STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl unfolds in the eerie, perilous "Zone of Alienation" surrounding the remnants of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Inside this haunted terrain, you’ll encounter deadly supernatural occurrences, terrifying bloodthirsty beasts, and hordes of mutated creatures. This apocalyptic setting, classic to the STALKER series, serves as the battleground for various factions, each with its own vision for the Zone and the inhabitants within.
The series delves into profound philosophical questions, exploring the essence of humanity and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their ambitions. In the STALKER universe, truly "good" factions are rare, and Monolith stands out as perhaps the most notorious of them all.
The Lore of STALKER’s Monolith Faction Explained
The "Group" And Its Experiments With The Noosphere
Back in 1986, around the time of the Chornobyl Disaster, a clandestine group of Soviet scientists known as "The Group" found refuge in the power plant’s Exclusion Zone. The Zone’s seclusion provided the perfect cover for their audacious experiments, which centered on the Noosphere—a mysterious energy field thought to envelop Earth, influencing human cognition and emotions.
The Merging of the Common Consciousness
Despite the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, these experiments carried on. Notably, they culminated in a handful of scientists agreeing to merge their minds, creating a hivemind known as the Common Consciousness. Placed in stasis, their collective consciousness had the power to navigate and manipulate the Noosphere.
In a pivotal moment in 2006, an attempt to alter the Noosphere led to a second Chornobyl disaster. This event tore open the Noosphere within the Zone, unleashing bizarre anomalies. The Common Consciousness tried to harness the rift’s power, but their efforts were constantly disrupted by treasure-seeking Stalkers roaming the Zone for valuable artifacts.
The Formation of Monolith
To protect both the rift and themselves, the Common Consciousness established a force of devoted defenders. They targeted Monolith, a faction of fervent fanatics, leading them with the belief that a "Wish Granter" lay at the core of the Zone and they must guard it zealously.
Seizing this opportunity, the Common Consciousness exerted mind control over these former Stalkers. Together, they devised what became known as the "Brain Scorcher," a potent radio device that lured and brainwashed any Stalker venturing too close to the Zone’s heart. These brainwashed converts became Monolith’s fierce warriors.
The Death of The C-Consciousness and The Downfall of Monolith
However, despite Monolith’s strength, they could not sustain themselves against the Zone’s harsh realities. By the end of STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, the protagonist Strelok breaches the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. He resists joining the C-Consciousness and destroys the stasis pods housing the scientists. This act seemingly annihilates the C-Consciousness and spells the fall of Monolith as it was known to fans.
Throughout the game, the canvas that STALKER 2 paints is rooted in historical sci-fi, making it a unique and compelling addition to gaming’s diverse landscapes. Dive into this expansive open world and define your path amidst formidable adversaries and endless weapon combinations, as you join the ranks of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s—a group both driven by the lure of riches and the pursuit of truths buried deep in the heart of Chornobyl.
