Siding with the Ward or Sparker affects your playthrough depending on the choice you make in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Read on to learn the outcomes of siding with the Ward or Spark.

Should You Side with Ward or Spark?

Side with Ward for an Easier Playthrough

Missions are generally easier and more streamlined if you choose to align yourself with Ward as you get their support in a few crucial missions where you would appreciate the help. You also get fewer missions than in a Spark playthrough, but the story is far more cohesive.

Travelling is also much easier with a Ward playthrough because you will have constant access to the Chemical Plant Base and Malachite STC, which are the only bases on the southwest part of the map.

The only downsides with a Ward playthrough is losing access to the Rostok Base and having Sparkers hostile to you.

How to Side With Ward

Side with Spark for Lore

Siding with Spark gives you more of a connection with the lore of the Zone — Characters and plot points from previous installments of the franchise are put in the spotlight if you choose to side with Spark.

Scar was the protagonist in Clear Sky, and Strider was a former Monolith soldier in Call of Pripyat. They are a big part of the story and missions in a Spark playthrough, which you would otherwise miss out on if you sided with Ward.

Unfortunately, a Spark playthrough can be a bit punishing as you will lose access to the Chemical Plant Base, Icarus, and STC Malachite on top of Ward soldiers becoming hostile to you.

Maintain Access to Ragman

You maintain access to the Rostok Base in a Spark playthrough which means you can still interact with Ragman, the only trader in the game who you can sell red broken weapons for Coupons.

Where to Sell Red Broken Weapons

Choose the Faction That Fits Your Narrative

Since the game has some RPG elements and you have the freedom to make your own choices, you can side with whichever faction fits the narrative that you are weaving for Skif the best.

If you want Skif to align with order and discipline, you can side with Ward. But if you think Skif is anarchistic and wants to explore the more enigmatic side of the Zone, you can side with Spark.

How to Unlock All Endings

Related Guides

List of All Choices

Choice Guides