Stalzone - The Game Formerly Known as STALCRAFT: X

If your favorite Chernobyl extraction shooter suddenly changed its name, nothing is wrong - STALCRAFT: X officially became Stalzone in June 2026. Same game, same accounts, new identity.

Free to play on Steam Renamed June 2026 PvPvE extraction MMO
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Quick answer: Stalzone is EXBO's free-to-play PvPvE extraction MMO - the game previously called STALCRAFT: X. The rename settled a trademark fight with StarCraft (one letter apart). Your progress, account and clan carried over; the promo code STALZONE still redeems a reward in game.

Why the name changed

Trademark wall

Russia's patent office rejected the STALCRAFT trademark for being one letter from StarCraft. EXBO fought it in court from 2022 to April 2026 and lost every round - similar problems followed in Europe and the US.

Wrong expectations

The "CRAFT" part kept telling new players the wrong story. The game long outgrew its Minecraft-mod roots into an extraction shooter with MMO systems set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

A reset, not a relaunch

The rebrand came with a development reorganization - onboarding, core gameplay, seasons and endgame now move in parallel, with a new lighting system on the way.

What the rebrand brought

Reworked early game

New starting areas and missions, better tutorial flow and a PvP rebalance aimed at new-player survival.

A livelier Zone

Dynamic weather, more reactive NPC behavior, chat bubbles over players, and updated anomaly visuals with a built-in detector.

English voice acting

Full English VO arrived with the rebrand updates, alongside seasonal content.

Summer storyline

US and South Korean military forces entered the Zone - a new storyline, field missions (intel, supply runs) and the AAC Honey Badger as the season reward.

How to start playing

  1. Get it on Steam - Stalzone is free to play (EXBO, released Dec 9, 2022 under the old name).
  2. Redeem the promo code STALZONE in game for a free reward celebrating the rename.
  3. Claim the free legacy DLC - cosmetics inspired by the STALCRAFT: X name are free for everyone.
  4. Pick a faction and run raids - scavenge, fight players and AI, extract or lose it all.

FAQ

Is Stalzone the same as STALCRAFT?

Yes - Stalzone is STALCRAFT: X renamed. Same developer (EXBO), same servers, same accounts and progress.

Is Stalzone free?

Yes, free to play on Steam.

Why can't I find STALCRAFT on Steam anymore?

It's listed under Stalzone now - search the new name.

Is Stalzone like Escape from Tarkov?

Same extraction-shooter DNA - enter a zone, loot, fight, extract or lose your kit - but with MMO structure, factions and the Chernobyl setting.