TL;DR
- Trigger occurs after SIRCAA facility and ‘Just Like the Good Old Days’ main quest completion
- Immediate response to Gaffer’s radio call prevents quest failure conditions
- Strategic positioning during Monolith assaults reduces NPC casualties significantly
- Multiple manual saves essential due to persistent fast travel and guide NPC bugs
- Optional weapon retrieval offers meaningful gameplay consequences and rewards
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Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl presents numerous quests with branching narratives and impactful decisions. The On the Edge side mission stands out for its emotional weight, returning you to Zalissya village where your journey began hours earlier. This comprehensive walkthrough covers strategic approaches while addressing known technical issues that could compromise your experience.
The On the Edge quest activates during the mid-campaign phase, specifically following your exploration of the SIRCAA research facility and completion of the ‘Just Like the Good Old Days’ primary objective. Timing is critical—delaying your response risks permanent consequences for Zalissya’s inhabitants.
Quest initiation occurs automatically as you approach Zalissya’s vicinity. Gaffer will radio you urgently reporting Monolith forces assaulting the settlement. Immediate action is recommended over postponement.
Critical Note: Our On the Edge guide derives from extensive playtesting where we encountered multiple technical challenges. Your experience may vary, but we strongly advise creating numerous manual backup saves to mitigate potential bugs. Important warning: We experienced guide NPC loss resulting in fast travel to Zalissya becoming possible, but not from the location outward.
Upon receiving Gaffer’s distress call, we prioritized this mission above all others, immediately traveling to Zalissya. There we confronted several Monolith squads systematically attacking the town. Complete eradication of all hostile forces is mandatory before conversing with Gaffer and other survivors in the central structure.
Environmental audio can create confusion—you may continue hearing distant combat sounds even after eliminating all enemies. These appear to be atmospheric effects rather than active threats, as thorough area sweeps revealed no remaining hostiles.
Strategic Positioning: Take elevated positions near the village entrance to control enemy advancement routes. Monolith forces typically approach from the northwestern tree line, making that area ideal for establishing defensive perimeters.
After securing Zalissya’s perimeter, you’ll receive multiple assistance requests from surviving NPCs:
Stash Location Tips: The medical supplies are typically located in the northeastern stash container. Prioritize this location to minimize retrieval time and ensure the technician receives prompt medical attention.
Save Management Protocol: Create manual saves before approaching Zalissya and after each major combat encounter. The quest contains multiple documented issues including NPC pathfinding errors and objective tracking failures that may require reloading.
Fast Travel Complications: As noted in our Class Guide, fast travel functionality may become partially disabled—you can travel to Zalissya but not depart from it. This appears related to guide NPC despawning bugs.
Performance Optimization: Lower shadow quality and draw distance settings if experiencing frame rate drops during the village defense sequences. Monolith AI becomes increasingly resource-intensive during coordinated assaults.
For comprehensive gameplay strategies, consult our Complete Guide to master advanced combat techniques applicable throughout your Weapons Unlock progression.
Action Checklist
- Create manual save before approaching Zalissya after completing ‘Just Like the Good Old Days’
- Immediately respond to Gaffer’s radio call without side quest detours
- Establish defensive positions at village entrance targeting northwestern approach routes
- Prioritize northeastern stash for medical kit retrieval to save technician NPC
- Make strategic decision regarding Warlock’s sniper rifle based on playstyle preferences
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl – How To Complete On The Edge In Zalissya Complete guide to defending Zalissya village in Stalker 2 with strategic tips and bug avoidance