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In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players are faced with numerous critical decisions that significantly shape their journey through the Zone. It’s important to note that the mission preceding this one—Just Like the Good Old Days—can vary depending on your choice in the earlier Wishful Thinking mission.
This mission begins after completing either To the Last Drop of Blood or Law and Order, both of which conclude with a dramatic escape from SIRCAA.
Talk to Professor Lodochka at Wild Island in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
The first step is to make your way to the mission marker located on Wild Island. This will lead you directly to Professor Lodochka, who can be found at Quite’s Camp. However, upon arrival, a new priority objective will appear—you’ll need to eliminate a group of mercenaries in the area.
Thankfully, these enemies are clearly marked on your screen, so there's no need to worry about ambushes from hidden corners. Be sure to come prepared with solid gear, as these foes are just the beginning of the combat challenges in this mission. Once all hostiles are cleared, you’ll receive a new mission marker guiding you toward Lodochka.
At this point, an optional objective becomes available: Activate the Ventilation System.
Activate the Ventilation System
If you intend to complete this optional task, open your map and locate the highlighted points nearby. One of them marks the location of a fuse within your current area. Retrieve it, then check your map again—there will now be a new waypoint directly north of your position, leading you to the engineering rooms.
As you proceed, be cautious of an invisible enemy lurking in the zone. Make your way into the shelter and follow the corridors until you reach the Engine Room. Use the fuse you collected to restore power to the ventilation system, completing the objective.
While this task doesn’t grant any special reward, it does make the remainder of the mission more manageable.
Find the Source of the Signal in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
Before moving forward, consider equipping yourself with strong weapons, as the next section can become quite intense. Head toward the newly marked destination and locate the cave entrance near the shoreline.
Navigate through the cavern by heading west and descending along the path, being mindful of environmental hazards. At some point, you'll encounter a broken pipe that allows access to higher ground within the cave system.
Continue onward until you reach a large, cone-shaped spire. The Emitter is located beside this structure—collect it to proceed. As you make your way back out, prepare for an encounter with another invisible enemy.
Once you’ve secured the item, return to Professor Lodochka and speak with him to finalize the mission. Upon completion, Just Like the Good Old Days will be marked as finished, and the next main mission, Hornet’s Nest, will begin.
