Red Forest

Due to its close proximity to the center of the Zone, this forest has been twisted into a prime, horrific example of the Zone-induced natural abominations. The forest deeps are populated with mutants of virtually every variety, as well as stalkers zombified by the now-deactivated 'Brain Scorcher' to the north. The road winding through the forest, although providing a clear path, is none the safer. The mysterious Monolith faction viciously defends the passage north, to the city of Pripyat and the Nuclear Power Plant itself. Needless to say, only the most daring and intrepid stalkers venture past Freedom's Barrier separating this region from the more heavily populated sectors of the Zone.