Post by Karcentric on Jan 20, 2010 22:20:36 GMT -5
This page contains information about the different animals and mutants that can be found in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl.[/b]
Blind Dog
Several generations of the dog species have lived and died since the catastrophe. Each was more affected by the Zone than the previous one. Rapid mutation lead to a vast improvement in previously peripheral abilities, frequently at the expense of primary ones. The most notable biological change was the loss of sight, paired with an uncanny development of smell. As it turned out, blind cubs survived in the Zone as well as normal ones, if not better. As a result, the common dog quickly became extinct in the Zone, giving way to a new breed - that of blind dogs. The animals instinctively identify and avoid anomalies, radiation, and other invisible dangers that plague the Zone. Like their wild ancestors - the wolves - blind dogs hunt in packs. An encounter with a large group of these animals can be dangerous even to an experienced and well-armed stalker.
Personal Notes
Blind Dogs are pretty weak but during the beginning stages of the game a pack of Blind Dogs can still be very dangerous - I've even seen experienced stalkers fall prey to packs, in spite of them carrying powerful weapons.
Locations
Blind Dogs can be found in almost any area of the Zone but they tend to be dominant in Cordon, Garbage, Agroprom Research Institute and outside the control point at the Bar.
Bloodsucker
Experienced stalkers describe this semi-legendary beast as a tall, hunched humanoid with a mess of tentacles where its mouth should be. According to those who saw it and lived to tell the tale, the creature uses its tentacles to cling to the victim's throat, paralyze it, and suck it dry of blood. A dry, mummified shell is all that's left of what used to be a living human being. The most astounding feature of the bloodsucker, however, is its ability to become invisible. Countless dead or missing stalkers are said to have perished in the merciless grip of a bloodsucker. The lucky few who have survived an encounter tell spine-chilling tales of marshes and subterranean areas haunted by the Zone's version of Count Dracula.
Personal Notes
For some reason the Bloodsuckers remind me of the Reaper vampires introduced in the movie Blade 2 - possibly because of the nasty tentacles. Bloodsuckers are pretty resilient and can take a full clip or two to the body before going down; as with all enemies, headshots will get the job done with fewer bullets.
Locations
Bloodsuckers are also somewhat rare in the sense that you don't come across them too often. Your first encounter is likely to be in the Agroprom Underground; later on you'll see more of them eg. in the Bloodsucker Village in the Army Warehouses area.
Boar
A massive, mutated animal, reaching 1.5 meters at the shoulder. The Zone boar's aggressiveness and ability to survive surpass by far those of its relatives outside the contaminated area. Radiation and anomalies left their mark on the physical appearance of the animal as well: its fur is entirely gone in some places, and long and bristly in others. The hooves have evolved into sturdy, sharp claws, the pupils became colorless, and the boar's bald head is marred by pigmentation disorders and deep wrinkles. Zone boars are quite resistant to radiation and can stay in heavily contaminated areas for longer periods of time. They usually charge at their victims, trying to knock them over and then rip them to shreds.
Locations
A common animal found mainly in outside areas such as Cordon, Garbage and Army Warehouses.
Chernobyl Dog
There is no official description of Chernobyl Dogs available in the PDA.
Personal Notes
The Chernobyl Dog basically has the same properties as a Pseudo Dog with two important additions. First off, the Chernobyl Dog is able to blur your vision for a short period of time, which for the most part is just a slight nuisance. Second, and far worse, the Chernobyl Dog has the ability to summon ghost-like "Pseudo Dogs" - these are characterized by having bright fur, and if you shoot them once they'll simply disappear; however, they are no mere apparitions - they are able to attack you like regular Pseudo Dogs. These things combined obviously makes the Chernobyl Dog a more fearsome opponent than a regular Pseudo Dog.
Locations
As far as I know you will only encounter Chernobyl Dogs in Red Forest.
Controller
A rare mutant seen near to the center of the Zone. Bears a superficial resemblance of a humanoid with a disproportionately big head. Possesses a good perception, and an ability to control the behavious of less developed creatures. Mature specimen are capable of taking control over human's head. This is a ferocious enemy, and even the most experienced stalkers are afraid of meeting it.
