S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl F.A.Q.
Updates
02.27.06 - September 2006 Release Date?
Oblivion Lost is reporting, in an interview between Oleg Yavorsky and a user named Siro, that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl will be ready for a September 2006 release date.
02.25.06 - Ad Campaign Begins
The ad campaign to start six months before the eventual release of the game has (supposedly) begun! Go check it out on Oblivion Lost right now!
02.22.06 - New Update
The recent visit to GSC's offices has given us a fresh news update on S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s status. You can find information on it at Oblivion Lost and the actual translation HERE in the forums.
02.07.06 - Response to Petition
Two of GSC Gameworld's employees, Sergey Grigorovich and Oleg Yavorsky, responded to the petition that was made by the STALKER fan community. You can find it here and a translated version on Oblivion Lost
02.05.06 - Petition by Fans
A petition has been started by the STALKER fan community in order to find out the game current status.
02.03.06 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. D.E.L.A.Y.E.D. A.G.A.I.N.
Gamecloud and Gamespot are both reporting that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s release date has been pushed back to THQ's 2007 fiscal fourth quarter(January 2007 to March 2007). It was reported in THQ's Quarterly Report. Prior to this announcement, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was scheduled for the Fall Season 2006.
01.30.06 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. not C.A.N.C.E.L.E.D.
Several sites were reporting that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was cancelled due to aprolonged development cycle. GSC clarified the rumors on there site.
"To clarify the concerns of some fans regarding
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-related rumours to have appeared recently on the net,
GSC Game World believes it necessary to explain the following:
1. The project is on the stage of beta approval and is being actively developed in close cooperation with the publisher.
2. The team has undergone certain reductions, particularly in the art
section, due to all the graphics-related works being almost complete
(out of 40 people 5 were dismissed). None of the leads, programmers and
moreover, testers may not be reduced at any time.
3. Regarding the technology leak, none of the designers gone has the
rights to the game’s engine (all the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. technologies,
including the X-Ray engine and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-2 engine belong to the
company). Even if the current or next-generation engine would appear on
the net, their legal use is impossible. GSC does not intend to sell its
technologies in the nearest time, so as does not intend to postpone the
release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl due to rumours of that
kind."
Oblivion Lost is reporting, in an interview between Oleg Yavorsky and a user named Siro, that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl will be ready for a September 2006 release date.
02.25.06 - Ad Campaign Begins
The ad campaign to start six months before the eventual release of the game has (supposedly) begun! Go check it out on Oblivion Lost right now!
02.22.06 - New Update
The recent visit to GSC's offices has given us a fresh news update on S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s status. You can find information on it at Oblivion Lost and the actual translation HERE in the forums.
02.07.06 - Response to Petition
Two of GSC Gameworld's employees, Sergey Grigorovich and Oleg Yavorsky, responded to the petition that was made by the STALKER fan community. You can find it here and a translated version on Oblivion Lost
02.05.06 - Petition by Fans
A petition has been started by the STALKER fan community in order to find out the game current status.
02.03.06 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. D.E.L.A.Y.E.D. A.G.A.I.N.
Gamecloud and Gamespot are both reporting that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s release date has been pushed back to THQ's 2007 fiscal fourth quarter(January 2007 to March 2007). It was reported in THQ's Quarterly Report. Prior to this announcement, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was scheduled for the Fall Season 2006.
01.30.06 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R. not C.A.N.C.E.L.E.D.
Several sites were reporting that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was cancelled due to aprolonged development cycle. GSC clarified the rumors on there site.
"To clarify the concerns of some fans regarding
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-related rumours to have appeared recently on the net,
GSC Game World believes it necessary to explain the following:
1. The project is on the stage of beta approval and is being actively developed in close cooperation with the publisher.
2. The team has undergone certain reductions, particularly in the art
section, due to all the graphics-related works being almost complete
(out of 40 people 5 were dismissed). None of the leads, programmers and
moreover, testers may not be reduced at any time.
