2: Heart Of Chornobyl’s irradiated world, I’m unsure what to make of it.

2started with a blistered dog biting at my ankles.

So, I do what he says and then nothing really happens to said bubble.

The player character in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 lies prone, one arm raised protectively, as a black clad man in a balaclava advances with what seems to be ill intent

These, then, are S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

’s famous anomalies, weird energy pockets that frequently pop up in the Zone.

2 was confusing, especially if you’re not a series veteran.

Observing an anomaly in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, a phenomenon that appears as a large, lumpy bubble in mid air

I awake unscathed from my encounter with them, which confuses me further.

Tired grey buildings, dirt paths, downed helicopters: it’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Despite some early jank, the world really does command your focus.

An abandoned and derelict ferris wheel in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

I spot a fella under attack by a pack of dogs.

I oblige, checking the marker on my compass before heading over.

Unfortunately the bandits spot me immediately, so I get into some more intense shootybang.

Walking through a dark pine forest in S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2

Sure enough, I took loads of damage and died.

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