Rostok

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl - Enhanced Edition Rostok is a central hub with traders, quest givers, and the Arena. Learn about its locations and characters.

Rostok is a crucial, central location in the Zone, serving as a home to multiple traders and quest givers. While the roads outside may present dangers from dogs and other mutants, the interior of Rostok is generally safe from threats, provided you maintain a good standing with Duty. The area is mostly free of hazards, aside from occasional burnt fuzz, unless you choose to participate in the Arena.

This location is ideal for establishing a base of operations where you can store items, manage healing, repairs, upgrades, and restocking, and take a respite from the Zone's challenges. Be mindful of quests that may negatively impact your standing with the Freedom faction, as this can lead to future conflicts. It is advisable to avoid quests that require you to enter Freedom territory to eliminate their members or rescue Duty soldiers.

Dominant Faction(s): Duty

MAJOR LOCATIONS

100 Rads Bar (south, immediately south of the Arena)

This renowned tavern hosts several quest-givers from various friendly factions. It is safe from emissions (sudden, dangerous environmental events), contains a single stash box (a hidden container for items), and is a good base with a fast-travel merchant next to a stash box.

Voronin's Basement (north-east, underground)

An underground entrance can be found north of Aspirin's Clinic, marked by banners above the door and east of a fenced enclosure with a fire and a stash box. Follow the corridors to reach Voronin.

Mangun's Workshop (due west of the Arena)

Mangun operates from his workshop, remaining seated unless paid to move. The room contains a bed and is safe from emissions.

Aspirin's Clinic (north-east)

A small room in the north-east corner of Rostok, identified by a Medic symbol.

Petrenko's Store (north-east)

Petrenko's store is a small booth located south of Aspirin's Clinic.

Arena (south, immediately north of the 100 Rads Bar)

The Arena features two fighting pits where you can earn money by defeating either humans (fights) or mutants (challenges).

Fights: This involves a series of eight increasingly difficult encounters. You are provided with a suit, basic supplies, a weapon, and some ammo for each fight. After defeating all opponents, you collect your reward. Some fights include companions who cannot be commanded, Bandit opponents led by an exosuit-wearing leader, a challenge to kill an exosuit monster with only grenades and a knife, and a final battle against five exosuited soldiers.

Warning: Always move left at the start of each fight and take cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects). Quickly open your inventory and equip your suit. Use your weapon from the stack of boxes to your right to gain a vantage point and snipe from cover. Watch both sides if multiple enemies are present and let them approach you. Use single shots to conserve ammo and aim for headshots. You can sometimes find additional ammo on fallen enemies. You can store drugs in a backpack stash in Arnie's room and use them before fights, particularly anti-bleeding drugs like Vinca.

Challenges: Arnie occasionally offers randomly generated mutant fights in a separate large room. Enter the first room and wait for the door to open, then quickly enter before it closes behind you. These challenges are easier as you can use your own gear, allowing you to be heavily armed. You can also bet on yourself. The door will reopen after all mutants are defeated.

MAJOR CHARACTERS

Barkeep (neutral, 100 Rads Bar)

The Barkeep is a trader who sells food and non-combat consumables. He does not buy other items, making him a limited trader. However, he is a contact for selling important documents for money.

Snitch (neutral, 100 Rads Bar)

Similar to Sidorovich in the Cordon, Snitch can be paid to temporarily reduce hostility from various factions. He also provides free information about surrounding territories.

Navigator (Free Stalkers, 100 Rads Bar)

Located in a corner of the bar, the Navigator offers fast-travel services to Garbage, Cordon, Army Warehouses, Yantar, Jupiter, or the Great Swamps. Prices vary based on distance and danger, in increasing order: Garbage (Checkpoint (an auto-save point you restart from on death) by Rostok), Army Warehouses (exit to Rostok), Cordon (road north-east of the Rookie Village), Yantar (exit to the Wild Territory), Great Swamps (extreme north-east corner), Jupiter (Yanov). The Navigator is the only NPC (non-player character — anyone the game controls, not you) who can transport you to the Great Swamps.

General Voronin (Duty, Voronin's Basement)

General Voronin is located underground in his basement.