Red Fortress ain’t worth it

Just saving people who is on their second playthrough some time who thought something would be cool there if you went there early. I went to where you talk to Strelok later and there was a ladder to the very top of the fortress right by Strelok’s meeting location. I thought for sure there was an easter egg or some loot, nothing. Just some bags of supplies on the way up. Was surprised how unguarded the place seems. I thought some faction would be protecting this place given it’s the center of Zone I think? I suspected the Ward would, but I know jack about Stalker lore and I was confused a lot during this game.