Who Should Receive the Sensors: Richter or Zotov in STALKER 2?

In STALKER 2, choosing whether to give the Sensors to Richter or Zotov involves aligning yourself with either the Stalker or Military factions. You can only pick one, which means you’re making a choice about who to support, albeit temporarily. While the decision doesn’t have an immediate dramatic effect, it does influence how you’ll proceed with a later mission and how you transition to a new section of the map.

This choice arises after you determine whether to assist or eliminate Squint. Regardless of your choice, you’ll end up with the Sensors and then need to decide where to send them. While neither option significantly alters your path, there are some differences worth noting.

Since this is an open-world game, you may have already had to choose between Dew or the Ninth during the Lost Boys mission. If you haven’t done that yet, we can guide you through your options.

Hand the Sensors to Richter in STALKER 2

If you decide to give the Sensors to Richter in STALKER 2, he will express concern that the Ward could misuse them against the Stalkers. He will also share that Solder is an IPSF tech located within the Sphere, a significant dome structure in the Zone. Your next step will be to find a way to access it.

The main advantage of choosing Richter is that he provides you with a code to access the Sphere via a keypad-locked door, found at the end of a tunnel filled with acid spots. This seems like a preferable option compared to Zotov, who sends you to a heavily guarded side gate. However, both options ultimately lead to the same destination, just in reverse order—Zotov’s plan allows you to escape through the acid tunnel instead.

This decision also influences your path later on when you need to track down Nestor, a name you learned from Solder. Richter will direct you to a Detention Center to gather information and obtain a key for the Northern Checkpoint, while Zotov will send you to the Western Checkpoint. Although both routes lead to the next part of the map, they involve different missions before reconnecting.

Hand the Sensors to Zotov in STALKER 2

If you give the Sensors to Zotov instead, he will also be aware that Solder is an IPSF tech working in the Sphere. The mission will play out similarly as you’ll infiltrate the Sphere to locate Solder.

However, Zotov has a contact on the inside who can get you through a side entrance. This option requires more stealth than Richter’s route, but it will eventually lead you to escape through the same acid tunnel that Richter’s option utilizes. In essence, both routes are similar but taken from different angles based on your choice.

After exiting the Sphere, you’ll have Nestor’s name. Zotov will advise you to check out the Pontoon Bridge Checkpoint in the west of the Lesser Zone, whereas Richter will inform you about the Northern Checkpoint. Both options will unlock new areas in the map, each requiring a unique mission before the storylines converge again.

In summary, this choice affects your journey rather than fundamentally changing it and leads to another decision later about whether to shoot or incapacitate Solder. Personally, I think Richter’s option may be more advantageous since starting with the acid tunnel can make for an easier entry compared to sneaking through the main base. Still, the differences are minor and shouldn’t heavily influence your choice, so feel free to select the character you prefer.