From each base, groups of AI-controlled Stalkers will set out on game-generated missions to capture noteworthy points on the map - areas with artifacts and anomalies that could well help the cause and scientific labs which will open up access to superior weapons and equipment - or simply to rebuff AI-driven counter-attacks. The war will move back and forth, with its climaxes coming thick and fast as you overrun (hopefully) the bases of your rivals in final pushes against the enemy. But don’t expect to be part of that force straight away. You’ll start labeled as a rookie, with familiar jobs like killing packs of dogs before climbing up the ladder to veteran and being asked to perform tasks more intrinsic to winning the war.

“We also want the player to see what their actions lead to,” adds Bolshakov. “So, for example, a control point leading to an artifact-rich area might be controlled by the Bandits faction, and eliminating them means that the way to the resources is safe. So you’ll see Stalkers of your grouping setting off towards the artifact spot. Another example is that the more artifact-bearing spots that are won for a certain faction, the more high-rank Stalkers it can recruit.”

You won’t be forced into joining up with a faction straight from the start - you can potter around as a lone wolf as you did before - but the primary path to the center of the Zone through the lost city of Limansk will only be accessible once one of the primary groups has been trashed. So your help would probably be appreciated.

With each faction planned to be subtly different from the others in terms of the tactics it employs, and tactical spots changing hands almost in the fashion of a slow-paced Battlefield, GSC has also used the opportunity to pack in some impressively built stand-off scenarios. Take the set-piece of the mangled bridge - with numerous points of cover along either side, a steep gully and the veritable sniping haven of its construction. Now imagine the sheer joy of a multi-character battle playing out over it - each side ducking, hiding, popping out for a quick headshot and attempting to win control. It’s trench warfare, but with only one trench. We’re definitely in for some fun.