Developer's Diary, Day... I've lost count. Factions.
We have completed work on some of the game's factions that I'd like to showcase. The factions differ not only visually but also in their behavior during combat, as well as in their protection and equipment. For example, a headshot can often lead to instant death of an enemy, but if they are wearing a helmet, it becomes much harder as the damage area is reduced and the damage only affects the parts not covered by the helmet. If the fighters are wearing a bulletproof vest, it also absorbs some of the damage. The factions are also armed with a variety of weapons, from firearms to sniper rifles.
First faction: "Doomsday" - Fighters of the "Doomsday" faction are one of the strongest and most mysterious groups in the Zone. Many stalkers say that these fighters seem to have been created by the Zone itself. They possess excellent equipment and are nearly invulnerable to headshots thanks to tactical masks that not only protect their heads but also provide excellent vision both day and night. Typically armed with M16s or a unique, custom-designed Uzi and often equipped with sniper rifles. They consider all other factions in the Zone their enemies.
Faction "Strike" - Fighters of the "Strike" faction, devoted communists, aim to destroy all dissenters in the Zone. They are equipped with standard bulletproof vests and sometimes helmets, and are armed with AK-47 and M16 rifles.
Bandits or marauders — representatives of the criminal world who have come to the Zone for various reasons: to make money from selling artifacts, to buy or sell weapons. There are many such elements in the Zone, ranging from petty thugs to serious fighters. They are mainly organized into gangs. They consider everyone, except for the fighters of the "Strike" faction, their enemies. They are typically armed with AK-47 and AK-74 rifles, but their equipment is often poor, making them easy targets in battles with more prepared opponents.
Free Stalkers — these stalkers belong to no particular faction and primarily operate either solo or in small groups with a changing lineup. They have their own small bases throughout the Zone, where an unwritten rule prevails: almost every visitor is considered a friend. They are usually armed with AK-47 rifles, but fighters with SMGs and assault rifles are also encountered. They have decent equipment and maintain good relations with the Scientists of the "Dawn" faction, the "Freedom" faction, and the AFU.
AFU Special Forces — elite units that have undergone specialized military training, guard important objects in the Zone. These squads were established when the military high command decided to conduct special operations and expeditions within the Zone. They are capable of engaging in combat with any faction depending on the objectives set, but they unofficially maintain connections with the "Dawn", "Freedom", and "Free Stalkers" factions.