S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game · Board game rules
How does Anomaly affect my character's movement?
Quick answer
Anomalies don't directly block movement, but entering their spaces risks activation effects that may harm you or apply status effects.
Details
Anomalies are represented by overlays with symbols spread across multiple spaces. When you move to, from, or through any space containing Anomaly symbols, you must roll the Anomaly die after finishing your movement. If the rolled symbol matches an uncovered symbol on those spaces, the Anomaly activates and you resolve its effect [p.36 — Anomaly Activation].
The activation effect varies by Anomaly type—some deal damage, apply radiation, or inflict status effects like Pin Down or Exposed. You can reduce the activation risk by placing Bolts on Anomaly symbols (via the "Bolts & Nuts" Basic Action) or by using a Detector Attachment to place Artifacts on symbols, both of which block the symbols from triggering [p.37 — Blocking Anomaly Symbols].
You can also discard a Focus token to reroll your Anomaly activation roll if you want to avoid a dangerous effect [p.36 — Anomaly Activation]. Movement through Anomaly spaces is otherwise treated normally—you can move through them freely, but the activation roll happens after you finish moving [p.20 — Triggers].
Watch out: If you move through multiple different Anomaly symbols during the same movement action, each different symbol type increases your activation chance. However, moving through the same symbol multiple times does not increase the risk further [p.36 — Anomaly Activation].