Exploring the surrounding area | Hints S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: CS Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

I've already mentioned that the Zone is divided into several smaller sectors. Each sector works independently from other areas of the map, however you're allowed to travel between the sectors whenever you want to. Check my walkthrough for detailed maps of each location.

The easiest way to travel between the zones is to use passageways. These areas can be found on the outskirts of each sector. You should know that in some cases you won't be allowed to use a passageway, due to quest restrictions or powerful enemy units defending such an area. A new feature in "Clear Sky" is the presence of guides. Usually you can find several guides on each map. By talking to them you can ask them to guide to a place of your choice. Obviously the main advantage of using their skills is to shorten the amount of time needed to get your destination. Sadly, there are far more disadvantages. Guides can't take you anywhere you want to and they won't help you for free. Travelling to another part of the same sector is cheap, however if you want to go somewhere else, you'll have to pay a lot more and it's just not worth it. You won't have a lot of money during the game and you're going to want to spend what you've earned on something more useful, like upgrades for your guns and armor. You should also remember that by travelling alone you can always focus on exploring the area or you can use a detector to find precious artifacts.

If you decide to follow the main plot, you probably won't return to some of the previously explored zones. To be honest, the only two exceptions are Garbage and Red Forest districts. It may seem like a good idea, however don't forget that can often score rewards for completing subquests and it would be unwise to ignore collecting them. Sure, it means that you have to go back to Cordon or Swamps, but the rewards are worth your time and they may help you in your main quest.

I wouldn't recommend spending your money on guides, especially since by going alone you can focus on exploring area and maybe even complete a few additional miniquests.