3. Regarding the technology leak, none of the designers gone has the
rights to the game’s engine (all the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. technologies,
including the X-Ray engine and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-2 engine belong to the
company). Even if the current or next-generation engine would appear on
the net, their legal use is impossible. GSC does not intend to sell its
technologies in the nearest time, so as does not intend to postpone the
release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl due to rumours of that
kind."
F.A.Q. Update Notice
03.01.06
Revision on 3.4 and some minor corrections.
02.28.06
Overall revision on F.A.Q.
02.02.06
Revision on 1.6
02.01.06
Revision on 1.3, 4.1.
Revision on 3.4 and some minor corrections.
02.28.06
Overall revision on F.A.Q.
02.02.06
Revision on 1.6
02.01.06
Revision on 1.3, 4.1.
Site Info
This site has one purpose: to keep an updated STALKER FAQ for the Gamespot/Gamefaqs Community and anyone else who's interested in the game.
Please Note
Due to the fact that STALKER is still in development, information on this game is limited at best. We will update this site as often as possible to stay consistant with the current data.
Please Note
Due to the fact that STALKER is still in development, information on this game is limited at best. We will update this site as often as possible to stay consistant with the current data.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.0 General Information
1.1 What is S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl?
1.2 Who is the developer/publisher?
1.3 What are the system requirements?
1.4 How long has S.T.A.L.K.E.R. been in development?
1.5 What engine is it running on?
1.6 What is the official release date?
1.7 Is the game done?
1.8 Why has the game taken so long to develop?
1.9 Is it true that the game was leaked?
1.10 Is it being released in other languages?
2.0 Story
2.1 What is the Basic Plot?
2.2 How many endings will there be?
3.0 Gameplay (Weapons)
3.1 What kind of weapons will there be?
3.2 What kind of weapon modifications can be added?
3.3 Will I be able to shoot through objects?
3.4 Do firearms require maintenance?
4.0 Gameplay (Vehicles)
4.1 Will there be vehicles?
4.2 Do vehicles take damage?
4.3 Do vehicles need to be repaired?
4.4 Do vehicles require fuel?
5.0 Gameplay (Anomalies)
5.1 What are anomalies?
5.2 What is a zone blowout?
5.3 Can you detect anomalies?
6.0 Gameplay (Stealth)
6.1 Can you do stealth kills?
6.2 Can I hide?
7.0 Gameplay (NPCs)
7.1 Who are your enemies?
7.2 What kind of AI do your enemies/allies use?
7.3 Can NPCs follow me to different areas?
8.0 Gameplay (MISC)
8.1 Is there a currency system?
8.2 Is the in game’s Chernobyl similar to the real life one?
8.3 What are artifacts?
8.4 Will there be healing kits?
8.5 Can my stalker go to the bathroom?
8.6 How can my Stalker carry all his guns, items, ammo, etc?
8.7 Will there be weather effects?
8.8 Will there be a day/night cycle?
9.0 Gameplay (Multiplayer)
9.1 Is there going multiplayer?
9.2 Is there a co-op?
10.0 Media
10.1 Are there any trailers, FMVs, in game movies?
10.2 Are there any screenshots?
10.3 Are there anymore videos?
11.0 Tech Stuff
11.1Can you explain what the X-ray Engine can do?
11.2 What are the recommended System Requirements?
11.3 Is there any Surface Morphing (i.e. Terrain Deformation)?
12.0 Credits and Other Stuff
12.1 Where did your info?
12.2 Who was involved in the writing and editing of this F.A.Q.?
12.3 I have a Question that was not answered in the F.A.Q.
12.4 I found a mistake in your F.A.Q.
12.5 Email
12.6 Contributions
1.1 What is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl?
In a nutshell, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a Sci-Fi themed first person shooter.
The Chernobyl Plant Disaster occurred in 1986, creating a radioactive
fallout area known as “The Zone.” The game has a fictional 2nd
explosion which takes place in April 2006. You play as a stalker whose
job is to collect “artifacts” for profit. It is a free roaming survival
game along the lines of the Elder Scrolls series.
