Jan 03, 2017 12:04 PM EST By Noi Ramirez, UniversityHerald Reporter

"S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Chernobyl" has been named Mod of the Year 2016 by ModDB.com. The mod culls from 2010's "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat" by TeamEPIC.

After 20 days of public voting, "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Chernobyl" won Mod of the Year with more than 100K users who voted for it, according to Polygon. "Call of Chernobyl" is an immense sandbox mod that includes 32 maps, as well as a number of reworked levels. It also offers an entirely new arena that includes script and engine enhancements among others to the original.

Forbes reported that the mod also features customizable weather for every map, various game modes, character creation, new achievement, ranking, and reputation systems.

"S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Chernobyl" changes

Firing up the mod, the first thing to be noticed are the changes to the PDA screen. Many stats are now tracked that eats up most of the screen's real-estate is dedicated to listing down the top 100 in the leaderboard. Aside from this, it is now possible for gamers to select from a broad array of a faction-specific starting location.

It is also said that "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Chernobyl" has been given an optional story-mode feature that can be toggled during character creation. The underground labs are now reportedly populated with all sorts of creatures with mutants now only appearing only during specific times of the day, and depending on their behavior type.

However, "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Chernobyl" mutants are always present in underground labs as players go along with their tasks regardless the time of day. One cool feature is that the new game option allows players to populate the Zone. Players can now reduce or increase stalker or mutant spawns.

Artifacts are can now be exhausted or degrade in continuous use. Degradation diminishes the overall impact of both bonuses and negative effects. Some equipment can now be stored in the inventory menu.

Another addition to the game is the new base defense event. Chances of a swarm zombie attack randomly.

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