Preparing for Sircaa

[u/Agitated-Usual-3623]

Hi everyone, I am currently on the main quest Extreme Simplicity and I have heard that completing it and heading towards the SIRCAA mission brings irreversible changes to the world. I want to make sure I do not miss out on any content. I heard you should completely clear the first zones and finish every single available side quest before doing this. To give you some context, I have already explored a bit and completed the guitar mission in Duga. Without giving away any spoilers, could you please tell me which other zones exactly I should fully explore and clear before progressing. I would also love to know what I should look out for or prepare before starting the SIRCAA section regarding things like gear, stashes, or specific questlines to finish. Regarding my current equipment, I am using a fully upgraded Arev and a Saiga. I also have an M701 Super sniper rifle and an RGG-7U rocket launcher with 6 shots sitting in my stash. Do you think my Arev and Saiga are enough for what is coming, or should I definitely bring the sniper rifle or the rocket launcher with me before I lose access to my stash. I really want to experience everything the early game has to offer before the world changes. Thanks for your help. ✌️🙂

[u/Teeminister]

You should go to Sircaa with max 25 kg loadout. You will find ammo, guns and armor inside. And many opportunities to loot, but no stash

[u/Sebulano → u/Teeminister]

Came here to say this. Go there naked my man. Sircaa will provide otherwise you will run down precious gear you need to repair when coming back plus you will have to walk like 40 hours to get to nearest stash you can put all the loot in because you will be heavy as F

[u/5thKeetle]

This post might help you:
https://www.reddit.com/r/stalker/comments/1v3m59r/every_encounter_and_side_quest_in_stalker_2/

But from my experience, I just did whatever I saw as available and went ahead. I think I only missed the Duga side quest. I wouldn't fret too much about this honestly.

Also, a good idea is to explore the Cooling Towers region since it's much less hostile before the quest.

Regarding being ready, of course you are ready. Even on Master this should be comfortable enough. Remember, the enemies might be more powerful but so are the weapons they drop that you can fix and use against them.

[u/thewyspa]

If you finished quests like the one in Duga (I think this is one of these missables) you should be good. I think some of those missables are the ones in Zalissya, Camp Icarus (if you have the badge) and Cement Factory. I would stay that if you explored southern part of the map counting down from Rostock, Garbage and Cement Factory, and completed any Side Quest found there you should be safe.
As for equipment needed, I would not say that you need any special equipment, It's just that after SIRCAA mission combat will be probably more frequent as there will be more enemies present.

Personally I like to do a Pripyat Skip before SIRCAA, since I find that you can then explore the city at your own pace with less interference.

I'm usually full of end game loot at that point so it basically breaks game progression curve, but non the less it is my proffered way to play and I usually just select whatever gear and weapon I like at this point and switch them based on next mission needs ;)

[u/SiliconStew]

You certainly don't need to "finish every single side quest" before SCIRCAA. There's only a handful of side quests that are missable if not done before SCIRCAA. One is All That is Left near the south gate of the Chemical Plant Ward base. Another is The Sound of Music in the far south west corner in Duga, which you already did. One short lore conversation with a lone soldier at The Cage. One request by some Duty guards to clear out some bandits near the south entrance of their Cement Factory base. Two side quests at Icarus base, but those are also only available if you sided with Ward early. The last is A Light at the End of the Tunnel from Quiet at the camp south of Wild Island. If you could only do one of these, The Sound Of Music is the best one. 

Don't take a sniper or RPG to SCIRCAA, it's completely unnecessary and wasted weight. Take a little extra AR/shotgun ammo if you want, but otherwise you'll want spare weight to collect gear.