Ukrainian authorities have urged fans of a popular video game set in the Chernobyl exclusion zone to refrain from visiting the contaminated site. "S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl," released on November 20, 2024, is developed by a Ukrainian studio and takes place in the area devastated by the nuclear disaster of April 26, 1986.
In the game, players explore a post-apocalyptic territory surrounding the nuclear plant, filled with mutants and humanoid monsters. Ukrainian border guards reported that a significant number of adventurers attempting to illegally enter the restricted zone for thrills are video game enthusiasts, with nearly 120 foreigners arrested in 2021 for illegal entry into the area before the Russian invasion.
While the number of illegal entries "has decreased" since the Russian invasion in February 2022, individuals still attempt to visit, primarily Ukrainians seeking to walk in prohibited areas. The Chernobyl exclusion zone remains one of the most radioactively contaminated places in the world, and access has been completely restricted to tourists for nearly three years.
