A video has surfaced online that blends the virtual Zone with the real one. Soldiers from Ukraine’s 112th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 right in the midst of locations that have long been associated with the legendary series from GSC Game World.
In the video, you can see familiar landscapes of Pripyat and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone —abandoned buildings, overgrown streets, and landmarks that have become recognizable to players around the world. Among them are iconic locations that have been given new life in the virtual world thanks to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.
For fans of the game, it’s the atmosphere of their beloved universe, where they must explore dangerous territory, avoid anomalies, and fight for survival. For Ukrainian soldiers, however, this same Zone has a completely different meaning — it is where they carry out their duties and defend their country.
The video is built around this very contrast: between the world created by the developers and the reality that Ukrainian defenders are facing today.
More Than Just a Game
Maksym Krippa, owner of GSC Game World, noted that for many people around the world, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was their first introduction to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and Ukraine. At the same time, he emphasized that it is thanks to the Ukrainian military that the creative industry continues to operate, develop new projects, and represent the country on the international stage.
“We’re waiting for everyone at home to ‘play this game’ exclusively online,” said Maxim Krippa, CEO of ARS Capital, which owns GSC Game World—the developer of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.”
While carrying out missions in the Chernobyl zone, soldiers are supported by essential equipment, including vehicles donated by the MK Foundation. Reliable transportation remains a crucial component of the military’s operations in challenging conditions.
Today, the Chernobyl zone is not only a historic site but also one of the most recognizable symbols of Ukrainian culture in the world. The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series played a significant role in this, introducing millions of people to the unique atmosphere of this region. And now reality itself serves as a reminder: behind the locations familiar from the game lies not just a world created by developers, but the true history of a place where Ukrainian military personnel are carrying out their missions today.