Welcome to STALKER! Which GAME and MOD should you Play?

Summary

The video script addresses common questions from newcomers to the 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.' gaming universe, discussing the best starting point and the role of mods. It provides a brief history of the series, explains the different types of mods, and the evolution of the modding scene with 'Call of Chernobyl' and 'Anomaly'. The narrator suggests playing the original trilogy with minimal mods for the authentic experience before exploring the extensive modding options, emphasizing the importance of a welcoming community for new players as 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2' approaches.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The script discusses the complexities of starting with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game series, especially for newcomers faced with the original trilogy and numerous mods.
• 🕵️ The original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy consists of 'Shadow of Chernobyl', 'Clear Sky', and 'Call of Pripyat', each with its unique story and gameplay elements.
• 🛠️ Mods for the games can be categorized into three types: bug fixes and improvements, new content additions, and standalone mods that offer entirely new stories and experiences.
• 🌟 'Call of Chernobyl' was a significant shift in the modding scene, as it aimed to combine the levels of the three games into a single open-world experience.
• 🔥 'Misery' was a highly influential mod for 'Call of Pripyat', known for its challenging survival experience and new features.
• 🌱 'Anomaly' is a standalone mod that doesn't require the original games, offering a modernized S.T.A.L.K.E.R. experience with extensive customization through add-ons.
• 🔄 'Escape from Pripyat' and 'Gamma' are mod packs built on 'Anomaly', each offering a different focus—'Escape' on gunplay realism and 'Gamma' on survival and crafting.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the importance of playing the original games to understand the lore and character development, which enriches the experience of later mods.
• 🌐 The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community is diverse, with Western and non-Western segments, and the script calls for a welcoming and inclusive attitude towards new players.
• 🎉 The channel introduces its first sponsor, 'Raid: Shadow Legends', a mobile game with collectible characters and various game modes.
• 🔗 The video script provides links in the description for further exploration of mods and the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community.

Q & A

What is the general consensus on starting with the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games or jumping straight into the mods?

There is no definitive answer; it depends on personal preference. Some purists recommend playing the original games in order to appreciate the lore and character development, while others may prefer the modern experience offered by mods like Anomaly and its modpacks.

What are the three original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games and in which order should they be played?

The three original games are 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl,' 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky,' and 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat.' They should be played in the order of their release to follow the story and development of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe.

What is the role of mods in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series?

Mods serve three main purposes: fixing bugs and crashes to improve the original games' experience, adding new content such as weapons and items while staying true to the original story, and creating standalone mods that offer entirely new stories and experiences within the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe.

What is 'Call of Chernobyl' and how did it change the modding scene for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.?

'Call of Chernobyl' aimed to port all levels of the three original games into the latest X-Ray engine, creating a unified open-world experience. It became a sandbox for modders to create add-ons, weapon packs, and quests, and served as a foundation for other mods, significantly impacting the modding community.

What is 'Anomaly' and how does it differ from the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games?

'Anomaly' is a free standalone mod that doesn't require the original games to run. It offers improved gameplay and gunplay but lacks the story, lore, and character development found in the original trilogy, focusing more on providing a modern S.T.A.L.K.E.R. experience.

What are 'modpacks' in the context of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and what role do they play?

Modpacks are collections of mods and add-ons fine-tuned to work together, enhancing the base game experience. They can be tailored to different aspects of the game, such as gunplay realism in 'Escape from Pripyat' or survival and exploration in 'Gamma'.

Why is the community's response to newcomers important, especially with the anticipation of 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2'?

A welcoming and informative community is crucial for the growth and health of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fandom. With 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2' on the horizon, attracting and retaining new players will become increasingly important, and the community's response can significantly influence this.

What advice would be given to a newcomer named 'Igor' who is starting in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe?

Igor should play the original three games to understand the lore and character stories, then try 'Anomaly' and its modpacks for a modern experience. Exploring other mods, especially story-driven ones, is also recommended to fully appreciate the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe.

What is 'Raid: Shadow Legends' and how does it relate to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community?

'Raid: Shadow Legends' is a mobile game that sponsored the video. It is a collectible character game with over 600 Champions, various game modes, and a new Sylvan faction. The sponsorship signifies the channel's growth and the community's expanding interests.

How can newcomers get involved with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community and find support?

Newcomers can join the community through platforms like Reddit and Discord, where they can ask questions and seek advice. They should also watch videos and read guides that provide insights into the games and mods, and be open to the diverse experiences the community offers.