This guide details the four distinct endings in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, influenced by player choices in three key missions: Subtle Matter, Dangerous Liaisons, and The Last Wish. A manual save before Legends of the Zone allows players to experience all endings without a full replay.

Key Choices and Endings:

1. She Will Never Be Free:

• Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
• Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
• The Last Wish: Choose "[Fire]".

This ending aligns with Strelok's goal of protecting the Zone, requiring antagonism towards all other factions. Reject Scar, escape Korshunov, and shoot Kaymanov.

2. Project Y:

• Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
• Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
• The Last Wish: Choose "[Lower the Gun]".

Similar to the previous ending, but instead of killing Kaymanov, spare him. This reflects Kaymanov's scientific perspective on the Zone's autonomous existence.

3. Today Never Ends:

• Subtle Matter: Choose "Eternal spring."
• Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "[Escape]".
• The Last Wish: No specific choice required for this ending.

This ending involves siding with Scar and the Spark faction, leading to Scar's attempt to reach the Shining Zone. Only choices in two missions directly impact this outcome.

4. Brave New World:

• Subtle Matter: Choose "Life is for the living."
• Dangerous Liaisons: Choose "I'm not your enemy".
• The Last Wish: No specific choice required for this ending.

This ending involves allying with Colonel Krushunov and the Ward faction, resulting in an attempt to completely destroy the Zone. Like the Spark ending, only two missions influence this outcome.

Remember, strategic saving allows exploration of all four endings without extensive replaying.