Stalker 2: How to Fix Hot on the Trail Bug

In Stalker 2, the main and side missions offer a wide range of choices, each creating a ripple effect on other aspects of the game. Occasionally, you might encounter situations where it seems like you can not access a specific area. While this might feel like a bug, it could actually be an intentional design choice. However, there are at least two such instances during the Hot on the Trial mission that are likely actual bugs.

This guide explains how to fix the bugs you might encounter during the Hot on the Trail mission in Stalker 2.

Can’t Enter Noontide Base Bug During Hot on the Trail Mission in Stalker 2

In the “Hot on the Trail” mission, your first objective is to reach the Noontide base. However, when you arrive, an NPC named Stone will block your way at the gates.

If you sided with the Wards during the “Back to the Slag Heap” mission by showing the Unusual PDA to Colonel Korshunov, the colonel will give you a Ward Badge. You can present this badge to Stone, and he will allow you to pass.

On the other hand, if you showed the Unusual PDA to Scar instead of Colonel Korshunov, you would not be able to progress through the gate. While this may appear to be a bug preventing entry into the Noontide base during the “Hot on the Trail” mission, it is actually a deliberate design choice in Stalker 2.

To continue the mission under these circumstances, head back to the Sawmill. There, you will meet an NPC named MUTE, who will offer you a side quest. Completing this side quest will eventually grant you access to the Noontide base, even if you do not have the Ward Badge during the “Hot on the Trail” mission.

When you arrive at the Sawmill, you might find that the NPCs have turned into zombies, and MUTE is nowhere to be found. If this happens, we recommend reloading a save file from before you reach the Sawmill.

After reloading, make sure to exhaust all dialogue options with Scar, then leave through the main entrance. Outside, you will find MUTE—talk to him and accept the side quest he offers. This will grant you access to the Noontide base.

Related: How To Fix Bunker Not Opening Bug in Just Like the Good Old Days Mission

Inductor Not Appearing in the Room Bug During Hot on the Trail Mission in Stalker 2

Later in the “Hot on the Trail” mission in Stalker 2, Professor Lodochka will ask you to retrieve an Inductor from the underground area of the Waste Processing facility. You will find it in a room that you can access after defeating the Controller in the Boiler Room.

To locate the Inductor, head to a white door in the hallway, which is situated after you pass through a crack in the wall. Normally, the Inductor will be on the middle shelf in the center compartment. However, some players may find that the Inductor is missing from this room.

If the Inductor does not appear for you, it’s almost certainly a bug in the “Hot on the Trail” mission. Fortunately, there is an easy fix. Save your game, close the app, then reopen it. Once you load your saved file and enter the room again, the inductor should be visible on the middle shelf.

Yeah, easy as that.

That is everything about how to fix bugs during Hot on the Trail main mission in Stalker 2. For more tips about the game, we recommend you read our How To Use Console Commands, Wishful Thinking Guide – Side With Noonstriders or Wards, and Should You Side with The Ninth or Dew in The Lost Boys in Stalker 2 guides.