Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is packed with twists and surprises in its challenging main and side quests, including the chilling Nightingale’s Hunt mission. In this quest, your task is to track down Electronic Collars attached to Blind Dogs, which you can sell to Hamster in Zalissya for a nice reward.
This quest is one of the first you can take on upon arriving in Zalissya, making it a great opportunity to accumulate Credits necessary for upgrading your weapons before you dive further into the main storyline!
How to Get Started with Nightingale’s Hunt in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Once you finish the Dogfight side mission, talk to Nightingale and offer your assistance. He will mention needing to find more Electronic Collars and will mark two locations on your map where you can find them.
One location will have a group of Blind Dogs, while the other will involve a Mutant near Bulba that has met a grim fate due to a powerful Anomaly. You’ll get the same results regardless of which site you choose; however, if you hunt the Blind Dogs first, the option for the Anomaly will become inactive.
Retrieving the Electronic Collar from the Anomaly
As you approach the Anomaly situated in the water near Bulba, you’ll notice a large, shimmering orb that expands and contracts rhythmically. When it compresses, it pulls in everything around it, including you, which can deal severe damage.
To steer clear of danger, wait for the orb to expand and quickly seek shelter behind a nearby car or heavy object. Stay crouched until the Anomaly compresses again. Continue this maneuver until you can get close enough to check around the Anomaly. You’ll find several dead Blind Dogs and an Electronic Collar nearby.
Wait for the Anomaly to compress again before swiftly grabbing the Electronic Collar and making your exit. Use the same cover as before to avoid being caught in its pull. Once you emerge safely, you’ll receive a distressing call from Nightingale.
Finding the Electronic Collars on the Blind Dogs
For the Electronic Collar attached to a Blind Dog, follow your marker to a deserted village where a pack of Blind Dogs is attacking a group of Bandits. Focus on taking out the Bandits first, as the Blind Dogs will be busy with them, making your job easier.
Once the Bandits are eliminated, shift your attention to the Blind Dogs. Look for the one that glows with a bluish tint; that’s the one wearing the Electronic Collar, making it tougher to kill. Clear out the other Blind Dogs first, as they will fall with just a bullet or two.
The collared Blind Dog may try to flee before charging at you, giving you a chance to heal if needed. Be ready to shoot again when it returns. After taking down this Blind Dog, loot its body for the Electronic Collar, and you’ll receive another call from Nightingale, allowing you to continue with the mission!
Helping Nightingale in Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
After snagging one of the Electronic Collars, Nightingale will radio in with a distressing message — he was attacked by a Bloodsucker wearing one of the Collars and believes he was set up. Quickly head to his location by following the blue compass marker.
You’ll reach an abandoned house deep in the woods, which heightens the tension. As you get close, strange noises will surround you. Enter the house to find Nightingale’s lifeless body. Loot it to acquire the Electronic Collar and his PDA.
Defeating the Bloodsucker
When you interact with Nightingale’s corpse, the invisible Bloodsucker will rush in to attack, making it tricky to spot. Instead of confronting it openly, retreat into the adjacent room and climb onto the table in the corner.
Watch the doorway closely; as soon as you see a glimmer of the Bloodsucker, open fire as it approaches. It will swing at you, possibly landing a few hits before fleeing outside. Use this opportunity to heal if necessary, and ensure your weapon is reloaded for its next charge.
Keep repeating this strategy until the Bloodsucker is defeated. Once it falls lifelessly, search its body to find an Electronic Collar, confirming Nightingale’s suspicions. Afterward, head back to Zalissya to confront Hamster.
Note: You can throw grenades through the door to deal extra damage, but it’s not essential since the Bloodsucker tends to return to attack. If you’re low on ammo, this tactic can help, although relying on a knife isn’t advisable.
Bringing the Electronic Collars to Hamster in Zalissya
Return to Zalissya and enter the inn, where you’ll find Hamster at the counter. Present him with the Electronic Collars and address the situation regarding Nightingale. He’ll inquire about Nightingale’s fate, offering you multiple options for your response — you can choose to tell him the truth about Nightingale’s death.
Afterward, mention that one of the Collars came from a Bloodsucker, which will increase your payout. Hamster shows little sympathy for Nightingale’s demise, making the situation feel all the more disheartening. Finally, sell the Collars to Hamster to complete Nightingale’s Hunt mission and earn 850 Coupons.
While the reward might not be substantial, completing this quest will enable you to spot Blind Dogs with Electronic Collars from now on. You can kill them, loot their Collars, and sell those to Hamster for decent rewards! This may also lead to future missions related to the Client requesting the Collars, so keep an eye out!
