Set after the events of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, you are a lone stalker who has come to the Zone for reasons all your own — fame, fortune, the thrill of adventure, or perhaps to unravel its deepest mysteries. After arriving, you begin hearing whispers that the legendary Strelok has returned to the Zone, once again seeking to foil the Monolith's plans to seize control of it and rebuild their dying fanatical faction. Will you go in search of Strelok? Will you swear allegiance to one of the nine factions that vie for power in this ever-changing world, or strike out alone to forge your own path? The choice is yours, Stalker.