In the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, the Soviet Union decides to use the Exclusion Zone, often referred to in-game as "The Zone", for special research into the human mind. Results include enhanced ESP, psychic weapons, and the eventual formation of a hive mind known as the C-Consciousness.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the self-aware C-Consciousness takes control of the Zone and autonomously continues its research. It attempts several times to bring about world peace using global mind control. However, these attempts result in the unintentional twisting of the physical terrain around Chernobyl as well as the mutation of resident life forms.
In an attempt to hide its existence from the outside world, the C-Consciousness erects a Monolith in the center of the Zone which it uses to brainwash any Stalkers lucky enough to reach it into serving the C-Consciousness. In a further attempt to insulate itself, it constructs a device, known as the "Brain Scorcher", that effectively destroys the mind of anyone who gets too close. As reports of valuable "artifacts" disseminate from explorers who venture into the zone, whispered rumors of a Wish Granter housed in the Sarcophagus of the Chernobyl NPP begin to spread.
A group of four Stalkers, named Strelok, Ghost, Fang, and Doc, travel to the center of the Zone in an effort to reach the Wish Granter. After encountering the fanatical Monolith faction, they are forced to retreat. Strelok is knocked unconscious during a "blowout" and loses his memory. The others are able to escape the Zone, though on the way back they get in a trap and Fang is killed by a sniper; some time later Ghost is killed during the mission by a Controller in the vaults of a secret X16 Laboratory under the factory near Yantar.
The unconscious Strelok is discovered by the C-Consciousness, who, unaware of his identity, mistakenly assigns him the task of killing the Stalker known as Strelok and his allies. On the way out of the Zone, the truck carrying the still unconscious Strelok is destroyed, and he is discovered by another passing Stalker.
Later in the game, Strelok is reunited with Doc who helps him piece together his past, prompting Strelok to return to the Zone and the Monolith. When Strelok eventually confronts the C-Consciousness, he is faced with a choice of merging with it and attempting to repair the Zone and bring about world peace, or trying to stop the C-Consciousness from continuing its experiments. If the player chooses not to join the C-Consciousness, he is forced to battle heavily armed members of the Monolith faction. When they are defeated, he destroys the equipment that sustains the C-Consciousness. Strelok is then seen standing in a grassy field, the Zone seemingly gone.
Alternative endings
If the player decides not to piece together his past, he will receive one of five alternate endings. Actions taken by the player during the game decide what ending the player will receive. The Wish Granter endings are universally negative.
If the player kills both the Duty and Freedom leaders, Strelok wishes to rule the world. The Monolith then absorbs Strelok, leaving only his clothes in a pile on the floor.
If the player collects enough money, Strelok wishes to be rich. The Monolith generates an illusion of gold coins falling from the sky; in actuality, the roof collapses on Strelok's head, crushing him to death.
If the player has a terrible reputation, Strelok states that "Humanity is corrupt, mankind must be controlled." Strelok then has a vision of the end of the world, and awakens alone in a dark void. In the original Russian version, he wishes for humanity to be destroyed.
If the player has an excellent reputation, Strelok says "I want the Zone to disappear." He soon witnesses a clean Chernobyl. However, the player notices that Strelok's pupils have vanished. As he is blind, the Zone has disappeared, but only for him.
If the player meets none of the other requirements, Strelok wishes to become immortal, he is seen transforming into a metal statue after this.
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