Developer EXBO has detailed STALZONE, a free-to-play extraction shooter that incorporates elements typically found in MMORPGs. Originally rebranded from STALCRAFT: X in June, the game features a persistent open world where factions vie for territory, and the balance of power can shift even when players are offline. Unlike many extraction shooters that utilize self-contained maps for individual sessions, STALZONE offers a continuous environment populated with NPCs, quests, and dungeons.
The game is set in a mutated Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, populated by anomalies and mutants. Players must use detectors to navigate hazardous anomalies, uncover hidden caches and artifacts, and contend with dynamic weather systems and global cataclysms such as energy emissions that drastically alter the environment. A 50-hour story is presented across two main campaigns, with the recent update including English voice acting to enhance narrative delivery.
STALZONE's progression system diverges from traditional MMORPGs by focusing on gear acquisition and customization rather than experience points and leveling. The game features over 200 firearms, each with extensive attachment options. The primary method of obtaining new gear is through expeditions into the Zone. However, the penalty for death is mitigated; players only lose loot gathered during the failed expedition, not their customized equipment, reducing the sting of failure while still incentivizing successful extractions.
Player interaction plays a significant role in acquiring gear, with direct trading and an auction house facilitating a robust player economy. This allows for wealth accumulation through strategic trading. In terms of player versus player combat, STALZONE employs a global matchmaking system that pairs players with similarly geared opponents. While there isn't a strict level-based matching, the system aims to maintain a manageable gap between players, with the in-house EXENS Anti-Cheat system ensuring fair competition. This approach emphasizes player skill and positioning as key determinants of success.
EXBO has maintained consistent support for STALZONE, with a team of over 400 employees delivering updates every two weeks and regular seasonal events. The June rebranding introduced significant changes, including updated character models with improved emoting and lip-syncing, a new light-source lighting system for more realistic indoor illumination, and a summer storyline.
More recently, STALZONE showcased its fall season content at The FPS Games Show. This update transforms the Zone with autumn aesthetics and introduces an electrical storm cataclysm. It also features an updated central location called Forge-11 in the northern territories and will soon include a major event centered around the cultist faction, Covenant. A special invite code, IGNWELCOME, is available for new players, offering in-game bonuses such as weapons, consumables, premium access, and season pass levels.
STALZONE is available for free on PC via Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the game's official website. Further updates and community interaction can be found on Discord, Twitter, and YouTube.