandits usually don’t carry high-quality gear, but occasionally, you might come across a medkit or sausage in their possession.

Trusting bandits who promise to share treasure from a quest isn’t wise, as they frequently double-cross you. It’s safer not to rely on their promises at all.

11.

SIRCAA

The Scientists At Chornobyl

In the narrative, the Chornobyl Anomalous Area Research Institute stands out significantly, yet within the game’s setting, Heart of Chornobyl, their actual presence seems somewhat reduced. This is due to their role as scientists rather than combatants, making them reliant on other groups like the Ward for safety and protection.

The group known as SIRCAA concentrates on investigating unusual occurrences and natural events within the designated Zone. However, they are not always upstanding in their methods, which, along with their minimal contribution to the narrative’s development, makes it challenging to support them. They do have a penchant for tailored attire, though.

10.

Mercenaries

Guns For Hire

Mercenaries are essentially professional bandits, guaranteed a steady income for their services. They are often hired assassins, and if they’re tasked with eliminating someone, they won’t hesitate to open fire without warning. The most effective way to handle mercenaries is to avoid provoking them in the first place. Other factions might employ them to pursue you if you upset them excessively and neglect to bribe their leaders appropriately.

Because Mercenaries are more disciplined than bandits, it’s wise to exercise caution when engaging them in combat. Utilize available cover and make certain that all of them are defeated before you proceed to search their bodies for loot.

9.

Ecologists

Researching The Zone

Similar to SIRCAA researchers, ecologists are more scholars than warriors. Unfortunately, this doesn’t serve them well when navigating the Zone, as it is teeming with mutants and hostile humans. More often than not, you’ll find ecologists after they have already encountered the perils of the Zone.

It’s truly unfortunate that ecologists are often mistreated given how dedicated they are to studying and preserving our environment. They tirelessly work to understand the ecosystem, flora, and fauna within the Zone, with the ultimate goal of improving life for all humanity. While their research may not always yield positive results, their demise certainly does: upon their untimely deaths, they often leave behind valuable items.

8.

IPSF

Enforcing The Exclusion Zone

The IPSF, often referred to as the military group, deserves considerable recognition: they voluntarily venture into the Zone with the aim of safeguarding civilians from entering. This faction is characterized by an abundance of firepower and manpower, and their members typically possess advanced equipment. Their arsenals will prove indispensable in providing you with ammunition and supplies during certain story missions.

In comparison to the Ward, who play a more prominent part in the narrative, the IPSF may not have such a significant role. Nevertheless, they do boast some stylish attire and are capable of delivering an engaging battle scene.

7.

Noontide

Former Followers Of The Monolith

In the initial version of Stalker, the Monolith was a rather perilous establishment. The game Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl introduces a faction known as Noontide, formed by individuals who successfully fled from the Monolith. As the effects of their brainwashing gradually faded, these aimless stalkers banded together to form the Noontide group.

During their interaction with the Monolith, the Noontide group became adversaries because of the brainwashing they endured. This faction is further recognized due to Strider’s presence. To put it simply, yes, that Strider from Stalker: Call Of Pripyat is involved. If you’re a devoted series enthusiast, you’ll be delighted!

6.

Freedom

Keeping The Zone Free For All

Since the inception of the Stalker series, there’s been a group known as the Freedom faction. This anarchist collective operates with a loose structure yet boasts immense power among the stalkers. They advocate for the Zone to be recognized as an independent territory, unaffected by governmental control and intervention.

Supporters of Freedom generally lean towards a military mindset, frequently clashing with the military and duty groups due to their insistence on unrestricted entry into the Zone. The Freedom faction symbolizes those stalkers who found the Zone irresistible and consider it their homeland.

5.

Spark

Back From Clear Sky

In the context of the Stalker video game series, Spark serves as an extension of the Clear Sky group. They share connections with Scar, the main character from Stalker: Clear Sky, and pursue objectives akin to their original faction. Yet, in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, their significance appears to be significantly reduced compared to previous games.

Despite the Spark members harboring some peculiar beliefs, they generally mean well, and your friend Richter recommends you consider visiting them at some point. Similar to many groups other than Bandits, they are open to collaboration as long as you respect their boundaries.

4.

Duty

Putting An End To The Zone

Should you find yourself in a scenario reminiscent of ‘Stalker’, it would be advantageous to align with the Duty faction. Equipped with top-tier gear, this faction is committed to eliminating the anomalous area known as the Zone, and they are among the most influential groups. The Duty members, therefore, are sworn enemies of the Monolithians.

Despite being present since the initial Stalker, Duty has consistently preserved its narrative significance, culminating in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. In this post-apocalyptic setting, they have established their base within a cement factory and forged a tense partnership with Freedom.

3.

Loners

Just Trying To Live

Individuals who choose to navigate the Zone solo in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl are often referred to as Loners. Unlike others who prefer to be part of organized groups, these individuals rely on their own intelligence, resources, and weaponry while exploring the Zone with minimal assistance from any other factions.

Regrettably, Solitaries frequently become targets of bullying due to their solitary disposition. Frequently, in your interactions with others, you may come across situations where a Solitaire is being chased or assaulted by Gangsters, or Gangsters pursuing you upon learning that you’re also a Solitaire.

In the official storyline of Stalker 2, Skif is portrayed as a solitary figure throughout. However, during the later missions, players have the option to align with various factions, leading to one of four distinct conclusions.

2.

Monolith

Still A Problem

The Zone isn’t exclusive to thieves and mutants; it’s also teeming with anomalies and peculiar mental aberrations. Those most affected by these psychological disturbances are the Monolithians, a faction characterized by their creepy, cult-like behavior who publicly proclaim they will rescue other stalkers.

In Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl, the Monolith group serves as the primary antagonist. However, players have the option to align with them. Should you choose this path, the story concludes tragically, with characters like Skif and other stalkers being condemned to eternally traverse the Zone.

The Monolith tend to deceive themselves, frequently attempting to recruit others into their ways. Yet, defying them usually leads to more substantial rewards in your quest.

1.

The Ward

Law And Order In The Zone

In the unpredictable and disorderly Zone, the Ward demonstrates that order can indeed prevail. This well-armed and disciplined group frequently moves into territories belonging to other factions and swiftly seizes control of towns without challenge, a fact that most other factions find difficult to contest due to the Ward’s dominance and structure.

Although the Ward may seem adversarial, they are surprisingly benevolent and take good care of fellow stalkers. The favorable conclusion in the game comes when you work together with them, resulting in a new residence for yourself.

2025-01-09 19:40