Personal Notes
The Controller is a pretty rare opponent in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl as you're only likely to come upon it a couple of times - which is kind of sad in my opinion because I really like them. They have quite a different way of attacking you than other mutants and the effects you experience while (and after) being attacked are pretty cool. You can see the different attacks and effects in the videos on the right side.
Locations
You can find a controller in the Agroprom Underground, the first time you are there. Also, one can be found in the Bloodsucker village in Army Warehouses (in the later stages of the game), and finally you'll meet one in X16. There may be a few other places as well that I am not currently aware of.
Crow
The only bird species to have survived in the Zone, enduring increased radiation levels and effectively avoiding anomalies. While the army pilots need to rely on complex detectors to avoid gravitational disturbances, the crow seems to rely on its own senses for that - a mystery that drives ornithologists and biologists mad. Various theories attempting to explain the phenomenon exist, all of them pointing to a highly specialized development of the bird's brain.
Personal Notes
While crows can often be seen in outside areas they don't pose any kind of threat. Even though you could see crows getting shot in certain videos released by GSC, I don't think it's possible in the final game; I would love being able to shoot down a Crow and use it for food.
Flesh
Like most other living creatures in the Zone, the domestic pig also underwent serious biological changes since the day of the catastrophe. It seems the genes responsible for metabolism were especially affected in this case. Mutant pigs, known simply as Flesh among the stalkers, are one of the most vivid examples of the Zone's disastrous perversion of nature. Mutant pigs developed a protective layer of scales and exoskeletal plates. Their regeneration potential increased several times, as did the complexity of their nervous system. Just like a normal pig, a Flesh is an omnivore and may attack a stalker if hungry.
Locations
Another common mutated animal that seems to be dominant in Agroprom Research Institute and Army Warehouses.
Poltergeist
Supernatural in the eyes of some, invisible creatures haunting the deeper reaches of the Zone, usually haunting old, abandoned buildings. Nothing is known about their origin, although rumors in circulation claim they are spirits of stalkers hit by a massive wave of radiation. Their mysterious appearances and disappearances seem to correspond to the poltergeist legend, hence the same name. Known encounters with poltergeists are quire diverse in fact: from mischievous laughter and blood-chilling howling, to deadly fireballs appearing out of nowhere. Unfortunately, all information about the poltergeist phenomenon originates from unclear and contradictory stories of questionable validity.
Personal Notes
The first time I saw a Poltergeist I really didn't know what it was - because, while alive, they resemble a cloud of lightning (or something along those lines), and it's not completely apparent that you can in fact kill it - you can, however, and if you do you'll see the Poltergeist in it's bodily form. Poltergeists seem to have two primary attacks: the first is using telekinesis to lift and throw various objects at you (such as buckets, crates, and anything else that isn't tied down) - it can be quite annoying especially since the Poltergeist apparently doesn't have to be able to see you to use this attack; the second attack looks similar to the Burner anomaly that the Poltergeist can aim at you.
Locations
Poltergeists can be found inside X18 and also in certain outside areas (both only later in the game - the Wild Territory won't have a Poltergeist in it the first time you are there - if you come back later, though, you may stumble upon one). I've also once come upon one in Dark Valley.
Pseudo Dog
Pseudodogs are a relatively common type of mutant. Despite the name, they are actually descended from wolves and have longer, more ragged fur than the common Blind dog.
Personal Notes
The Pseudo Dog is alot more dangerous than the average Blind Dog on its own since the Pseudo Dog is stronger, more vicious and aggressive, and does more damage with its attacks.
Locations
Pseudo Dogs can be found in outside areas. They are not as common as Blind Dogs nor do they appear in as large packs. At the beginning of the game you can find one Pseudo Dog in Cordon (inside the tunnel at the end of the road going through the car park); in later stages Pseudo Dogs may appear in other parts of Cordon as well. You can also find Pseudo Dogs in Garbage, the Bar, and a few other areas.
Pseudogiant
The pseudogiant resembles a massive, drop-shaped abdomen with a pair of disproportionately large limbs. The limbs are arms and legs at the same time. The creature uses them to move around and grab its victim. An adult pseudogiant can weigh up to two tons and stand 2 meters tall. Their clumsy appearance might be deceiving, since they can move very rapidly if needed. Their muscles are exceptionally powerful and their bones are as hard as steel. The creature's brain is protected by a sturdy (up to 10 centimeters thick) skull, while many complex functions are controlled by the spinal medualla. Another astonoshing feature of the beast is its ability to create local shock waves, which damage all living things in the vicinity.
