S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the next highly anticipated entry in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise, set in the infamous Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The game has been eagerly awaited by fans, marking a return to the series over 13 years after the last installment. It’s also making its debut on consoles, launching exclusively for the Xbox Series X and Series S.
The development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been marked by significant challenges. GSC Game World, the developers, faced a major setback when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, uprooting the lives of the team. Despite the hardships and sacrifices, the team persevered, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was not abandoned.
Release Date and Platforms
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is scheduled to launch on September 5, 2025. The game will be an Xbox console exclusive, releasing on Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as on PC. Upon release, it will be available on Xbox Game Pass. While a release date for the PlayStation 5 hasn’t been announced, leaked internal documents suggest a potential three-month exclusivity period for Xbox. However, this doesn’t confirm a PS5 release.
GSC Game World has stated that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will not be coming to last-generation consoles due to performance limitations.
Trailers and Gameplay
Microsoft showcased S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 with an in-engine trailer during the Xbox Series X game showcase in 2020, offering a glimpse into the game’s grim and desolate wasteland. The trailer sets the brooding tone of the game, promising a captivating and immersive experience.
The official site invites players to “Discover the vast Chornobyl Exclusion Zone full of dangerous enemies, deadly anomalies, and powerful artifacts. Unveil your own epic story as you make your way to the Heart of Chornobyl. Choose your paths wisely, as they will determine your fate and shape the future of the Zone in the End.” This suggests a non-linear narrative that will heavily rely on player choices.
Beyond the initial trailer, a second trailer was released during the Xbox Extended Games Showcase in 2022, focusing on a mysterious area known as the “Zone” that could potentially “reveal a whole new world.” The trailer shows a truck driving into the area, causing electronics to malfunction and the road to crack, ultimately revealing debris floating around a small beam of light.
A later trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 introduces Skif, the main character, and shows him meeting with Richter as they venture into the overgrown wilderness. The rest of the trailer focuses on action and narration, hinting at the exciting gameplay to come.
Microsoft debuted gameplay for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 during its E3 2021 press conference. The trailer showcases various gameplay mechanics, including the ability to grab attachments for weapons from the environment and equip them instantly. We also see several enemy designs, including an updated Bloodsucker design that bears a striking resemblance to Cthulhu.
The visuals in the gameplay trailer are stunning, showcasing the game’s immersive and realistic graphics. However, Microsoft did not clarify the system the gameplay was running on. Following the announcement, GSC Game World released a commentary video that delves into the interesting aspects of the gameplay reveal.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 features a blend of action and survival mechanics, requiring players to manage hunger, radiation, and stamina. The game will feature a variety of enemies, including humans, mutated animals, and monstrous creatures, challenging players to navigate the treacherous Zone. Safe zones will provide opportunities to interact with other NPCs, potentially allowing players to trade for items and supplies.
Preorders
Preorders for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl are now available after being temporarily discontinued on the official store page. All preorders come with an exclusive preorder pack, featuring extended campfire content, exclusive weapon and armor skins, and an early bird multiplayer badge.
Several different versions are available for preorder, both digital and physical. The Standard Edition includes the game, the preorder bonus pack, and exclusive Steam content. The Deluxe edition offers additional content like a special quest, a digital artbook, the official soundtrack, and various costume and weapon skins. The Ultimate edition provides the most comprehensive experience with all Deluxe edition content, additional costumes and weapon skins, two story expansions, and a season pass.
The physical editions range from the Standard version, which includes the game, a preorder bonus, a steelbook case, a letter from the developers, a souvenir zone permit, and a sticker pack, to the Collector’s Edition, which features the most premium offerings, including a figurine, art book, and artifact container lamp.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl promises a captivating and challenging experience, immersing players in the chilling world of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. With its blend of action, survival, and intriguing story, the game is set to be a standout title in the gaming landscape. Fans eagerly await its release, ready to embark on a journey through the Zone’s dangers and uncover the secrets hidden within its heart.
