STALKER 2 Encouraged Many Fans to Visit Chornobyl Area Illegally. Ukrainian Border Guards Warn

As a seasoned gamer with a master’s degree in Polish Studies and a thesis dedicated to the impact of video games on real-life scenarios like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., I can’t help but chuckle at the recent events unfolding around the Zone. It seems that the allure of the radioactive wasteland has once again drawn in adventurous spirits, eager for an extreme gaming experience in real life.


Visitors illegally flocked to the actual Exclusion Zone due to the anticipated launch of STALKER 2, prompting a warning from Ukrainian border officials. They urge enthusiasts of the radioactive game series to avoid venturing into the prohibited region surrounding the decommissioned Chornobyl nuclear plant.

Based on a report from the South China Morning Post, soon after the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Shadow of the Chornobyl, it was discovered that a substantial number of individuals were attempting to gain access to the Zone in pursuit of thrilling gaming experiences, as stated by the Ukrainian border service. These people were initially labeled as “adventurers,” but it was later revealed they were actually “gamers.

Essentially, it’s not surprising that this happened. The debut of the GSC Game World series drew hordes of tourists to the Zone, much like when a well-known video game showcases real locations. However, since the outbreak of war, the area has been sealed off from visitors. It seems some gamers have fantasized about being real stalkers and illegally traversing the 30-kilometer Zone in search of loot.

The Ukrainian border authorities have cautioned that entering a restricted zone not only carries administrative and criminal consequences but is also dangerous due to high levels of radioactive pollution at the site. Furthermore, it’s important to note that you’re unlikely to discover hidden treasures or unusual items there, unlike in a game.

The border official highlighted that these “visitors” are not uncommon. You may recall that following the initial launch of STALKER, Chornobyl saw an increase in both tourists and individuals attempting to illegally enter the Zone (as reported by National Geographic). Data from three years ago suggested that Ukrainian authorities were detaining approximately 400 people each year trying to do so (according to The National).

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

November 20, 2024

STALKER 2 Encouraged Many Fans to Visit Chornobyl Area Illegally. Ukrainian Border Guards Warn
STALKER 2 Encouraged Many Fans to Visit Chornobyl Area Illegally. Ukrainian Border Guards Warn
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STALKER 2 Encouraged Many Fans to Visit Chornobyl Area Illegally. Ukrainian Border Guards Warn

Author: Jacob Blazewicz

Obtained a master’s degree in Polish Studies from the University of Warsaw, with my thesis focusing on this topic. I started my journey with GRYOnline.pl in 2015, contributing to Newsroom and later expanding into film, technology sections, and even the Encyclopedia. My passion for video games (and beyond) has been long-standing. I began with platform games and continue to be an avid fan, including Metroidvania style games. Additionally, I have an interest in card games, fighting games, soulslikes, and pretty much anything related to gaming. I admire pixelated characters from games as far back as the Game Boy era (or even older).

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2024-11-27 15:01