1.2 Who is the developer/publisher?
GSC is the developer. THQ has the publishing rights.
1.3 What are the system requirements?
There has yet to be an official list of specifications, but the
developers (GSC) have given some information on a recent interview
(http://www.stalker-world.com.ua/eng/work_2.htm).
Minimum Requirements:
-Processor: Information Not Given
-Ram: 512 Mb
-Video Card: Dx8 card*
-Hard Drive Space: 2.1+ GB
Note *: The video card was mentioned in the interview was an ATI Radeon
9200 128mb version (Dx9 card), but previous articles/interviews have
stated that a Dx8 will be the minimum. Also it is almost certain the the HDD requirement will be more but for now we are goin with the information GSC has said.
1.4 How long has S.T.A.L.K.E.R. been in development?
It has been in development since 2001.
1.5 What engine is it running on?
The X-Ray Engine, GSC’s own creation. It is occasionally updated during
development.
1.6 What is the official release date?
Gamecloud and Gamespot are both reporting that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s release date has been pushed back to THQ's 2007 fiscal fourth quarter(January 2007 to March 2007).
In an interview between Siro and GSC Gameworld employee, Oleg Yavorsky, it was revealed that STALKER will most likely be released around September 2006. The Q1 2007 release date is in case GSC cannot make the September 2006 release date.
1.7 Is the game done?
No, it’s in the Beta Stage. There will be a 6 month ad campaign prior to the game’s release. As of Late February (2006) marks the beginning of The 6 month Ad Campaign.
1.8 Why has the game taken so long to develop?
GSC wanted to release a game with a top notch story and gameplay. They
didn’t want to rush anything and have a poorly done product. The X-ray
Engine was also being developed alongside S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and the game
is being translated into different languages. In common English, this
means their standards are somewhere above Half-LifeČ's and somewhere
below Duke Nukem Forever's.
1.9 Is it true that the game was leaked?
Yes, the game has been leaked three times so far. These incomplete and
illegal leaks include two vastly outdated single-player builds and the
multi-player beta that was demoed. To be in possession of these is
illegal, and while not against the ToS to discuss them it is
specifically against the ToS to link to them.
1.10 Is it being released in other languages?
Yes, English, Russian, French, Italian, Korean, Spanish and German for
sure. Expect it to be released in other languages as well.
2.0 Story
2.1 What is the Basic Plot?
The official site has a great explanation.
“April 12, 2006, 02:33 p.m.
Chernobyl zone was lit by an intolerably bright light. The clouds were
evaporating in the silver bright sky with a thunder and earthquake to
follow. People fell on the ground facedown closing their bleeding eyes
and ears. The glow spread over an immense territory which was
subsequently called the Zone. People ran away saving their lives. It
looked like a radioactive explosion at the nuclear plant occurred. The
army sealed off the Zone...
The explosion epicenter was a kilometer away from the nuclear plant.
Obviously, some tests had been held there and they caused the disaster.
Presumably, the entire personnel died within seconds, but still there
was a probability of survivals among the staff. It appeared impossible
to arrange a rescue operation, as the Zone was characterized by strange
energy disturbances posing mortal danger to the explorers. Attempts to
use robots were unavailing. Several months after the accident the
crisis situation peaked when the Zone abruptly grew five kilometers
bigger. People from nearby towns and villages were urgently evacuated,
and the peril of a difficult-to-imagine scope loomed over the world..
2.2 How many endings will there be?
There will be eight endings total. These were not changed during the story improvements.
3.1 What kind of weapons will there be?
There will be Cold War Era weapons; firearms that can be
modified to increase efficiency and bladed weapons (knives, swords,
etc.)
3.2 What kind of weapon modifications can be added to guns?
Silencers, scopes and grenade launchers can be added to your guns. Some
guns will come with built in scopes, silencers, or grenade launchers.
