Stalcraft’s Bandits are one of the two starting factions that you can choose from at the start of the game. Sadly, they lack the “a nuuu, cheeki breeki” call from the Stalker games, however, they more than make up for it with their other shenanigans.
On paper, the Bandits are the “bad guys” in Stalcraft. However, in practice, you’ll encounter more acts of solidarity among the Bandits than among the Stalkers. Funny how things play out?
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Key Takeaways for Stalcraft Bandit Faction Overview
- Bandits start at the Boathouse in the Swamps
- Photon-2 is your HQ in Cordon, and sadly, Bandits are on the back foot in this area
- Bandits share the Bar with Stalkers and the other sub-factions. Both Bandits and Stalkers are on equal footing in Rostok
- As a Bandit, you can choose between the Mercenary and the Covenant sub-factions
Table of Contents
Which Sub-Factions Can Bandits Join in Stalcraft?
Later on in the game, Bandits can either join the Mercenaries or the Covenant sub-factions. Full disclaimer here. Whichever sub-faction you choose to join, know that the other will consider you an enemy from thereon. So, what’s the difference between the two?
Well, the Mercenaries are generally considered to be one of the most heavily armed factions in the game. If you join them, you’ll eventually have access to an entire arsenal of weaponry. Their motto is “We’ll get the job done, by any means necessary”. And usually, the means in question are excessive acts of violence.
The Covenant on the other hand is the religious group of the zone. They’re a bunch of zealots armed with machine guns. Plus, they have some of the best armor in the game. If running around as a battle priest is something that sounds enticing to you, then join the Covenant.
Bandit Base/Safe-House Locations
The Swamps – Boathouse
Bandits spawn in the Boathouse, in the north-western part of The Swamps. The Swamps is the starting zone for both factions. It’s here where you’ll get a taste of what Stalcraft is really like.
Because of the relative proximity of the opposing faction’s HQ, skirmishes are a constant occurrence in the Swamps. This means that, in practice, there’s hardly a safe spot on the map; and that goes for the Stalkers as well.
The northern part of this area is the de-facto Bandit area where most of the Bandit patrols roam, however, invasions from Stalkers are a common occurrence, so get used to the constant gunfights.
Cordon – Photon-2
In Cordon, the Bandit’s base is located in the north-western part of the area, in a place called Photon-2. To the west of this zone, you have Agroprom, which is your first resource-gathering area. And to the north, you have The Dump, which is the contested resource-gathering area.
Truth be told, Bandits drew the short stick when it came to strategic placement in this area. The geography of Cordon practically puts the Bandits under siege.
Roving bands of Stalkers are a constant sight around Cordon, with only a few safe spots in the western and north-western parts of the map. Only the bravest of Bandits will dare to venture into the southern parts of Cordon.
Rostock Factory – The Bar
Rostok is divided into two parts, the western, Bandit part; and the easter, Stalker part. Unlike the previous zones, however, Rostok only has one base – The Bar.
The Bar is the biggest trading hub in the Zone, as such, no business can be conducted on the Bar’s grounds. John Wick references aside. The Bar is the place where you’ll probably spend most of the game, as it has the most quests and activities.
To the west, you have The Pit, which is your resource-gathering zone in this area. The factory itself is the contested resource-gathering area. So, lock and load!
The Fools’ Path – Mercenary Base/ Covenant Base
The Fool’s Path is actually divided into two parts, the above-ground part, and the underground part. The above-ground part is where the Mercenary faction’s HQ is located at. Below the surface, however, lies a secret, as that’s where the Covenant’s HQ is.
Dead City is the resource-gathering zone for this area. While the late-game areas Limanks, Yanov, the Red Forest, and Blackwater are your contested resource-gathering zones. Don’t go into these zones unless you’re prepared to die… a lot.
