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Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl features a variety of unusual and terrifying missions, punctuated by bizarre and frightening Anomalies. One example is the expansive Poppy Field, where the absence of foes can create an eerie and disquieting atmosphere.
Exploring the Poppy Fields to locate the Root Cellar can be a challenging endeavor. When seeking assistance comes at a steep price, you may find yourself relying on your own resources, leading to a lengthy and often frustrating journey. However, once you’re familiar with the area, you can appreciate its beauty without succumbing to rising irritation!
How To Start The Poppy Field In Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
When you first arrive in Zalissya, make your way to the inn to rest and access your storage. Inside, you’ll find a man named Mityay quietly sitting in a corner. Engage him in conversation to learn about a family heirloom that holds great significance for him, prompting you to tell him to “get to the point.”
He will proceed to discuss the Religious Icon found in a Root Cellar beneath the Poppy Fields, which presents quite a perilous journey. Mityay warns that those who enter the Poppy Fields experience extreme fatigue and may even collapse and die.
Armed with this unsettling information, you’ll respond with a determination to retrieve the Icon, officially starting The Poppy Field mission, which involves navigating your way to the Poppy Fields, locating the Root Cellar, and bringing the Religious Icon back to Mityay.
Before heading to the Poppy Field, make sure to stock up on Energy Drinks. These will be essential for replenishing your stamina, as the fields deplete your energy rapidly. You can purchase Energy Drinks from various vendors in Zalissya or find them scattered around houses within the Poppy Fields.
Make Your Way To The Poppy Field
The Poppy Field is positioned to the west of Zalissya. Begin your trek by following the blue icon on your compass (be sure to track this mission in your Journal). While the journey may take some time, you will easily recognize the field when you encounter its bright red poppies.
Upon reaching the Poppy Field, steer to the right where you’ll find a house. It’s advisable to explore this house before wandering the fields to avoid getting lost, as aimless wandering can be fatal. Enter the house and talk to Pomor inside.
Staying too long in the Poppy Field may cause you to black out, resetting your position to your entry point. Avoid this by consuming Energy Drinks; however, excessive wandering will reduce their effectiveness.
Talk To Pomor
Once inside the house, head into the right room to find Pomor. In your conversation, you’ll learn that he resides here and has stumbled upon the Root Cellar you’re searching for. He will offer to reveal its location for either 2,000 Credits or in exchange for a task.
Instead of paying or taking on his task, you might consider searching for the Root Cellar on your own, as we will outline its exact location below. After you decide, Pomor will wish you luck as you venture into the Poppy Fields.
Where To Find The Root Cellar In Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
Within the Poppy Field, there are two houses, with one positioned directly across from Pomor’s. Upon exiting Pomor’s house, sprint directly forward until you reach the other house. Loot any Energy Drinks found inside, and then move to the far end of the building.
Although you’ll see another house across from you, don’t enter it. Instead, consume another Energy Drink and turn right. Keep moving to the right, staying in between the two houses until you’re situated above the entrance to the Root Cellar.
The entrance is relatively distant from the houses and covered by poppies, making it somewhat challenging to locate. However, if you align yourself correctly between the two houses in the center of the Poppy Field, you should be able to find the entrance with ease.
Grab The Religious Icon From The Root Cellar
Once you drop into the Root Cellar, proceed inside until you find the Religious Icon leaning against a shelf. Pick up the Icon to complete this part of the mission. You now have a couple of options: either return it to Mityay or sell it to Pomor.
What Should You Do With The Religious Icon In Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl
As mentioned earlier, you have the choice to either sell the Religious Icon to Pomor or return it to Mityay. This decision will affect your rewards upon completing the mission, possibly leading you to betray Mityay.
Consider the consequences of your choices carefully, as they can lead to outcomes you may prefer to avoid. Below, you can delve deeper into both options!
Selling The Religious Icon To Pomor
Choosing to sell the Religious Icon to Pomor will net you the Unknown Soldier’s AR416, a solid early-game assault rifle. However, be mindful that the weapon’s durability is relatively low, meaning it may require significant repairs that can be costly.
Next, return to Zalissya and speak with Mityay. You can either be honest about selling the Religious Icon or lie and claim it remains in the Poppy Field. Telling the truth will make him furious, while lying will lead him to search for the Icon himself, which could result in his demise.
You can also consider selling the Icon to Pomor and then eliminating him to reclaim the Icon for Mityay, resulting in a double reward. As far as we know, Pomor won’t provide any additional quests later in the game, making this a valid strategy for maximizing mission rewards.
Returning The Religious Icon To Mityay
To return to Zalissya, make your way back to the bar where Mityay awaits. Hand over the Religious Icon to complete The Poppy Field side quest and receive 1,000 Credits in compensation, a tidy sum for upgrades at Lens!
Returning the Icon is arguably the morally sound choice—if that matters in Stalker. You’ll also witness the Religious Icon being placed on his family’s grave, adding a nice detail to the storyline. In the grand scheme of things, this choice doesn’t significantly alter the game’s narrative. Feel free to sell it if you prefer!