3.3 Will I be able to shoot through objects?
Yes, you can shoot through objects/walls/floors depending on what
they’re made of. If you shoot at an enemy who is hiding behind a
concrete barrier don’t expect your ammo to hit him. If he hides behind
a wooden fence, he will probably get shot by the penetrating rounds.
3.4 Do firearms require maintenance?
The following comes from an interview between Siro and Oleg Yavorsky.
When a weapon jams, an icon appears that signifies "weapon inoperable". If you are good with weapons and have proper knowledge, that won't be a problem. So if your Makarov jams, and you know what to do in this situation, you can clear it the way you would in real life? To a point, yes. With the Makarov, you press "reload" and the magazine is removed, the slide pulled back and the casing or round that failed to fire is ejected, then the mag is inserted again and the chamber loaded with one more pull. Just like in real life, but the way around it is to clean the weapon regularly, but the AK-47 is very hard to jam.
4.1 Will there be vehicles?
Yes, civilian vehicles ranging from small cars to transportation
trucks. There will also be military vehicle such as an Armored
Personal Carrier. Small Vehicles can only carrier a
limited amount of weight; where as larger vehicles can carry much more.
Larger vehicles will also burn fuel faster. Here is a list of known
vehicles:
http://stalker.myexp.de/en/index.php?site=vehicles.php
4.2 Do vehicles take damage?
Yes, but which weapons determine what amount of damage is done is still
being decided. It is unknown if or to what degree this aspect will
change during gameplay balancing.
4.3 Do vehicles need to be repaired?
Yes, Vehicles can be repaired if damaged.
4.4 Do vehicles require fuel?
No, this was taken out because of game play balancing issues.
5.1 What are anomalies?
The following quote explains it well (From Behind the Game 4 movie made by GSC):
“Anomalies are invisible pockets of energy that can harm you. Some
are gravitational and will throw you hundreds of feet into the air.
Others will draw you in and literally crush you to death.”
GSC said to expect a variety of Anomalies (gravity, gas clouds,
electrical). Not all anomalies have been revealed so expect some
surprises. More recent interviews have suggested a very broad range of
anomalies with much different purposes.
5.2 What is a zone blowout?
A zone blowout is an anomaly on a much larger scale, it is zone wide.
Zone blowouts occur every few days in the zone, gradually becoming more
and more frequent. During blowouts, light becomes monochromic, severe
thunderstorms occur, and malignant psychic effects are felt by those
are expose to a blowout. The only way to safely live through one is to
avoid it by hiding in a structure. After a blowout, anomalies are
“rearranged” in the zone.
5.3 Can you detect anomalies?
Yes, so far there are 2 methods of detecting anomalies. The first is by
throwing an object such as a bolt or rock at suspected area, or even
watch a creature around it. If it changes trajectory that means an
anomaly is present in that location. There second method involves using
anomalous detectors which show the anomalies on screen.
There are some anomalies that aren’t gravity based. Click here for other types of anomalies.
6.1 Can you do stealth kills?
Yes you can, by either using bladed or silenced firearms.
6.2 Can I hide?
Yes you can, by hiding behind objects or areas with low amount of light.
7.1 Who are your enemies?
Your enemies will consist of other stalkers, the military, and mutants.
7.2 What kind of AI do your enemies/allies use?
“Life Simulation,” which means NPCs has to eat and sleep in order to
survive in The Zone. This will also determine wither or not an enemy
picks a fight with you. For example an enemy stalker spots you
wandering around. He’s tired, hungry, injured, and is suffering from
radiation poisoning. Because of his status he will most likely avoid
combat with you. Now same situation as before expect this time the
enemy stalker is well rested, at full health, has better equipment, is
not suffering from radiation exposure, and you have something he wants.
He will most likely pick a fight with you in order to retrieve your
positions.
7.3 Can NPCs follow me to different areas?
Yes, NPC are free to move around the zone just like you.
8.1 Is there a currency system?
Yes, the Soviet Ruble. Prices are similar to real life but expect some
difference because of balancing issues. You will be able to trade as
well.
