Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about STALKER.
What is the STALKER universe?
STALKER is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi franchise centered on 'The Zone,' an anomalous region in Ukraine where laws of physics are broken and strange creatures roam. The story follows scavengers known as Stalkers who risk their lives to explore this hazardous area for artifacts and secrets.
Who created the STALKER games?
GSC Game World, a Ukrainian development studio founded by Sergey Grygorovych, developed the original trilogy of first-person shooters. Their work is heavily inspired by the novel 'Roadside Picnic' by brothers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.
Which game should I play first?
Newcomers should begin with STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, as it establishes the core narrative and lore of the universe. While later entries like Call of Pripyat offer refined gameplay, they assume familiarity with events from the initial title.
Who is Sidorovich?
Sidorovich is a reclusive arms dealer and former Stalker who serves as a mentor figure to the protagonist in the first game. He operates out of the abandoned village of Yantar and acts as a crucial hub for information, weapons, and safe passage into the Zone.
What are Anomalies?
Anomalies are invisible or visible distortions in space-time within the Zone that can instantly kill or maim anyone who touches them. They range from simple electrical discharges to complex gravitational fields that require specific equipment like Geiger counters to detect.
Who is Strelok?
Strelok, whose real name remains unknown for most of the series, is the mysterious protagonist of the original game and a legendary figure in the Zone's history. He is sought by various factions because he possesses knowledge about the 'Brain Scorcher,' a device capable of destroying all life.
What are the main factions?
The Zone is divided among hostile groups like Duty, who want to destroy it, Freedom, who wish to exploit its secrets, and Monolith, religious zealots guarding the center. These factions constantly war over territory while navigating the deadly environment together or apart.
What is the Brain Scorcher?
The Brain Scorcher is a massive, mysterious machine located at the heart of the Zone that emits a signal capable of sterilizing all life on Earth. The central plot of the original trilogy revolves around stopping this device from being activated by various antagonists.
Are there any real-world locations in STALKER?
The games are set in and around the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, featuring real landmarks like the Pripyat amusement park, the Duga radar station, and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The developers used these actual sites to create an immersive atmosphere of decay and abandonment.
What is the 'A-Life' system?
The A-Life system is a unique AI engine that allows non-player characters, mutants, and factions to interact with each other independently of the player's presence. This creates a dynamic world where battles occur, territories change hands, and stories unfold even when you are not watching.