Black Market — Shadows of Chernarus

🖤 What is the Black Market?

The Black Market is a high-risk, high-reward trading location unlike any standard Trader City. It operates through Paragon Vending Machines — automated dispensers loaded with rare, illegal, and premium items that cannot be found anywhere else on the server.

There are no NPCs, no safe zone, and no protection here. You are on your own. The rewards are exceptional, but so is the danger.

Location

Elevated Mountain Platform

Marked on your group map. Accessible only by helicopter via the rooftop helipad.

Access

Helicopter Required

The platform sits high above the surrounding terrain. No road access. Land on the helipad on top.

PvP Status

PvP Active ⚔

No safe zone. Other players can attack, loot, and steal from you at any time.

Threat

Predator Spawns ⚠

A Predator creature will hunt you within 90 seconds of your arrival. See details below.

1 Get a Helicopter

The Black Market platform is only accessible by air. You will need a working helicopter. Purchase one at the Vehicle Trader (Aircraft section) or retrieve one from your Virtual Garage. Any flyable helicopter works — standard transport helos are fine.

No helicopter? Check the Helicopters Guide for how to buy, fuel, and fly one. LBmaster groups can share stored helicopters with squad members.

2 Find It on the Map

Open your group map (M) and look for the Black Market marker — a red skull/crossbones icon. It is permanently visible to all players. Fly toward the marker and look for the elevated platform structure on the mountainside.

3 Land on the Helipad

The platform has a designated landing area on top. Approach from above and set down on the flat surface. Keep your engine running if you plan to leave quickly — shutting down costs valuable seconds when a Predator is closing in.

Do not park your helicopter at the base of the structure. There is no ground-level access and you could strand yourself if something goes wrong.

4 Use the Vending Machines

Walk up to any Paragon Vending Machine on the platform and press F to open the purchase interface. You can browse available items, select quantities, and complete transactions using US Dollars ($). An ATM is also available on the platform if you need to make a withdrawal before shopping.

Transactions are instant — no NPC interaction delay
Each machine sells a different category of goods
Prices are fixed — no haggling
Items are always in stock (machines auto-restock)

⚠ Expect a Hunter

The Black Market is guarded by a Predator — a lethal AI creature that stalks and hunts any player who enters the area. This is not a scripted event you can avoid by being fast. The moment you arrive within range of the platform, the hunt begins.

Once spawned, the Predator will zero in on your location and engage. It is fast, aggressive, and difficult to fight in a confined space. Your best options are:

Be quick — complete your transactions before the 90-second window closes
Fight it — bring weapons capable of putting down a powerful AI quickly
Flee — get back to your helicopter and leave before it reaches you

The Predator despawns after you leave the area and a cooldown expires. Each visit resets the encounter. A 3-minute cooldown applies after the Predator is killed before another can spawn.

👹

Predators Guide →

Full breakdown of Predator behavior, combat tactics, and loot drops

💡 Survival Tips

Know what you want before you land. Every second on the platform is borrowed time. Browse item categories on this wiki beforehand so you can transact and go without hesitation.
Keep your engine running. An already-spinning helicopter gets you out in 5 seconds. A cold-start adds precious time you may not have.
Bring a weapon. Even if you plan to be fast, carry something capable of dealing with the Predator in case it spawns early.
Withdraw cash before you fly. Hit an ATM at the main Trader City first. The Black Market ATM is available but using it costs time.
PvP awareness. Other players may be watching the Black Market from nearby hills or waiting to ambush you on the helipad. The location is visible on all group maps.
Consider going with a squad. One person handles transactions while another watches for the Predator (and enemy players). Use LBmaster Groups for shared map markers.