An old friend (of Seriy)

 is a side mission in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha standalone mod from v1.4002 onwards.

"People missing are a common sight in Zone. But, you can look for them anyway. There's an info that he's either at the Warehouses or Forest."

- Detailed task information

Strategy

 * There is a 'safe' path through Forest but it is much easier in a SSP-99M suit or similar.
 * There are two herds of mutants the first of Boar near the Duty Checkpoint (Forest), and a pack of Fleshes midway between the Music Village and the Electro Oasis.
 * There are five Zombies and a Ghost Zombie in the Music Village itself.
 * Around seven Zombified Stalkers inhabit Zombie Hamlet, but appear to be especially 'burnt-out' from v1.4005.
 * It is in the player's interest to remove ALL of these opponents from the board before trying to rescue Paulie.
 * "Farming" the Zombies as noted in Artifact Spawns may also be considered.
 * Should a Blowout occur at this point, the Duty Checkpoint (Forest) is within sprinting range...
 * A trio of Bloodsuckers patrol behind the Music Village where Paulie visits his "stash". They can be safely ignored.
 * Depending on game-depth and location, sprinting to the Bandit Mine is also a possibility. Early in the game it will have no inhabitants.