u/OkAnalysis1682

The new pages from the upcoming ATB artbook reveal some details that might be relevant for the Cost of Hope DLC, including a closer look to the Oasis (the same we've saw in the steam page with Mavka and Zulu) and an interesting description about spatial anomalies.

Oasis: A unique anomaly that has an entirely positive effect: health is restored internally, bleeding stops, the body's radiation level is reduced and even hunger is satisfied.

Bitumen: A large sinkhole in the ground where a road used to run. The road surface had melted due to the acumulation of debris under the rock.

Spatial: Anomalous formations that transport a stalker to another part of the Zone. Among them are portals to another dimension, which seem to exist in someone's sick imagination or vague memories, with no way out. Some stalker believe that spatial anomalies are created not by the Zone, but by someone with a specific purpose.

Gauss Gun: The Gauss Gun is an updated version of the electro-magnetic rifle, capable of piercing armor with a single shot. Despite its slow fire rate and rare, expensive ammunition, it remains popular among experienced hunters and as a valuable trophy.

(I apologize for the low resolution)

"The Zone is a very complicated system of traps, and they're all deadly. Old traps disappear and new ones emerge. Safe spots become impassable."

Using my Veles detector, I brought another compilation of pics showing how anomalies move, dissapear or change type after Emissions. One of the most interesting uses of this mechanic are the stashes being blocked by anomalies (as shown in the first three comparisons) and after an emission they become completely safe to retrieve.

The new Interactive book in colaboration with ATB give us more insight about Zulu and a closer look to his unique melee weapon, which is... an interesting shovel.

"Nickname: Zulu.

Real name: Unknown.

Age: 35 years old.

Faction: Duty

Status: Fighter.

Dossier opened: 09.08.2012

Zulu is an active, stubborn, and experienced fighter, absolutely certain that Duty is heading in the wrong direction. He is ready to risk himself and his people to “destroy the Zone and protect humanity from its infection.” To achieve his goal, he is even willing to work with Freedom. For him, the main enemy is the Zone, which changes people not only from the outside but also from the inside, and fighting anyone other than it, in Zulu's view, is wasteful and downright stupid.

Zulu has had violent outbursts of anger since his teenage years. He was ashamed of it and tried to hide it until he came to the Zone and felt at home. On the other hand, he came to fight the Zone, and the Zone defeated him—bringing out the worst in Zulu.

He's deeply troubled by what happened to Duty after D4. To occupy his restless nature, Voronin sends Zulu and a group of fighters to the Zone Center to investigate the possible cause of the disappearance of the faction's previous leader."

It seems Zulu maybe won't be interested in the faction wars at all, explaining his possible alliance with Mavka.

As many suggested, the strange Freedom leader appearing in the DLC trailer is actually a redesigned Mykluha. This is revealed in one of the pages for the upcoming Stalker 2 Almanac, along with his biography:

"Nickname: Mykluha.

Real name: Unknown.

Age: 40 years old.

Faction: Freedom.

Status: Faction Leader.

Dossier opened: 23.08.2012.

Former businessman Mykluha appears in the Zone and quickly becomes useful to Chekhov, joining the ranks of Freedom. Soon, during a secret mission, he manages to break through to the Brain Scorcher with a squad and hold out there for over a month, revealing himself not only as a leader but also as a skilled fighter.

Mykluha plans everything two steps ahead. Naturally, to his own advantage. His entrepreneurial spirit strengthens Freedom: the introduction of a new currency in the Zone, initiated by Mykluha, allows for the peaceful recapture of Rostok from Duty and strengthens his influence and power within the faction.

Mykluha quickly navigates the situation and understands which way the wind is blowing. He knows people well and considers them a valuable resource that can be bought, used, and replaced."

(I apologize if the translation is a bit rough).