Here’s How To Adapt To The Zone Before Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl Comes Out

Stalker is a franchise dear to my heart. Whether it’s the melancholic surreality of the Zone or the depressive everyday life of its inhabitants, the games are a masterclass in immersion & atmosphere.

Although they’ve aged poorly their legacy has continued through amazing games that have helped inspire an entire genre of Slavic post-apocalyptic games, including, Chernobylite, Metro Exodus, Escape from Tarkov (you’re better off trying Arena Breakout), and many more.

However, with the release of the latest trailer for Stalker 2, the KING has returned. So here are some recommendations for folks interested in the franchise but unsure where to begin, or what to do after completing the original trilogy.

The Main Entrée

The first game you should start with is Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl, the game that started it all, and the one with arguably the best atmosphere among all the games. Thanks to its linear story progression, it’s also one of the more straightforward games.

The next game on the chopping block is Stalker: Clear Sky, a short prequel to Shadow of Chernobyl that introduces a few new mechanics, locations, and factions. Many skip this game due to its general clunkiness and buggy feel, but I and many others still think it’s a vital addition, both lore and gameplay-wise.

The trilogy’s last and most refined game is Stalker: Call of Pripyat, a sequel with improved gunplay, story elements, and side missions. This is the game the devs “supposedly” ended the series on. I’d even recommend this game as a solo Stalker experience if you don’t feel like going through all the titles.

Best grab a copy as they’re all usually cheap on Steam.

Hope You Made Room For Dessert

Which mods should I start with as a new player?
byu/ReformedPC instalker

If you’re a Stalker veteran or don’t wanna play decade-old games, might I suggest the many mods made by the community? From simple weapon redesigns to full-on conversion mods that are entire games themselves.

This series’ legendary status inspired the games’ community to develop the infamous Stalker Anomaly and GAMMA mods. Both mods are incredible works of passion and teamwork that are entire standalone games. You can find both Anomaly and GAMMA for absolutely free.

If you’re not into the sandbox-style gameplay of Anomaly or GAMMA, may I recommend True Stalker. A fan-made story game set after the events of Call of Pripyat, with reimagined levels, gameplay improvements, revamped visuals, and a custom voice-over.

The bottom line is that the games are modded to this day. You can find any manner of Mod that tickles your fancy.

You can always read a copy of Roadside Picnic or watch Stalker (1979) directed by Andrey Tarkovsky if you feel burnt out from gaming. Both are amazing pieces of media that greatly inspired the mythos and lore of the games.

Well, these are all the games & mods I recommend. Do you guys have any recommendations of your own? If I missed something, post it in the comments below, and let’s spark a discussion.