Locations
Psudogiants are rare mutants and you'll only encounter a couple of them; you'll meet the first one in X18 and another one in the tunnels below X16. I have also recently met one in Dark Valley, after getting the 1.0004 patch, but that is the first and only time I've ever seen one outside X18 and the tunnels below X16.
Rodent
I reckon these little mutants are the closest thing you'll get to seeing a rat in the game (if you don't count the one at the mobile lab in Yantar).
Personal Notes
After having played through S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl I've only recently met this mutant for the first time and considering that I'd say they are extremely rare.
After the release of the 1.0004 patch, Rodents appear to be alot more common now - I've encountered them numerous times especially in Dark Valley and Wild Territory.
Locations
I've only met these mutants in Dark Valley after being to X16 and coming back here to finish off an optional mission given by General Voronin (the mutants were not part of the mission - I merely encountered them near the building with the entrance to X18 in it). I have just recently also come across one or two rodents in Army Warehouses near the border area, and in the Red Forest as well.
Snork
It seems these creatures were human at some point, though it is difficult to imagine what conditions could turn a human being into such a disgusting beast. Snorks are insane creatures leading a beast's life and differing little from other carnivorous monsters in the Zone. They move on all fours in long jumps, constantly sniffing the ground in hope of picking up the scent of prey. They hunt carefully, in a calculated manner, frequently setting up ambushes. Thanks to its uncanny reflexes and powerful muscles, the snork can approach the victim, pin it down in one long, accurate jump, and tear it to shreds in a matter of seconds. Strips of army uniforms and other clothing are occasionally found on their bodies. It stands to reason that they are all that's left of missing military stalkers.
Personal Notes
This is one of the creepier mutants, and one of my favorite ones as well, mainly because it resembles a mutated human being wearing a gas mask. I love that.
Locations
Snorks are fairly common in some of the later stages of the game in the area of Yantar and inside X16 for example; I have also observed Snorks in the Wild Territory but only having been there a few times (ie. they don't seem to appear the first time you are there). Finally, a few Snorks can also be found in Pripyat.
This was compiled by Sevis, I just put it here to look like we actually know what we're talking about...
Blind Dog
Several generations of the dog species have lived and died since the catastrophe. Each was more affected by the Zone than the previous one. Rapid mutation lead to a vast improvement in previously peripheral abilities, frequently at the expense of primary ones. The most notable biological change was the loss of sight, paired with an uncanny development of smell. As it turned out, blind cubs survived in the Zone as well as normal ones, if not better. As a result, the common dog quickly became extinct in the Zone, giving way to a new breed - that of blind dogs. The animals instinctively identify and avoid anomalies, radiation, and other invisible dangers that plague the Zone. Like their wild ancestors - the wolves - blind dogs hunt in packs. An encounter with a large group of these animals can be dangerous even to an experienced and well-armed stalker.
Personal Notes
Blind Dogs are pretty weak but during the beginning stages of the game a pack of Blind Dogs can still be very dangerous - I've even seen experienced stalkers fall prey to packs, in spite of them carrying powerful weapons.
Locations
Blind Dogs can be found in almost any area of the Zone but they tend to be dominant in Cordon, Garbage, Agroprom Research Institute and outside the control point at the Bar.
Bloodsucker
Experienced stalkers describe this semi-legendary beast as a tall, hunched humanoid with a mess of tentacles where its mouth should be. According to those who saw it and lived to tell the tale, the creature uses its tentacles to cling to the victim's throat, paralyze it, and suck it dry of blood. A dry, mummified shell is all that's left of what used to be a living human being. The most astounding feature of the bloodsucker, however, is its ability to become invisible. Countless dead or missing stalkers are said to have perished in the merciless grip of a bloodsucker. The lucky few who have survived an encounter tell spine-chilling tales of marshes and subterranean areas haunted by the Zone's version of Count Dracula.
Personal Notes
For some reason the Bloodsuckers remind me of the Reaper vampires introduced in the movie Blade 2 - possibly because of the nasty tentacles. Bloodsuckers are pretty resilient and can take a full clip or two to the body before going down; as with all enemies, headshots will get the job done with fewer bullets.
