Flesh

Flesh
General Characteristics
Type	Mutated pig
Statistics
Health	Low
Attacks	Head
Abilities	Charge
Body parts	Flesh eye
Locations	Widely spread nearly everywhere in the Zone

Okay, flesh are the most harmless of mutants. They try to stay away from stalkers, but they'll fight back if you attack 'em.
― Gonta's description

The Flesh is a horribly mutated pig appearing in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky and S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat.

Overview

Like most other living creatures in the Zone, the domestic pig also underwent serious biological changes since the day of the catastrophe. It seems the genes responsible for metabolism were especially affected in this case. Mutant pigs, known simply as Flesh among the stalkers, are one of the most vivid examples of the Zone's disastrous perversion of nature. Mutant pigs developed a protective layer of scales and exoskeletal plates. Their regeneration potential increased several times, as did the complexity of their nervous system. Just like a normal pig, a Flesh is an omnivore and may attack a stalker if hungry.
― Shadow of Chernobyl PDA description

A mutant pig of this type, known as a "Flesh" among stalkers, is one of the clearest examples of the Zone's perversion of nature. The pigs have developed a protective layer of scales and bones, their regeneration potential grew significantly and their nervous system became more complex. They also possess insect-like legs with sharp ends that they can use to dig and defend themselves. A side benefit of this mutation is their enlarged eye, which can see in a greater spectrum of light and has olfactory receptors within (in layman's terms, the flesh can smell with its eyes).

They are familial creatures and usually travel the Zone in herds numbering five or six Fleshes. A herd is led by an Alpha Flesh, most often the most experienced and long lived one. The "Alpha Pig" can be easily identified by both its grayish skin and the scars covering most of its body.

Just like a normal pig, the Flesh is an omnivore and may attack a Stalker if desperate enough. Fleshes have been observed dragging corpses of small slain mutants such as Blind dogs into a safe spot for consumption.

A Loner roasting a Flesh. To most, this would be the most grotesque and unnerving meal of their life. To Stalkers, it's a feast.

Even with their mutated and repulsive look, the Fleshes are still biologically pigs and therefore are safe for consumption (radiation poisoning notwithstanding). Some Stalkers take advantage of this fact by chopping their limbs and head off, skewering them onto a makeshift spit, and roasting the beast over a fire for food, similar to how roast pig is prepared.

Behavior

Fleshes can be encountered in almost every area of the Zone. They can be frequently seen grazing in small groups. Although they do not actively prey on stalkers like other mutants do, fleshes will easily attack them if they feel threatened. They can be frequently seen accompanied by boars and fighting against blind dogs.

Fleshes are the easiest mutant to face, as their attack does little damage and though they travel and attack in groups, they're big and slow targets. Furthermore, when running towards an enemy they do so head first which makes headshots almost a given. Sometimes Fleshes can be dispatched with nothing but a knife by stalkers, saving ammunition. Just like blind dogs, Fleshes will panic and run away when some members of the herd die unless when led by a boar or the "Alpha Pig".

Appearances

In all three chapters of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise, Fleshes are a common sight, appearing in substantial numbers almost everywhere except underground and some Monolith-controlled areas.

Shadow of Chernobyl

In [Shadow of Chernobyl, Fleshes can be found in the following locations: Cordon, near the abandoned pig farm; Garbage, a lair is located southwest from the Duty checkpoint; Dark Valley, in the swamp; Army Warehouses, near The Barrier.

Related missions:

• Destroy the herd of boars and fleshes by the Freedom leader Lukash in the Army Warehouses
• Destroy the herd of fleshes by the Duty leader Voronin in Rostok

Clear Sky

In Clear Sky, Fleshes appear in the same areas they have during Shadow of Chernobyl, along with the Great Swamps. They are absent in Monolith-controlled areas, however.

Call of Pripyat

In Call of Pripyat, Fleshes are everywhere, except in the ruins of Pripyat itself. Unlike in previous games, Fleshes are no longer docile and now more aggressive, regardless if they are in packs, and will attack a stalker if they are close enough. Although, they still do have low morale and is still likely flee from a fight when their Alpha and/or the majority of their herd is killed, or if it has sustained heavy damage if it is alone.

The mission Anomaly research requires the player to defend researchers from repeated attacks from fleshes and boars. In addition, after the player acquires the Black Box from the Stingray 1 wreckage, a large number of fleshes and boars will rush through the helipad, although most of them will die by tripping the numerous mines along the way.

Gallery

PDA image.

Fleshpig in Garbage

Flesh.

Flesh Model

A Flesh running around the Great Swamps in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2