In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, your choice of whether to spare or kill Nimble, a valuable guide with knowledge about the Zone, significantly impacts your journey. This decision affects the immediate outcome of the quest and influences future opportunities, access to resources, and the overall direction of your adventure. Understanding the consequences of each choice will help you make a decision that aligns with your preferred playstyle.
Spare Nimble’s Life or Kill Nimble
In the quest “In Search of a Guide,” you’ll encounter Nimble, an experienced stalker with crucial knowledge about the Clear Sky faction, Faust, and the Swamps map. This map is essential for navigating the dangerous swamp area. Your decision to kill or spare Nimble will impact the outcome of this quest and influence your overall journey through the Zone.
In Search of a Guide Quest
Once you finish the “Like a Moth to the Flame” quest, you’ll start the “In Search of a Guide” quest. You can talk to Richer in Skadovsk or Shevchenko in Zaton to get information about the Clear Sky base. They’ll guide you to Trapper; when you arrive at the location, you’ll find Trapper scanning the area with binoculars. To finish the quest “In Search of a Guide,” ask him about Nimble.
After a short chat, ask him for the cave coordinates. This will trigger an optional side quest where Trapper needs your help eliminating a group of mutants. Ensure you’re well-prepared for this fight, as the mutants can be dangerous. Once you’ve defeated them, Trapper will reveal Nimble’s location at the Snork Cave.
The Snork Cave is located southeast of Zaton. Look for the entrance on your map, which is hidden on the left side of a cliff. Be cautious of enemies that may respawn along the way. It’s generally best to avoid unnecessary fights and prioritize reaching the cave. Save your ammunition and other resources for the upcoming challenges. Inside the cave, you’ll hear gunshots and the terrifying screams of mutants. Follow the noise to witness a dramatic scene where you and Nimble barely escape an explosion and a mutant assault.
Spare Nimble’s Life
Sparing Nimble offers significant advantages. After the mutant attack, you can question him about the Clear Sky faction and Faust’s location. Nimble also provides valuable advice on disabling Psi-Beacons, which is crucial for the Ad Astra Per Aspera questline. Additionally, you’ll still receive Professor Kalancha’s Map and can even take Nimble’s Saiga shotgun without killing him. Depending on the game’s difficulty, you might earn a substantial amount of Coupons.
Kill Nimble
You’ll immediately have to fight Nimble if you choose to kill him. Be ready for a quick battle. While you’ll gain Professor Kalancha’s Map and other items like ammunition and Nimble’s PDA, these rewards are less valuable than the information you’d get by sparing him. Sparing Nimble gives you crucial knowledge about the Psi-Beacons and the Clear Sky base, essential for progressing smoothly in the game.
Which Option to Choose – Kill or Spare Nimble
Choosing either option will complete the “In Search of a Guide” mission. However, selecting the second option will force you to kill Nimble. After defeating him, take his PDA and Professor Kalancha’s map to finish the quest. For most players, the best choice will be to spare Nimble. You will be rewarded with Coupons and important information regarding Clear Sky and Psi-Beacons, and you will not miss out on any important rewards.
