Stalker 2: How To Fix Bunker Not Opening Bug in Just Like the Good Old Days Mission

Stalker 2 features a massive open world filled with interconnected main and side quests, where your choices significantly impact their outcomes. However, with so much going on, it is not uncommon to encounter bugs or quests that do not function as intended. One such issue arises in the second half of the game, where the bunker door does not open as you try to enter and talk to Professor Lodochka.

In this guide, we will walk you through three potential fixes to help you work around this bug and keep your progress on track in Stalker 2.

When Do You Get Bunker Not Opening Bug in Stalker 2?

In the mission Just Like the Good Old Days, you receive an optional objective to speak with Professor Lodochka. This becomes available after acquiring the Emitter from the Noonstriders’ base, which you access by navigating through its ventilation system.

Depending on whether you sided with the Noonstriders or the Ward faction during the Wishful Thinking main mission, most safe zones will go into lockdown—including Professor Lodochka’s bunker.

Unfortunately, even though the optional objective marker directs you to meet the professor inside, the bunker’s door remains locked in Stalker 2. This feels like a bug and not a feature to expect during the Just Like the Good Old Days main mission.

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How To Fix Bunker Not Opening Bug in Just Like the Good Old Days Mission of Stalker 2

It is worth noting that Just Like the Good Old Days and several subsequent main missions have been affected by bugs in Stalker 2. While an official patch is expected in the future to address these issues, there are a few workarounds you can try in the meantime. These methods worked for us, so hopefully, they will help you as well!

Skip Talking to Professor Lodochka

Talking to Professor Lodochka is an optional objective in the Just Like the Good Old Days main mission. After acquiring the Emitter, you will unlock the “An Invisible Threat” main mission, which tasks you with delivering the Emitter to Scar.

Note: In our playthrough, we sided with the Noonstriders during the Wishful Thinking mission, which led to receiving the An Invisible Threat mission after completing Just Like the Good Old Days. It is unclear whether the same mission becomes available if you side with the Ward faction.

To check for An Invisible Threat, open your PDA and navigate to the Journal. If the mission is available, you will have the option to track it.

Once you do, you will notice two yellow quest markers: one for the optional task of speaking with Professor Lodochka in Just Like the Good Old Days and another directing you to the Chemical Plant for the An Invisible Threat mission.

The Journal entry for An Invisible Threat hints that your next destination is the Chemical Plant, located in the western part of the map in Stalker 2. Be prepared for a long hike from the Noonstriders’ Shelter base to reach it.

When you finally arrive at the Chemical Plant and meet Scar, a cutscene will trigger. After it concludes, the Just Like the Good Old Days mission will automatically be marked as complete.

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Reload A Save File Before The Mission

Stalker 2 allows you to create multiple save files, so there is a chance you may have a save from before escaping the SIRCAA facility. If you do, we recommend reloading that save and attempting the Just Like the Good Old Days mission again.

Keep in mind that this method does not guarantee success. While the earlier workaround we mentioned skips the optional conversation and is more reliable, this method offers a potential fix—though it is not 100% foolproof. Still, it is worth giving it a shot.

Install UE Tools

If you are playing Stalker 2 on PC, we recommend using UETools from Nexus Mods to bypass the bug entirely. Here is how you can do it:

1. Download and install UETools from Nexus Mods.
2. Launch the game and open the console by pressing the / key.
3. Enter the command UETools_Ghost to enable ghost mode.
4. This lets you walk through the bunker gate, interact with Professor Lodochka, and exit without needing the door to open.
5. Once you are finished, use the command UETools_Walk to disable ghost mode and return to normal movement.

With this method, you can bypass the potential bug entirely and complete the objective without waiting for a patch or troubleshooting further.

That is everything you need to know about how to fix the bunker door not opening bug during the Just Like the Good Old Days main mission in Stalker 2. For more tips about the game, consider checking out our How To Defeat Poltergeist Enemies, Kill Shah or Roosevelt in King of the Hill Mission and All Main and Side Missions List in Stalker 2 guides.