Everything we know about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 so far

The anticipation for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is ramping up as its “potential” release date edges closer. Why the emphasis on “potential”? Well, the game’s journey to launch has been anything but smooth, marked by multiple delays. And from what GSC Game World showcased at Gamescom, it’s clear the game still needs considerable polishing. Post-release, it’s reasonable to expect a slew of patches to fix bugs and enhance the overall experience.

So, what’s the current scoop on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2? Despite the hush-hush nature of its development, a fair amount of information has managed to see the light of day. We’re clued in on the intended release date, essential plot elements, the platforms it will grace, and how much it will cost gamers. Moreover, several leaks have spilled the beans on aspects the developers might have preferred to keep secret. I’ll dive deeper into these topics in the upcoming game development segment. But first, let’s lay down some foundational details about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to set the stage for a more in-depth discussion.

• Release date – September 5, 2024
• Genre – FPS, RPG in open world
• Developer and publisher – GSC Game World
• Platforms – PC, Xbox Series
• Multiplayer – Will be added after release as a free update
• Game Engine – Unreal Engine 5

What is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

Let’s dive into what S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is all about. Picture this: a first-person shooter blending RPG elements, all set in a sprawling open world. Officially dubbed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the game thrusts you into the eerie, radioactive exclusion zone surrounding Chornobyl, Ukraine. Primarily a solo adventure, it’s rich in story, drawing you into its depths. The devs, hailing from the Ukrainian outfit GSC Game World, now setting up shop in Prague, are crafting a world brimming with diverse locales, intriguing factions, an arsenal of gear, engaging dialogues, and much more.

Peeking into its origins, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been on the drawing board since at least 2018, with whispers of its conception reaching back to 2010. Despite GSC Game World’s indie status, they’ve snagged support from none other than Microsoft

Release date

The current scheduled release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is September 5, 2024, and there are indications that this timeline may be adhered to. However, it’s important to note that the game’s launch has been deferred four times. The first planned release in 2012 was scrapped when the studio faced bankruptcy, halting the game’s development.

After the studio’s operational resumption, a new release date was set for April 28, 2022. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine, the studio was compelled to relocate to the Czech Republic, resulting in a further delay to December 8. A subsequent announcement deferred the release to an unspecified date in 2023, and later updates in the fall of 2023 proposed a launch in the first quarter of 2024. Yet, another postponement followed.

The possibility of further delays remains uncertain. However, the game’s presentation at Gamescom 2023 suggests that the development team is making significant progress towards the final release.

Gameplay

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is a fusion of shooter and RPG elements within an expansive open world, primarily focusing on first-person shooting. Based on information from developer interviews and various leaks, players have compiled an extensive list of weapons, including:

• Tools: Knife, Bolts, PDA
• Detectors: All classic detectors and some new unnamed ones.
• Grenades: RGD-5 and F1
• Pistols: Makarov and USP
• SMGs: MP-5, Bizon, Ciparis, MAC-10
• Shotguns: Double-Barrel Sawnoff, TOZ-34 Over/Under, Saiga 12
• Rifles: AKS-74U, AKS-74, IWI Carmel, HK416, Malyuk, ASVAL, VSS Vintorez, M14 Modernized, Remington 700, Dragunov, G36.
• Heavy Weapons: PKP Machinegun, RPG-7, Gauss Rifle

The game is also set to include a dynamic dialogue system, promising multiple storylines that influence the game’s environment. Players are promised a seamless world exceeding 60 square kilometers, moving beyond the segmented zones of previous series entries, aiming for a more immersive experience akin to Starfield.

