Who is Strelok in Stalker 2?

Though the main protagonist of Stalker 2 is called Skif, the original intent by the developers was to have it be the legendary Strelok instead. Veteran players of the franchise will remember him fondly as the protagonist of the very first Stalker game, Shadow of Chernobyl. He also features across the events of the two other games in the series, namely Clear Sky and Call of Pripyat. His name in Russian translates to "Shooter", and he is voiced by David Bowles in the game.

In Stalker 2 Heart of Chernobyl, however, his appearance is limited to being a part of the story, and he can't be controlled in any capacity across the game. Below is an account of his involvement in the previous games of the franchise, all culminating in his appearance in the series' latest entry.

Note: This article may contain spoilers.

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Strelok in Stalker 2

In the first Stalker game, Shadow of Chernobyl, Strelok was introduced as the protagonist. Having survived the crash of a Death truck, the events of the game take Strelok inside the Zone, where he encounters some skilled individuals including scavengers, scientists, and more. Aided by other Stalkers on the journey, he eventually faces off against the Monolith and its forces, which pave the way for future entries.

In Clear Sky, Strelok becomes the main antagonist, and the events of the game take place from the perspective of the main protagonist, Scar (who also appears in Heart of Chornobyl). Lastly, in Call of Pripyat, Strelok's appearance is limited to aiding the military when Pripyat is being evacuated. At the end of the game, he can become an "advisor" to some Zone researchers or can be killed.

Strelok is the main protagonist of the very first Stalker game, and makes appearances in the other two games prior to his appearance in Heart of Chernobyl (Image via GSC Game World/Steam)

In Heart of Chernobyl, once again, he is not a playable character, though his interaction with Skif in the Legends of the Dark mission brings the two face-to-face. During the mission, Skif can hold conversations with Strelok on multiple occasions.

Across some missions in the game, you will be able to select dialogue options to have Skif side with Strelok. Among these dialogue choices, the first will occur in the Subtle Matter mission, which takes place immediately after Legends of the Dark. Here is a guide to all the endings in the game.

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