Locations
Bloodsuckers are also somewhat rare in the sense that you don't come across them too often. Your first encounter is likely to be in the Agroprom Underground; later on you'll see more of them eg. in the Bloodsucker Village in the Army Warehouses area.
Boar
A massive, mutated animal, reaching 1.5 meters at the shoulder. The Zone boar's aggressiveness and ability to survive surpass by far those of its relatives outside the contaminated area. Radiation and anomalies left their mark on the physical appearance of the animal as well: its fur is entirely gone in some places, and long and bristly in others. The hooves have evolved into sturdy, sharp claws, the pupils became colorless, and the boar's bald head is marred by pigmentation disorders and deep wrinkles. Zone boars are quite resistant to radiation and can stay in heavily contaminated areas for longer periods of time. They usually charge at their victims, trying to knock them over and then rip them to shreds.
Locations
A common animal found mainly in outside areas such as Cordon, Garbage and Army Warehouses.
Chernobyl Dog
There is no official description of Chernobyl Dogs available in the PDA.
Personal Notes
The Chernobyl Dog basically has the same properties as a Pseudo Dog with two important additions. First off, the Chernobyl Dog is able to blur your vision for a short period of time, which for the most part is just a slight nuisance. Second, and far worse, the Chernobyl Dog has the ability to summon ghost-like "Pseudo Dogs" - these are characterized by having bright fur, and if you shoot them once they'll simply disappear; however, they are no mere apparitions - they are able to attack you like regular Pseudo Dogs. These things combined obviously makes the Chernobyl Dog a more fearsome opponent than a regular Pseudo Dog.
Locations
As far as I know you will only encounter Chernobyl Dogs in Red Forest.
Controller
A rare mutant seen near to the center of the Zone. Bears a superficial resemblance of a humanoid with a disproportionately big head. Possesses a good perception, and an ability to control the behavious of less developed creatures. Mature specimen are capable of taking control over human's head. This is a ferocious enemy, and even the most experienced stalkers are afraid of meeting it.
Personal Notes
The Controller is a pretty rare opponent in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl as you're only likely to come upon it a couple of times - which is kind of sad in my opinion because I really like them. They have quite a different way of attacking you than other mutants and the effects you experience while (and after) being attacked are pretty cool. You can see the different attacks and effects in the videos on the right side.
Locations
You can find a controller in the Agroprom Underground, the first time you are there. Also, one can be found in the Bloodsucker village in Army Warehouses (in the later stages of the game), and finally you'll meet one in X16. There may be a few other places as well that I am not currently aware of.
Crow
The only bird species to have survived in the Zone, enduring increased radiation levels and effectively avoiding anomalies. While the army pilots need to rely on complex detectors to avoid gravitational disturbances, the crow seems to rely on its own senses for that - a mystery that drives ornithologists and biologists mad. Various theories attempting to explain the phenomenon exist, all of them pointing to a highly specialized development of the bird's brain.
Personal Notes
While crows can often be seen in outside areas they don't pose any kind of threat. Even though you could see crows getting shot in certain videos released by GSC, I don't think it's possible in the final game; I would love being able to shoot down a Crow and use it for food.
Flesh
Like most other living creatures in the Zone, the domestic pig also underwent serious biological changes since the day of the catastrophe. It seems the genes responsible for metabolism were especially affected in this case. Mutant pigs, known simply as Flesh among the stalkers, are one of the most vivid examples of the Zone's disastrous perversion of nature. Mutant pigs developed a protective layer of scales and exoskeletal plates. Their regeneration potential increased several times, as did the complexity of their nervous system. Just like a normal pig, a Flesh is an omnivore and may attack a stalker if hungry.
Locations
Another common mutated animal that seems to be dominant in Agroprom Research Institute and Army Warehouses.
Poltergeist
Supernatural in the eyes of some, invisible creatures haunting the deeper reaches of the Zone, usually haunting old, abandoned buildings. Nothing is known about their origin, although rumors in circulation claim they are spirits of stalkers hit by a massive wave of radiation. Their mysterious appearances and disappearances seem to correspond to the poltergeist legend, hence the same name. Known encounters with poltergeists are quire diverse in fact: from mischievous laughter and blood-chilling howling, to deadly fireballs appearing out of nowhere. Unfortunately, all information about the poltergeist phenomenon originates from unclear and contradictory stories of questionable validity.
