After Chernobyl was evacuated, the area around it was silent - untouched by man and reclaimed by nature. Trees grew up amongst the concrete edifices of Pripyat and wildlife found new homes in the devastation.

With no reason to enter the area, mankind left it alone - a nagging prick to the conscience that refused to go away.

However stories originated. Reports of strange creatures, twisted by the consequences of the accident became commonplace. Some even spoke of abandoned treasures within what came to be called "The Zone".

In 2006 disaster seemed to strike again. A bright light originated from the old reactor plant and people speculated that a second explosion had occurred. Military patrols increased as the authorities seemed more determined than ever to keep people out. However human nature prevailed. Curiosity and greed led to the phenomenon of the "Stalker" - part explorer, part mercenary, part treasure hunter. These brave and foolish individuals started entering the Zone to see what could be salvaged. What they found was beyond imagination.

Stalkers bought out wonders and horrors. Strange irradiated objects called "artefacts" fetched huge sums on a thriving black market - somebody somewhere obviously thought that these artefacts have some value. However the risks involved in retrieving these were huge - mutant creatures roamed the landscape, ready to feed on anything they encountered. And horrific pockets of energy known as "Anomalies" claimed the lives of many unwary Stalkers.

It is now 2012. The Zone is full of wonder and death. Stalkers, mutants and the military roam the deadly landscape of the Zone. It is into this world that you will take the first faltering steps toward becoming a Stalker.