The Zone has been around for nearly two decades, and an entire generation has grown up hearing stories of its treasures and dangers. Some have vowed never to even think about stepping foot in here, while others dreamt of delving at the very first chance.



Real family and home are not granted. Richter knows this very well. Just after escaping the foster house, he rushed straight into the Zone, becoming one of the youngest stalkers. Roaming and exploring all over the “safe” parts for years, he earned a place here as a guide and became a guy who is welcome in most bars and camps. Alas, be it an overexaggerated optimism or just levity, one of the runs ended with only Richter surviving to reach the destination. That was the end of his overconfident “feeling the Zone” days, as well as the guiding career — but not the end of his true love for the Zone that keeps him rolling even now.



When his homeland teetered on the edge of losing its freedom, Richter pretty rapidly found himself among close-minded stalkers who are not so good with Varta conditions. Spark of resistance is smoldering, and it might be on him to fan the flames and give it the air it needs to burn brightly.