Source: Smilegate

Smilegate announced on Friday the 27th that its global game platform, STOVE, has officially launched 'STALZONE,' a new extraction shooter MMO set in the anomalous, twisted Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

'STALZONE' is set in a Chernobyl region fractured by factional conflict, blending elements of extraction shooters with MMOs. Unlike typical extraction shooters, long-term progression elements—such as characters, reputation, equipment, and faction relations—are retained after a session ends rather than being reset. Only the loot acquired in the field is at risk until a successful extraction, a design intended to maintain a balanced level of tension without the frustration of losing everything.

'Stalzone' is set in a persistent open world shaped by both NPCs and players, where stories unfold amidst territorial conflicts between factions. With over 50 hours of cinematic story campaigns, players can naturally learn the game's systems and genre mechanics as they follow the narrative. Thanks to these campaigns, even newcomers unfamiliar with the extraction genre can ease into the game step-by-step without feeling overwhelmed.

In terms of combat, the game supports over 200 realistic weapon customization options and emphasizes gunfights where skill matters more than gear. Players can form squads of up to five for cooperative play and utilize a proximity voice chatting system, which allows them to hear others before seeing them, enabling various interactions such as negotiations or standoffs. Furthermore, the game ensures a fair playing environment through global matchmaking that pairs players of similar combat power, as well as an anti-cheat system operated by the dedicated EXENS team using a proprietary engine.

To celebrate the official launch of 'STALZONE,' STOVE is offering various promotions, including a first-come, first-served distribution of 100 discount coupons for 10% off the purchase price, as well as first-purchase benefits, new user coupons, and a review giveaway event. Further details regarding these events can be found on the STOVE event page.