The atmospheric design remains a cornerstone, with the return of various mutants, anomalies, and factions enriching the world’s lore. It’s unclear if the legendary Sidorovich will return, but there should be more memorable characters. The following mutants, factions, and anomalies are known:

In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, the return of survival mechanics is anticipated, enhancing the game’s depth. Elements such as sleep, hunger, radiation, bleeding, poisoning, and fatigue are expected to be intricately linked, influencing gameplay significantly. For example, neglecting sleep or food could diminish stamina, while exposure to high radiation levels might reduce overall health. Similarly, conditions like poisoning and bleeding will deplete health. A notable detail is that hunger will cause your stomach to growl, potentially revealing your position to enemies during stealth missions.

The game will also see the comeback of the A-Life system, which simulates the daily routines and tasks of NPCs, adding a dynamic layer to the game world. These routines can vary, making each NPC’s behavior unique from day to day. NPCs will have the ability to influence missions. For instance, a mercenary NPC might undertake and complete a side quest before the player, adding a competitive edge to the gameplay (main story missions are exempt from this feature). This system, a hallmark of previous installments, is slated for significant enhancements by the developers.

However, concerns loom regarding the game’s graphics and performance. Initial trailers set high expectations by portraying stunning visuals, fluid animations, and robust shooting mechanics. Yet, firsthand accounts from Gamescom 2023 suggest a gap between expectations and current reality, with many players pointing out issues with graphics, bugs, and animations. It appears that substantial work is required to refine S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s presentation and gameplay. Let’s see if GSC can perfect it.

Trailers

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Enter the Zone Trailer

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Come to Me Trailer

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Strider Trailer

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Final Release Date Announcement

Watch all available trailers on developer GSC Game World’s YouTube page.

Plot

In the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, the narrative is set near Chornobyl, a city in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, which was deserted after a catastrophic nuclear power plant incident in 1986. This disaster resulted in the creation of the “Exclusion Zone,” an area fraught with peril due to persistent, high radiation levels.

Within the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe, the Exclusion Zone is not only plagued by radiation but also home to various anomalies, mutants, and bandits. These entities are drawn to the zone in search of artifacts, unique objects that bestow extraordinary powers upon their holders, making them highly sought after. The backstory of these anomalies and artifacts is rooted in the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster. Contrary to historical events where the area was evacuated and sealed, the site remained a hotbed for covert scientific endeavors in the game’s lore. These experiments disrupted the natural order, giving rise to anomalies, mutants, and coveted artifacts.

Currently, specifics about the plot of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 remain sparse. The protagonist is known as Skif, a detail confirmed by promotional materials. The narrative is set to unfold after the timelines of earlier entries in the series. Despite this chronological continuation, the developers have emphasized that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be accessible as a standalone experience, suggesting that newcomers won’t need to familiarize themselves with the prior games to engage with this one fully.

The game is anchored in a contemporary setting, a choice that promises to significantly influence gameplay. Players can expect the integration of modern technology, with up-to-date gadgets at their disposal. Furthermore, the game will revisit locales from its predecessors, presenting them in either further dilapidation or considerable change, underscoring the passage of time and the evolving nature of the Exclusion Zone.

Central to the game’s plot is a mysterious element called the “proto-anomaly known as the Heart of Chornobyl.” Details about this anomaly, including its characteristics and potential threats, have yet to be disclosed, adding an element of intrigue and speculation among the fanbase.

Development

The development journey of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been notably tumultuous and intricate. The initial announcement came in 2010, targeting a 2012 release. However, the studio encountered severe financial difficulties, leading to a halt in development and a temporary closure. Subsequently, the studio returned, releasing several other titles in the interim.

The narrative around S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 reignited in 2018, signaling a revival of the project under GSC Game World’s banner. Microsoft was disclosed to be contributing to the game’s development efforts in a significant development. By 2021, the gaming community was presented with the first trailer and an initial release date, though the launch has experienced multiple deferrals since then.

With Microsoft’s backing, GSC Game World has secured the necessary funding to accelerate the development process. The project now involves approximately 300 personnel, underscoring its stature as an AAA title. While specific details regarding the development budget remain undisclosed, it’s reasonable to surmise that the investment amounts to at least tens of millions of dollars.