8.2 Is the in game Chernobyl similar to the real life one?
Yes, approximately 60% of The Zone is modeled after the real one.
Expect to see similar points of interest and locales. The developers
have taken an artistic license and changed some of the zone’s
appearance. There are some side by side comparisons in the older media.
8.3 What are “artifacts”?
Artifacts are byproducts of anomalies/blowouts that can be collected
and sold. You do need special containers in order to collect them.
Click here for a currently known list of artifacts.
8.4 Will there be healing kits?
Yes and they work instantly. There will also be other methods of healing yourself, but the specifics have not been said yet.
8.5 Can my stalker go to the bathroom?
No.
8.6 How can my Stalker carry all his guns, items, ammo, etc?
There will be an inventory system present with limited space.
8.7 Will there be weather effects?
Yes.
8.8 Will there be a day/night cycle?
Yes.
9.1 Is there going multiplayer?
Yes, but don’t expect human vs. mutants. According to Oblivion Lost
there will be Capture the Artifact, Death Match and Team Death Match.
9.2 Is there a co-op?
No. The developers decided to pull back this idea.
10.1 Are there any trailers, FMVs, in game movies?
Click here for a list of movies released for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.
10.2 Are there anymore videos?
Wait for the ad campaign to begin, we should see more videos.
11.1 Can you explain what the X-ray Engine can do?
Basically, X-ray can do rag doll physics, has an advanced physics
engine, uses real time lighting and shadows among other advanced DX9
effects. There is also a rather large polygon count. If you want to
know more technical details you can click here.
11. 2 Is there any Surface Morphing? (i.e. Terrain Deformation)
No.
12.1 Where did you get your info?
From various sites including
Official S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadows of Chernobyl Website (official site)
Oblivion Lost (fan site)
Stalker World (fan site)
Game Trailers (3rd party site)
12.2 Who was involved in the writing and editing of this F.A.Q.?
Paladriver: Main Writer & Site Admin
GyRo567: Editor & Writer
12.3 I have a Question that was not answered in the F.A.Q.
Send us an email. If we know the answer we’ll post it and give you contribution credit.
12.4 I found a mistake in your F.A.Q.
Please send an email. The last thing I want to do is give false
information. Do remember to send a link/address to support what you’re
saying. :)
12.5 Email
stalkersocfaq@yahoo.com
12.6 Contributions
-311SNIPERX
-Kade Raquee
-nobody at home 2 day
1.1 What is S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl?
1.2 Who is the developer/publisher?
1.3 What are the system requirements?
1.4 How long has S.T.A.L.K.E.R. been in development?
1.5 What engine is it running on?
1.6 What is the official release date?
1.7 Is the game done?
1.8 Why has the game taken so long to develop?
1.9 Is it true that the game was leaked?
1.10 Is it being released in other languages?
2.0 Story
2.1 What is the Basic Plot?
2.2 How many endings will there be?
3.0 Gameplay (Weapons)
3.1 What kind of weapons will there be?
3.2 What kind of weapon modifications can be added?
3.3 Will I be able to shoot through objects?
3.4 Do firearms require maintenance?
4.0 Gameplay (Vehicles)
4.1 Will there be vehicles?
4.2 Do vehicles take damage?
4.3 Do vehicles need to be repaired?
4.4 Do vehicles require fuel?
5.0 Gameplay (Anomalies)
5.1 What are anomalies?
5.2 What is a zone blowout?
5.3 Can you detect anomalies?
6.0 Gameplay (Stealth)
6.1 Can you do stealth kills?
6.2 Can I hide?
7.0 Gameplay (NPCs)
7.1 Who are your enemies?
7.2 What kind of AI do your enemies/allies use?
7.3 Can NPCs follow me to different areas?
8.0 Gameplay (MISC)
8.1 Is there a currency system?
8.2 Is the in game’s Chernobyl similar to the real life one?
8.3 What are artifacts?
8.4 Will there be healing kits?
8.5 Can my stalker go to the bathroom?
8.6 How can my Stalker carry all his guns, items, ammo, etc?
8.7 Will there be weather effects?
8.8 Will there be a day/night cycle?
9.0 Gameplay (Multiplayer)
9.1 Is there going multiplayer?
9.2 Is there a co-op?
10.0 Media
10.1 Are there any trailers, FMVs, in game movies?
10.2 Are there any screenshots?
10.3 Are there anymore videos?
11.0 Tech Stuff
11.1Can you explain what the X-ray Engine can do?
