Cosplay contest 2026

[p]It’s time for DIY legends and those who can bring their imagination to life. The Cosplay Contest is now live![/p][p]Participants are invited to create a cosplay based on the STALCRAFT: X universe and compete for prizes across multiple nominations.[/p][hr][/hr][p]This year’s rewards include legendary gear of your choice, unique Hideout decoration, profile decorations, as well as cases, season crates, Season Pass levels, Stalcoins, and Premium.[/p][hr][/hr][p]Before you begin, let's have a closer look at the contest rules.[/p][p][/p]

1. [p]Participants can choose any costumes and images from our game. The main requirement is that the chosen character or creature should embody a recognisable image from the game and fit at least one of the nominations.[/p]
2. [p]Cosplays based on characters from the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games, airsoft costumes, as well as clearly low-quality works made from improvised materials with little attention to quality or detail, will not be considered.[/p]
3. [p]We do not recommend recreating overly simple in-game outfits, as they may be insufficiently recognisable within STALCRAFT: X. Such examples include raincoat with frog boots, standard soldiers, basic zombies, or simple jackets.[/p]
4. [p]We will be comparing the participants to each other within their nominations. While more generic designs are allowed, please note that greater accuracy, complexity, and attention to detail significantly increase your chances of winning. The costume with all the character's key elements — armour, accessories, and weapon — will be rated higher.[/p]
5. [p]It's forbidden to use other people's creative materials.[/p]
6. [p]Creating a costume in a pair is not allowed to avoid splitting the prize. Each prize is awarded to one participant only and cannot be split.[/p]
7. [p]It's forbidden to send the works that have already participated in the similar contest. Contest works are to be created specifically for this event.[/p]
8. [p]Photos and videos of all participants may be posted on the website and social media at the discretion of the contest's organisers.[/p]
9. [p]It is forbidden to use photo editing and video editing software to distort the actual appearance of the costume, including colour correction. The only editing allowed is cropping the work around the edges, without distorting how the costume looks in reality.[/p]
10. [p]The organiser reserves the right to independently decide all matters related to the contest.[/p]
11. [p]It is forbidden to apply for another person. Only the creator of the work may submit an entry.[/p]
12. [p]Submitted works must comply with the moral, ethical, and legal standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan and take the current political situation into account.[/p]
13. [p]By submitting the application form, you confirm your agreement with contests rules — contest general terms and conditions.[/p]
14. [p]If, after submitting your application, you wish to change the character for receiving rewards, you must fill out the form below and send an e-mail to [email protected].
    The e-mail must be sent from the same address used in the application form.
    It must include:[/p]

• [p]The full name provided in the application;[/p]
• [p]An updated screenshot from the game’s main menu showing the character which should receive the rewards.[/p]

[p]The form must be submitted until March 20, 2026.[/p][p][/p][carousel][/carousel][p]1. Confirmation to the model[/p][p]The accuracy of recreating a character, costume, or creature from the STALCRAFT: X universe is evaluated.[/p][p]It includes:[/p]

• [p]Colour palette;[/p]
• [p]Costume shape and tailoring;[/p]
• [p]Detail accuracy (emblems, seams, armour plates, equipment elements);[/p]
• [p]Overall recognisability.[/p]

[p]2. Quality of performance and detail of the image[/p][p]The neatness of production using various techniques (sewing, 3D printing, painting, etc.) is important, as well as unique elements and interpretations that make the costume memorable and unique.[/p][p]It includes:[/p]

• [p]Decorative elements, patches, overlays;[/p]
• [p]Armour components;[/p]
• [p]Use of special techniques;[/p]
• [p]Level of complexity.[/p]

[p]3. Photo quality and composition[/p][p]Photo quality and composition are evaluated. Good photos can compensate for minor costume flaws when well framed.[/p][p]It includes:[/p]

• [p]Pose;[/p]
• [p]Location or background choice;[/p]
• [p]Visual cohesion of all elements;[/p]
• [p]Image quality (Full HD, clear focus, not dark).[/p]

[p]4. Additional props and weapons[/p][p]The presence and quality of props that enhance the character image (weapons, artefacts, backpacks, PDA, etc.) is evaluated.[/p][p]It includes:[/p]

• [p]Quality (materials, paint, detailing);[/p]
• [p]Integration into the overall look.[/p]

[hr][/hr][p]Applications are accepted from January 20, 2026 to March 20, 2026 via the Google Form.[/p][hr][/hr][p]To submit an entry, participants must:[/p]

1. [p]Provide full name — required for winner identification;[/p]
2. [p]Provide an e-mail address. Direct contact may be carried out via e-mail if necessary.[/p]
3. [p]Specify STALCRAFT: X character nickname and attach a screenshot from the game’s main menu showing that character;[/p]
4. [p]Select the nomination your costume belongs to (you can select ONLY ONE nomination).[/p]
5. [p]Provide a link to a folder with photos of the costume:[/p]

[p]➔ Images showing the creation process[/p]

• [p]Materials preparation;[/p]
• [p]Key production stages;[/p]
• [p]Intermediate results.[/p]

[p]➔    Final costume photos[/p]

• [p]High-quality photos from multiple angles on a person;[/p]
• [p]Close-ups of important details;[/p]
• [p]Staged photos (bonus);[/p]
• [p]Video (optional).[/p]

[p]➔    Costume creation story card: a description of the idea, materials used, and techniques applied.[/p][h2]Combat armour[/h2][p]Costumes classified as Combat armour in the game. Rank of the suit does not matter. However, the more detailed and complex the costume, the higher its chances of winning.[/p][h2]Scientist armour[/h2][p]Costumes classified as Scientist armour in the game. Rank of the suit does not matter. However, the more detailed and complex the costume, the higher its chances of winning.[/p][h2]Combo armour[/h2][p]Costumes classified as Combo armour in the game. Rank of the suit does not matter. However, the more detailed and complex the costume, the higher its chances of winning.[/p][h2]Season-themed costume[/h2][p]Includes the following seasons: Back to the Inside Out, Murmur of the Zone, Horrors of the Zone, and Sub-Zero Zone.
Costumes matching the theme from any of these seasons are allowed. Note that all entries compete within a single shared nomination, not divided by season.[/p][h2]Funniest cosplay[/h2][p]If you’re cosplaying Elbrus, a snowman, or an artefact — this nomination is for you.[/p][h2]Frame master[/h2][p]Best photo or video presentation of the costume, including composition, lighting, and overall aesthetics of the shot, as well as for the most convincing embodiment of the character through acting, poses, facial expressions and other elements that create a cohesive and memorable image.[/p][p]Participants for this nomination are selected by the jury among all submissions in other nominations. These works are evaluated separately, based on the performance criteria and the visual portrayal of the character.[/p][p]For winning in main nominations[/p][p]For winning in additional nominations[/p][p]Superlike[/p][p]In each nomination, the jury may choose participants to receive Superlike.[/p][hr][/hr][p]Superlike is granted to all participants who demonstrated effort and quality in their costume but did not place among the winners.[/p][hr][/hr][p]We wish you steady hands and the courage to bring your creations to life![/p]