Cordon

Explore the Cordon, the starting region in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl - Enhanced Edition, featuring Sidorovich, two traders, and Xenotech.

MAJOR LOCATIONS

Rookie Village (south-west)

The Rookie Village is the headquarters for the Free Stalkers and is one of the safest locations in the south of the Cordon. It hosts a major trader and can be used for shelter from emissions (sudden environmental hazards). Technical or medical assistance is not available here until after completing the Mortal Sin quest.

Farm (north-west of the Bridge, west of the road)

This is the second most important location in the Cordon and another safe haven for Free Stalkers against emissions, mutants, and other threats. Accessing the Farm requires passing through the Tunnel or the Bridge. Free Stalkers are often encamped here, alongside Xenotech, the technician, and Loris, a valuable trader. There are two stash boxes (containers for items) and a bed for resting.

Warning: The Farm can be periodically taken over by Bandits; you may need to clear them out to make it safe again.

Bridge (centre)

This structure spans the middle of the Cordon and is one of only two ways to cross between the north and south halves. The Bridge can sometimes be occupied by hostile Military personnel, with one likely positioned to snipe effectively. An inert space anomaly (a dangerous area of distorted physics) is present in the sky above the Bridge. One stash box is located under the bridge, near the wall.

Military Checkpoint (an auto-save point you restart from on death) (north, at the end of the road)

This building is situated behind a wall and marks the transition point to and from the Garbage region. It can be a dangerous area, as any hostile faction might be present.

Southern Checkpoint

This is a minor Military barracks with a small contingent of lightly armed soldiers. You may find tools here.

MAJOR CHARACTERS

Sidorovich (neutral, bunker, Rookie Village)

Sidorovich is the main trader and smuggler in the Zone, offering a wide array of equipment. As a Loner (a player faction), he is considered your faction leader, despite being neutral. You will frequently return to him to report mission progress and accept new missions.

Fanatic (Free Stalkers, Rookie Village)

Fanatic is the deputy leader of the Rookie Village, serving under Wolf. He acts as an early companion and guide for the Training Day missions.

Wolf (Free Stalkers, Rookie Village)

Wolf is the leader of the Free Stalkers in the Rookie Village. He offers optional early mini-quests.

Hip (Free Stalkers, Rookie Village)

Hip is a female Stalker found in the Rookie Village. You can undertake a quest to provide her with a scoped TOZ "Bizon" shotgun and 20x 12x70 rounds, which can be purchased in the Garbage. After this, you must give her a can of tuna (bought from Sidorovich), after which she will become a permanent companion. She also has a mini-quest involving finding artefacts for Sidorovich.

Loris (neutral, Farm)

Loris is another neutral trader, often stocking items that Sidorovich cannot provide.

Xenotech (Free Stalkers, Farm)

Xenotech is the technician for the Free Stalkers in the southern part of the Cordon.

Vodnik (Sin, Rookie Village)

Vodnik, a Sin missionary, appears only after the Living Legend quest-line is completed. He is key to opening the Sin door.

Psoglav (Sin, Rookie Village)

If you spare Psoglav's life in Limansk, he will later appear in the Rookie Village and offer his services as a technician, or can accompany you as a companion.

ANOMALIES

Rock Crusher

Located at the extreme east end of the train tracks, south of them. This anomaly is dangerous due to vortexes and radiation but is typically not guarded by mutants.

Rookie Eater

A relatively safe springboard anomaly situated halfway up the north section of the Cordon, east of the main road.

Trash Compactor

Found north-west of the Rookie Village, very close to the edge of the map. This anomaly is important for the optional Training Day quests and contains four stash boxes.

Tunnel With Electro Anomalies

This tunnel connects the north and south halves of the Cordon, offering an alternative to crossing the dangerous Bridge. It contains electro anomalies (electrical hazards).