11.2 What are the recommended System Requirements?
11.3 Is there any Surface Morphing (i.e. Terrain Deformation)?
12.0 Credits and Other Stuff
12.1 Where did your info?
12.2 Who was involved in the writing and editing of this F.A.Q.?
12.3 I have a Question that was not answered in the F.A.Q.
12.4 I found a mistake in your F.A.Q.
12.5 Email
12.6 Contributions
1.0 General Information
1.1 What is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl?
In a nutshell, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a Sci-Fi themed first person shooter.
The Chernobyl Plant Disaster occurred in 1986, creating a radioactive
fallout area known as “The Zone.” The game has a fictional 2nd
explosion which takes place in April 2006. You play as a stalker whose
job is to collect “artifacts” for profit. It is a free roaming survival
game along the lines of the Elder Scrolls series.
1.2 Who is the developer/publisher?
GSC is the developer. THQ has the publishing rights.
1.3 What are the system requirements?
There has yet to be an official list of specifications, but the
developers (GSC) have given some information on a recent interview
(http://www.stalker-world.com.ua/eng/work_2.htm).
Minimum Requirements:
-Processor: Information Not Given
-Ram: 512 Mb
-Video Card: Dx8 card*
-Hard Drive Space: 2.1+ GB
Note *: The video card was mentioned in the interview was an ATI Radeon
9200 128mb version (Dx9 card), but previous articles/interviews have
stated that a Dx8 will be the minimum. Also it is almost certain the the HDD requirement will be more but for now we are goin with the information GSC has said.
1.4 How long has S.T.A.L.K.E.R. been in development?
It has been in development since 2001.
1.5 What engine is it running on?
The X-Ray Engine, GSC’s own creation. It is occasionally updated during
development.
1.6 What is the official release date?
Gamecloud and Gamespot are both reporting that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.'s release date has been pushed back to THQ's 2007 fiscal fourth quarter(January 2007 to March 2007).
In an interview between Siro and GSC Gameworld employee, Oleg Yavorsky, it was revealed that STALKER will most likely be released around September 2006. The Q1 2007 release date is in case GSC cannot make the September 2006 release date.
1.7 Is the game done?
No, it’s in the Beta Stage. There will be a 6 month ad campaign prior to the game’s release. As of Late February (2006) marks the beginning of The 6 month Ad Campaign.
1.8 Why has the game taken so long to develop?
GSC wanted to release a game with a top notch story and gameplay. They
didn’t want to rush anything and have a poorly done product. The X-ray
Engine was also being developed alongside S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and the game
is being translated into different languages. In common English, this
means their standards are somewhere above Half-LifeČ's and somewhere
below Duke Nukem Forever's.
1.9 Is it true that the game was leaked?
Yes, the game has been leaked three times so far. These incomplete and
illegal leaks include two vastly outdated single-player builds and the
multi-player beta that was demoed. To be in possession of these is
illegal, and while not against the ToS to discuss them it is
specifically against the ToS to link to them.
1.10 Is it being released in other languages?
Yes, English, Russian, French, Italian, Korean, Spanish and German for
sure. Expect it to be released in other languages as well.
2.0 Story
2.1 What is the Basic Plot?
The official site has a great explanation.
“April 12, 2006, 02:33 p.m.
Chernobyl zone was lit by an intolerably bright light. The clouds were
evaporating in the silver bright sky with a thunder and earthquake to
follow. People fell on the ground facedown closing their bleeding eyes
and ears. The glow spread over an immense territory which was
subsequently called the Zone. People ran away saving their lives. It
looked like a radioactive explosion at the nuclear plant occurred. The
army sealed off the Zone...
