Since November 27th, you can play Stalker Online for free on Steam. However, the Free2Play game has changed its genre – and its name. It is now called Stay Out and is an MMORPG.
What is Stay Out? In September, we reported on Stalker Online, a survival MMO bringing the cult game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to Steam. It has been playable in Early Access on Steam for several days now – under the name Stay Out on Steam for PC. It is available in English and Russian.
When we introduced it a few months ago, the game sounded like a survival MMO with RPG elements. However, that has changed.
The developers now officially describe Stay Out as a “MMORPG with shooter elements”.
Stalker Online is now Stay Out
Is this the same game? So far, the developers have not linked the names “Stalker Online” and “Stay Out”. However, the studio behind both games is Studio Mobile Technologies.
That an indie studio releases two games in such a short time – with the same setting – seems unlikely. Moreover, the images of Stay Out look very similar to those of Stalker Online back then.
Stalker Online had some issues and even temporarily disappeared from Steam before Stay Out appeared there. There may have been problems with the name.
After all, the connection to the large S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise was quite close. The website of Stalker Online still exists. Here, a client can even be downloaded.
More MMORPG, less Survival?
This is what Stay Out is about: The focus of the game is on “stalking”. This is what the developers refer to as
- Exploration of (sub)urban areas
- Discovering mysterious, abandoned, and forgotten places
- Searching for items
The world of Stay Out is supposed to be full of dangers and “incredible events”. The story takes place in the “Alienation Zone”. Similar to its spiritual predecessor S.T.A.L.K.E.R., this is likely referring to the death zone around Chernobyl.
On Steam, the developers do not mention any specific features. However, Stalker Online stated that trading between players, reputation systems, factions, and base building should be possible. Characters can develop, learn skills and specializations, and equip items. You can play solo or in a team.
What do players say about Stay Out? The first reviews on Steam are “mixed” with 46% positive reviews (as of December 1). Many players are particularly bothered by the numerous bugs and even virus alarms. The entry is also quite difficult.
On the other hand, it is praised that Stay Out has a lot of potential, looks graphically very good, and that it can be tested for free.
