STALKER

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a series of games developed by the Ukrainian company GSC Game World. Created in the first-person shooter and survival horror genres with elements of role-playing and action-adventure, the events of the games unfold in the present day, in an alternate world within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. According to the series' plot, in 2006, the zone was subjected to an unexpected anomalous impact (the Emission), which altered physical, chemical, and biological processes in the area. Numerous anomalies, artifacts, and mutants appeared as a result. The action takes place in the Zone, an alternative version of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Exclusion Zone. After the disaster, laboratories were established in the Exclusion Zone, allowing scientists to experiment with extrasensory abilities. Their experiments led to a second catastrophe, causing physical and meteorological phenomena throughout the Zone, as well as mutations in flora and fauna. The Zone is filled with anomalies—inexplicable phenomena that defy the laws of physics and sometimes even conventional logic (such as pillars of fire, lightning showers, and vortices that tear apart anything caught in them). Anomalies produce "artifacts"—items with special properties, such as anti-gravity or radiation absorption. People known as stalkers infiltrate the Zone in search of these items for personal gain. Although many stalkers operate alone, the Zone is inhabited by various factions, each with its own philosophy and goals. The "Duty" faction, consisting of former military personnel, believes the Zone poses the greatest threat to humanity and intends to destroy it by any means necessary. Conversely, the "Freedom" faction believes the Zone should be accessible to all and defends it at any cost. The Ukrainian Armed Forces maintain a cordon around the Zone, attempting to prevent unauthorized entry. Additionally, Ukrainian special forces units regularly conduct special operations within the Zone, such as targeted strikes against stalkers or securing specific facilities. Among the hostile creatures in the Zone, the most dangerous are humans and mutants, many of which possess aggressive psionic abilities. The main character of each game has their own goals, distinct from those of the various factions. However, they must help each other. The ultimate goal of the game is to reach the center of the Zone, which is complicated by the various threats and dangers it presents.