The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 was a defining event in the history of nuclear power development, and the infamous Exclusion Zone is familiar to people all around the world. Some studies have indicated that the area won't be habitable for thousands of years, and the public's natural curiosity about the site has proved to be the inspiration for games such as Escape From Chernobyl and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl as well as the recent HBO mini-series Chernobyl. This summer, a new game inspired by the famous nuclear site will be released called Chernobylite.

Developer The Farm 51 initiated a Kickstarter campaign for Chernobylite back in 2019 and reached its goal that same year. Soon after that, the sci-fi survival horror experience was released in early access on Steam and the digital distribution website GOG. One of Chernobylite's biggest draws is its game map, which is a 3D-scanned recreation of the actual Exclusion Zone near Pripyat, Ukraine. Today, an official announcement trailer for the game's July release dropped that aims to introduce the game to new players who haven't already enjoyed early access.

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Gameplay in Chernobylite centers around free exploration of the mysterious Exclusion Zone and a non-linear story that unfolds as players learn more about the area. Interested gamers can expect a robust crafting system in the survival horror game as they prepare to face supernatural threats and even hostile military members in the Exclusion Zone. Players control a physicist named Igor who once worked at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant and lost his loved one in the disaster. 30 years after the event, Igor returns to the Exclusion Zone to search for her.

But the key to survival in Chernobylite isn't all about going solo. Although the game is a single-player only survival experience like The Long Dark, there are several allies to be encountered in the Exclusion Zone that can make exploration easier. One of these allies is Olivier Hnatyshyn, a former Canadian military member whose team was wiped out in a botched operation. Players can get tools and supplies from allies to assist them while trying to stay alive and find Igor's lost love.

Chernobylite also includes a mix of RPG elements for differing playstyles, and while the game doesn't always require a lot of stealth, the option is there for those who prefer sneaking around. Another interesting aspect of gameplay is that Igor can use a special device to change previous choices. But playing with alternate realities is bound to draw attention, and players will have to be prepared for what horrors might appear if they choose to mess with time. Ultimately, Chernobylite is a game focused heavily on player choices and the consequences those choices have on the survival of everyone in the Exclusion Zone.

Chernobylite will release in July 2021 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S coming soon.

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