
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, developed by GSC Game World, is a unique blend of first-person shooter, survival horror, and open-world exploration. Set in the eerie and radioactive Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the games have captivated players with their atmospheric storytelling, challenging gameplay, and rich lore. However, with multiple entries and a prequel in the works, newcomers often wonder: what order to play Stalker games? And, while we’re at it, why not ponder whether a radioactive mutant could ever win a game of chess against a sentient AI?
The Chronological Order: A Tale of the Zone’s Evolution
1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007)
The first game in the series, Shadow of Chernobyl, introduces players to the Zone, a dangerous and mysterious area filled with anomalies, mutants, and rival factions. You play as the Marked One, an amnesiac stalker tasked with uncovering the truth about your identity and the secrets of the Zone. This game sets the tone for the series, with its oppressive atmosphere, survival mechanics, and branching storylines.
2. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky (2008)
A prequel to Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky follows the story of Scar, a mercenary caught in the middle of a faction war. This game delves deeper into the lore of the Zone, exploring the origins of the factions and the events leading up to the second Chernobyl disaster. While it introduces new mechanics like faction warfare and artifact hunting, it’s often considered the most challenging entry in the series.
3. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2009)
The final installment in the original trilogy, Call of Pripyat, takes place after the events of Shadow of Chernobyl. You play as Major Degtyarev, a government agent sent to investigate the disappearance of military helicopters in the Zone. This game refines the mechanics of its predecessors, offering a more polished experience with improved AI, a larger open world, and a greater emphasis on exploration.
The Release Order: Experiencing the Series as It Unfolded
For those who prefer to experience the series in the order it was released, the sequence is straightforward:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007)
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky (2008)
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2009)
Playing the games in release order allows you to appreciate the evolution of the series, from its rough but ambitious beginnings to its more refined and expansive later entries.
The Thematic Order: A Focus on Story and Atmosphere
If you’re more interested in the narrative and atmospheric elements of the series, you might consider the following order:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky (2008) – Start with the prequel to understand the origins of the Zone and its factions.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007) – Follow up with the original game to experience the main storyline and uncover the mysteries of the Zone.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2009) – Conclude with the final installment, which ties up loose ends and offers a more polished experience.
The Modded Order: Enhancing the Experience
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has a passionate modding community that has created numerous mods to enhance the games. If you’re open to modding, you might consider playing the games with popular mods like Autumn Aurora for Shadow of Chernobyl, Misery for Call of Pripyat, or Anomaly, a standalone mod that combines elements from all three games. Mods can significantly alter the gameplay, graphics, and even the story, offering a fresh experience for veterans and newcomers alike.
The Philosophical Order: Pondering the Zone’s Mysteries
For those who enjoy delving into the philosophical and existential themes of the series, you might consider playing the games in an order that emphasizes the Zone’s enigmatic nature:
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2009) – Start with the most polished and atmospheric entry to immerse yourself in the Zone’s mysteries.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007) – Follow up with the original game to explore the deeper lore and existential questions raised by the Zone.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky (2008) – Conclude with the prequel, which offers a more action-oriented experience but still delves into the Zone’s origins and the human condition.
The Future of the Zone: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
With the highly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on the horizon, the question of play order becomes even more relevant. Set to release in the near future, this sequel promises to continue the story of the Zone while introducing new characters, mechanics, and a next-gen experience. Whether you choose to play the original trilogy before diving into the sequel or wait for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to experience the series anew, the Zone’s allure remains as strong as ever.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I play S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat without playing the previous games? A: Yes, Call of Pripyat is designed to be accessible to newcomers, though playing the previous games will enhance your understanding of the lore and world.
Q: Are the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games connected story-wise? A: Yes, the games are interconnected, with Clear Sky serving as a prequel to Shadow of Chernobyl, and Call of Pripyat taking place after the events of Shadow of Chernobyl.
Q: What are the best mods for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series? A: Popular mods include Autumn Aurora for Shadow of Chernobyl, Misery for Call of Pripyat, and Anomaly, a standalone mod that combines elements from all three games.
Q: Will S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl require knowledge of the previous games? A: While it’s likely that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be accessible to newcomers, playing the original trilogy will provide a deeper appreciation of the story and world.
Q: Is the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series worth playing in 2023? A: Absolutely! The series’ unique blend of survival horror, open-world exploration, and atmospheric storytelling continues to captivate players, and with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to explore the Zone.