Chaos Energy and Contamination

Regions consumed by the Chaos are classified by the concentration of Chaos energy found there via a metric known as the Chaos Contamination Level. Chaos energy has a detrimental effect on the mind and disrupts the spatial awareness of sentient beings. In low-contamination zones, trained agents can operate, but in high-contamination zones, missions are impossible without a Protos. The Contamination Level rises sharply near the Core, often disabling communication devices and severing contact with the mother ship. Exposure to Chaos energy causes various harmful symptoms, so agents must calculate their operational time based on the Contamination Level and strictly adhere to it. Its psychological effects include Oblivion, which erases memories, and Deep Trauma, a breakdown associated with overwhelming stress and a person’s worst experiences. These risks explain why an agent’s mental condition and remaining exposure time matter alongside their ability to fight monsters.