Z.O.N.A: Origin — A New VR Shooter Inspired by Chernobyl’s Legacy

The shadow of the Chernobyl disaster continues to loom large — not only in history but also in video games. While many players immediately think of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, it isn’t the only game to bring the Exclusion Zone to life. A new entry comes from Ukrainian studio AGaming+ with their VR shooter Z.O.N.A: Origin, which has just left Steam Early Access following its initial launch in August 2024.

A Personal Connection to the Zone

What makes this release even more striking is the background of the developers. The studio’s founders, brothers Ihor and Mykola Myhun, were born in towns that are now abandoned ghost cities within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This personal history adds a deeper layer of authenticity to their vision of a dangerous, mysterious world shaped by disaster.

Story and Setting

Z.O.N.A: Origin imagines a new catastrophe near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that initially makes the Zone appear safer. But by 2030, everything collapses once again. Scientists and mercenary stalkers are dispatched to study the emerging anomalies — yet none of them return. Players must now step into the Zone themselves, navigating a hostile environment to survive and uncover the truth behind the disaster.

Classic Stalker Atmosphere in VR

The game delivers everything fans of the genre expect: dangerous mutants, rival bandits, and powerful artifacts hidden among ruins. Combined with the immersive perspective of virtual reality, Z.O.N.A: Origin aims to recreate the gritty, unpredictable essence of life inside the Zone — a blend of survival, mystery, and exploration.