Darkscape

Navigate the Darkscape's wild west! Discover the Sawmill base, find traders, technicians, and learn about mutant threats and weather dangers.

Alright, so you've stumbled into the Darkscape. Think of it as the Zone's wild west – a huge, empty woodland area that feels a bit like the original game's cut content. It's mostly open space, so the main dangers aren't necessarily ambushes from hidden enemies, but rather getting caught out in the open when a mutant pack or a nasty anomaly decides to show up, or worse, the weather turns. Keep an eye out, especially at night, because Controllers can show up and they're seriously creepy.

Your trusty shotgun will be a lifesaver against any mutants you run into, but for dealing with threats from a distance – and there's a lot of open ground for that – you'll want a good rifle. Binoculars are also your best friend here; they let you spot trouble from afar while you're safely perched on a rock. Since you'll likely be far from any proper beds, a sleeping bag is a must-have to get some rest.

The Darkscape isn't a total bust, though. There's a small Free Stalker base set up in the Sawmill, right in the middle of the woods. It's your main hub for supplies and safety.

Dominant Faction(s): Free Stalkers, UNISG

Major Locations

Sawmill (east end of the woods)

This is your go-to spot in the Darkscape. It's got a permanent trader and technician, and it's a safe haven during emissions. You can even find a bed here, but weirdly, no stash box. So, if you need to store loot, you'll have to drop your own backpack on the ground. It's also a good place to pick up companions if you're finding the Darkscape too much to handle on your own.

If you're playing as UNISG, the Sawmill acts as your temporary 'HQ'. This doesn't change anything if you're following the Loner storylines, though. The UNISG eventually move on to Jupiter, and the Sawmill just becomes a regular spot again.

Major Characters

Cutter (Free Stalkers, Sawmill)

Cutter's your local trader. He's not quite as good as Sidorovich back in Cordon, but he's got a decent selection. He'll happily buy any artifacts you find and stocks weapons, armor, and other useful gear. It's a shame Sidorovich is in the next sector, otherwise Cutter would be a much more appealing stop.

Polymer (Free Stalkers, Sawmill)

He's the local technician. If your gear needs a tune-up, he's your guy.

Hernandez (Sawmill)

This UNISG major only shows up if you're playing as UNISG. He's your faction leader in the Sawmill.

Anomalies

Bald Mountain

Don't let the name fool you; it's not as dramatic as the music. It's just a hill covered in springboards, located south of the Sawmill. You'll have to climb up to get there.

Drumstick

More springboards, this time found south of the road in the south-western part of the map. Look for a yellow truck to get your bearings.

Rock Trap

Just north of a bridge over a swampy ditch, near the north road. This area has a pretty harmless scattering of springboards. There's a tunnel under the bridge that's perfect for hiding out during an emission.

Shining Road

Head east and climb the hill towards the collapsed railway bridge. You'll find a bunch of 'electros' (electrical anomalies) hanging out under the train carriages.

Exits

You can head north to Dark Valley or south-west to Cordon.