Personal Notes
The first time I saw a Poltergeist I really didn't know what it was - because, while alive, they resemble a cloud of lightning (or something along those lines), and it's not completely apparent that you can in fact kill it - you can, however, and if you do you'll see the Poltergeist in it's bodily form. Poltergeists seem to have two primary attacks: the first is using telekinesis to lift and throw various objects at you (such as buckets, crates, and anything else that isn't tied down) - it can be quite annoying especially since the Poltergeist apparently doesn't have to be able to see you to use this attack; the second attack looks similar to the Burner anomaly that the Poltergeist can aim at you.
Locations
Poltergeists can be found inside X18 and also in certain outside areas (both only later in the game - the Wild Territory won't have a Poltergeist in it the first time you are there - if you come back later, though, you may stumble upon one). I've also once come upon one in Dark Valley.
Pseudo Dog
Pseudodogs are a relatively common type of mutant. Despite the name, they are actually descended from wolves and have longer, more ragged fur than the common Blind dog.
Personal Notes
The Pseudo Dog is alot more dangerous than the average Blind Dog on its own since the Pseudo Dog is stronger, more vicious and aggressive, and does more damage with its attacks.
Locations
Pseudo Dogs can be found in outside areas. They are not as common as Blind Dogs nor do they appear in as large packs. At the beginning of the game you can find one Pseudo Dog in Cordon (inside the tunnel at the end of the road going through the car park); in later stages Pseudo Dogs may appear in other parts of Cordon as well. You can also find Pseudo Dogs in Garbage, the Bar, and a few other areas.
Pseudogiant
The pseudogiant resembles a massive, drop-shaped abdomen with a pair of disproportionately large limbs. The limbs are arms and legs at the same time. The creature uses them to move around and grab its victim. An adult pseudogiant can weigh up to two tons and stand 2 meters tall. Their clumsy appearance might be deceiving, since they can move very rapidly if needed. Their muscles are exceptionally powerful and their bones are as hard as steel. The creature's brain is protected by a sturdy (up to 10 centimeters thick) skull, while many complex functions are controlled by the spinal medualla. Another astonoshing feature of the beast is its ability to create local shock waves, which damage all living things in the vicinity.
Locations
Psudogiants are rare mutants and you'll only encounter a couple of them; you'll meet the first one in X18 and another one in the tunnels below X16. I have also recently met one in Dark Valley, after getting the 1.0004 patch, but that is the first and only time I've ever seen one outside X18 and the tunnels below X16.
Rodent
I reckon these little mutants are the closest thing you'll get to seeing a rat in the game (if you don't count the one at the mobile lab in Yantar).
Personal Notes
After having played through S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl I've only recently met this mutant for the first time and considering that I'd say they are extremely rare.
After the release of the 1.0004 patch, Rodents appear to be alot more common now - I've encountered them numerous times especially in Dark Valley and Wild Territory.
Locations
I've only met these mutants in Dark Valley after being to X16 and coming back here to finish off an optional mission given by General Voronin (the mutants were not part of the mission - I merely encountered them near the building with the entrance to X18 in it). I have just recently also come across one or two rodents in Army Warehouses near the border area, and in the Red Forest as well.
Snork
It seems these creatures were human at some point, though it is difficult to imagine what conditions could turn a human being into such a disgusting beast. Snorks are insane creatures leading a beast's life and differing little from other carnivorous monsters in the Zone. They move on all fours in long jumps, constantly sniffing the ground in hope of picking up the scent of prey. They hunt carefully, in a calculated manner, frequently setting up ambushes. Thanks to its uncanny reflexes and powerful muscles, the snork can approach the victim, pin it down in one long, accurate jump, and tear it to shreds in a matter of seconds. Strips of army uniforms and other clothing are occasionally found on their bodies. It stands to reason that they are all that's left of missing military stalkers.
Personal Notes
This is one of the creepier mutants, and one of my favorite ones as well, mainly because it resembles a mutated human being wearing a gas mask. I love that.
Locations
Snorks are fairly common in some of the later stages of the game in the area of Yantar and inside X16 for example; I have also observed Snorks in the Wild Territory but only having been there a few times (ie. they don't seem to appear the first time you are there). Finally, a few Snorks can also be found in Pripyat.
This was compiled by Sevis, I just put it here to look like we actually know what we're talking about...