The explosion epicenter was a kilometer away from the nuclear plant.
Obviously, some tests had been held there and they caused the disaster.
Presumably, the entire personnel died within seconds, but still there
was a probability of survivals among the staff. It appeared impossible
to arrange a rescue operation, as the Zone was characterized by strange
energy disturbances posing mortal danger to the explorers. Attempts to
use robots were unavailing. Several months after the accident the
crisis situation peaked when the Zone abruptly grew five kilometers
bigger. People from nearby towns and villages were urgently evacuated,
and the peril of a difficult-to-imagine scope loomed over the world..
2.2 How many endings will there be?
There will be eight endings total. These were not changed during the story improvements.
3.0 Gameplay (Weapons)
3.1 What kind of weapons will there be?
There will be Cold War Era weapons; firearms that can be
modified to increase efficiency and bladed weapons (knives, swords,
etc.)
3.2 What kind of weapon modifications can be added to guns?
Silencers, scopes and grenade launchers can be added to your guns. Some
guns will come with built in scopes, silencers, or grenade launchers.
3.3 Will I be able to shoot through objects?
Yes, you can shoot through objects/walls/floors depending on what
they’re made of. If you shoot at an enemy who is hiding behind a
concrete barrier don’t expect your ammo to hit him. If he hides behind
a wooden fence, he will probably get shot by the penetrating rounds.
3.4 Do firearms require maintenance?
The following comes from an interview between Siro and Oleg Yavorsky.
When a weapon jams, an icon appears that signifies "weapon inoperable". If you are good with weapons and have proper knowledge, that won't be a problem. So if your Makarov jams, and you know what to do in this situation, you can clear it the way you would in real life? To a point, yes. With the Makarov, you press "reload" and the magazine is removed, the slide pulled back and the casing or round that failed to fire is ejected, then the mag is inserted again and the chamber loaded with one more pull. Just like in real life, but the way around it is to clean the weapon regularly, but the AK-47 is very hard to jam.
4.0 Gameplay (Vehicles)
4.1 Will there be vehicles?
Yes, civilian vehicles ranging from small cars to transportation
trucks. There will also be military vehicle such as an Armored
Personal Carrier. Small Vehicles can only carrier a
limited amount of weight; where as larger vehicles can carry much more.
Larger vehicles will also burn fuel faster. Here is a list of known
vehicles:
http://stalker.myexp.de/en/index.php?site=vehicles.php
4.2 Do vehicles take damage?
Yes, but which weapons determine what amount of damage is done is still
being decided. It is unknown if or to what degree this aspect will
change during gameplay balancing.
4.3 Do vehicles need to be repaired?
Yes, Vehicles can be repaired if damaged.
4.4 Do vehicles require fuel?
No, this was taken out because of game play balancing issues.
5.0 Gameplay (Anomalies)
5.1 What are anomalies?
The following quote explains it well (From Behind the Game 4 movie made by GSC):
“Anomalies are invisible pockets of energy that can harm you. Some
are gravitational and will throw you hundreds of feet into the air.
Others will draw you in and literally crush you to death.”
GSC said to expect a variety of Anomalies (gravity, gas clouds,
electrical). Not all anomalies have been revealed so expect some
surprises. More recent interviews have suggested a very broad range of
anomalies with much different purposes.
5.2 What is a zone blowout?
A zone blowout is an anomaly on a much larger scale, it is zone wide.
Zone blowouts occur every few days in the zone, gradually becoming more
and more frequent. During blowouts, light becomes monochromic, severe
thunderstorms occur, and malignant psychic effects are felt by those
are expose to a blowout. The only way to safely live through one is to
avoid it by hiding in a structure. After a blowout, anomalies are
“rearranged” in the zone.
