Navigate the dangerous Radar area and Laboratory X-19 in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl Enhanced Edition. Find key locations and understand the threats.
Alright, let's talk about the Radar area and Laboratory X-19. This place used to be called Red Forest back in the original Shadow of Chornobyl, but then Clear Sky came along and made their own Red Forest, so this region got renamed. Think of it as the eastern half of the whole forest now. The big change from the original game is that the Monolith soldiers aren't placed in such predictable spots anymore, and there are fewer of them – only about ten in the eastern half, with most hanging out on the main road. This actually makes it a bit less of a death trap, and once you clear out the main Monolith presence, it can feel more like a sandbox, especially if you're aiming for that Duga Free achievement.
However, don't get too comfortable. There are no traders here, only one bed, hardly any emission shelters, and tons of radiation. Plus, there's that one pesky anomaly and the Monolith forces that endlessly respawn around the Bunker in the north-west. Honestly, you'll want to avoid this place unless you absolutely have to be here.
Dominant Faction(s): Monolith
MAJOR LOCATIONS
First Outpost (east end of main road)
This is likely where you'll first run into the Monolith guards if you decide to stick to the road. The main thing to note here is a tilting cabin that you can use as an emission shelter.
Bunker (north-west)
This is the main installation controlled by the Monolith. You'll need to go through it to get to the Laboratory X-19 hidden underneath. Even with the soldiers you see, this isn't their main headquarters.
Laboratory X-19
This lab is a key part of the Living Legend quest. If you're not on that quest, you can usually skip it. Getting inside requires Sakharov's psy-helmet. If you need to get here for the Disable The Brain-Scorcher objective, you'll find it by following the train tracks at the station and then hopping into the train car to reach the tunnel behind it.
ANOMALIES
Pain Pool
This anomaly, a cluster of electrical hazards, is located behind the north wall of the Bunker, way up in the north-west corner. It's not really worth seeking out unless you happen to be passing by.
EXITS
Pripyat (north)
Army Warehouses (south-east)
Red Forest (north-east)
Laboratory X-19 (north-east, under Bunker)
Previous Area: Army Warehouses
Next Area: PART 6 (LONER) - LIVING LEGEND: THE ENCLAVE, MEET ROGUE, EXPERIMENTAL WEAPON
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