5.3 Can you detect anomalies?
Yes, so far there are 2 methods of detecting anomalies. The first is by
throwing an object such as a bolt or rock at suspected area, or even
watch a creature around it. If it changes trajectory that means an
anomaly is present in that location. There second method involves using
anomalous detectors which show the anomalies on screen.
There are some anomalies that aren’t gravity based. Click here for other types of anomalies.
6.0 Gameplay (Stealth)
6.1 Can you do stealth kills?
Yes you can, by either using bladed or silenced firearms.
6.2 Can I hide?
Yes you can, by hiding behind objects or areas with low amount of light.
7.0 Gameplay (NPCs)
7.1 Who are your enemies?
Your enemies will consist of other stalkers, the military, and mutants.
7.2 What kind of AI do your enemies/allies use?
“Life Simulation,” which means NPCs has to eat and sleep in order to
survive in The Zone. This will also determine wither or not an enemy
picks a fight with you. For example an enemy stalker spots you
wandering around. He’s tired, hungry, injured, and is suffering from
radiation poisoning. Because of his status he will most likely avoid
combat with you. Now same situation as before expect this time the
enemy stalker is well rested, at full health, has better equipment, is
not suffering from radiation exposure, and you have something he wants.
He will most likely pick a fight with you in order to retrieve your
positions.
7.3 Can NPCs follow me to different areas?
Yes, NPC are free to move around the zone just like you.
8.0 Gameplay (MISC)
8.1 Is there a currency system?
Yes, the Soviet Ruble. Prices are similar to real life but expect some
difference because of balancing issues. You will be able to trade as
well.
8.2 Is the in game Chernobyl similar to the real life one?
Yes, approximately 60% of The Zone is modeled after the real one.
Expect to see similar points of interest and locales. The developers
have taken an artistic license and changed some of the zone’s
appearance. There are some side by side comparisons in the older media.
8.3 What are “artifacts”?
Artifacts are byproducts of anomalies/blowouts that can be collected
and sold. You do need special containers in order to collect them.
Click here for a currently known list of artifacts.
8.4 Will there be healing kits?
Yes and they work instantly. There will also be other methods of healing yourself, but the specifics have not been said yet.
8.5 Can my stalker go to the bathroom?
No.
8.6 How can my Stalker carry all his guns, items, ammo, etc?
There will be an inventory system present with limited space.
8.7 Will there be weather effects?
Yes.
8.8 Will there be a day/night cycle?
Yes.
9.0 Gameplay (Multiplayer)
9.1 Is there going multiplayer?
Yes, but don’t expect human vs. mutants. According to Oblivion Lost
there will be Capture the Artifact, Death Match and Team Death Match.
9.2 Is there a co-op?
No. The developers decided to pull back this idea.
10.0 Media
10.1 Are there any trailers, FMVs, in game movies?
Click here for a list of movies released for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.
10.2 Are there anymore videos?
Wait for the ad campaign to begin, we should see more videos.
11.0 Tech Stuff
11.1 Can you explain what the X-ray Engine can do?
Basically, X-ray can do rag doll physics, has an advanced physics
engine, uses real time lighting and shadows among other advanced DX9
effects. There is also a rather large polygon count. If you want to
know more technical details you can click here.
11. 2 Is there any Surface Morphing? (i.e. Terrain Deformation)
No.
12.0 Credits
12.1 Where did you get your info?
From various sites including
Official S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadows of Chernobyl Website (official site)
Oblivion Lost (fan site)
Stalker World (fan site)
Game Trailers (3rd party site)
12.2 Who was involved in the writing and editing of this F.A.Q.?
Paladriver: Main Writer & Site Admin
GyRo567: Editor & Writer
12.3 I have a Question that was not answered in the F.A.Q.
Send us an email. If we know the answer we’ll post it and give you contribution credit.
12.4 I found a mistake in your F.A.Q.
Please send an email. The last thing I want to do is give false
information. Do remember to send a link/address to support what you’re
saying. :)
12.5 Email
stalkersocfaq@yahoo.com
12.6 Contributions
-311SNIPERX
-Kade Raquee
-nobody at home 2 day