Initially, GSC Game World targeted a Spring 2022 release for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. However, Russia’s unforeseen invasion of Ukraine necessitated an abrupt evacuation from their Kyiv headquarters. Most of the team sought refuge in Prague, where they endeavored to continue development. This upheaval inevitably disrupted the development timeline and internal workflows despite their resilience.

Approximately six months post-relocation, the studio faced a significant setback with a data breach that exposed a game build, maps, quest details, character information, and plot elements. GSC Game World pointed fingers at Russian hackers for this breach. Nonetheless, subsequent discussions hinted that the leak might have stemmed from internal security lapses rather than an external cyber attack.

In August 2023, attendees were allowed to experience a game demo during Gamescom. Feedback from this event highlighted concerns over diminished graphic quality, subpar animations, bugs, and performance issues. It’s pertinent to note that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is being developed using Unreal Engine 5. Despite its capabilities, this engine has been associated with similar challenges in other high-profile releases, suggesting that such issues might be somewhat characteristic of the platform’s current state.

NFT

Riding the wave of NFT (non-fungible token) popularity, GSC Game World announced plans to introduce a limited series of NFTs coinciding with the launch of Stalker 2. The concept involved creating a “Stalker meta-universe,” potentially allowing for certain in-game elements like skins or NPCs to be accessed through premium currency. However, this initiative was subsequently withdrawn.

pic.twitter.com/mffnmpiQiw

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) December 16, 2021

The reversal came in response to the gaming community’s overwhelmingly negative reception to the idea of integrating NFTs into the game. Faced with significant backlash and criticism, the developers opted to make amends. Official statements from the studio now indicate that the game will be devoid of NFTs at launch. Given the diminished enthusiasm for NFTs in the current climate, it’s improbable that they will be incorporated into the game in the foreseeable future.

Story Expansions

GSC Game World has revealed intentions to launch at least two expansion packs for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. With the core narrative’s specifics still under wraps; it’s challenging to predict the nature or certainty of these expansions. This scenario echoes the experience of the Cyberpunk 2077 development team, who had initially promised multiple expansions yet only managed to deliver a single one after a three-year interval. Consequently, the fruition of expansions for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will likely hinge significantly on the game’s initial reception and success post-launch.

Platforms

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S. Gamers can already place pre-orders on digital platforms, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG for the PC version. For Xbox users, the game will be accessible on Game Pass right from its release date, thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and GSC Game World. It seems that Microsoft is making a significant bet on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and aims to make it a system seller for the Xbox, at least for a while.

PC System requirements

System requirements	Minimum	Recommended
OS Version	Windows 10 / Windows 11	Windows 10 / Windows 11
Processor	AMD Ryzen 5 1600X Intel Core i5-7600K	AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Intel Core i7-9700K
Memory	8 GB	16 GB
Graphics	AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB	AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8GB
Disc space	150 GB SSD	150 GB SSD

Will S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 release on PS5?

While there hasn’t been an official confirmation regarding S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s release on PS5, documents from the Epic Games vs. Apple trial indicated that Microsoft’s exclusivity deal for the game is limited to three months. This suggests the possibility of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 becoming available on PS5 a quarter after its initial launch. Considering the game’s complex development trajectory, expecting a PS5 version shortly after the exclusivity period might be optimistic.

It’s reasonable to anticipate that the initial months following the release will be dedicated to refining S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, with the developers focusing on bug fixes and performance enhancements. Given the plans for at least two story expansions, a PS5 version would likely be considered only after these updates have been implemented. For those eagerly awaiting S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, acquiring a PC or Xbox might be a prudent choice in the interim.

Possible Multiplayer

The question of multiplayer functionality in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been clarified: it will not be featured at the game’s initial release. However, the game’s official FAQ section indicates that the developers intend to introduce multiplayer as a complimentary update later. Details on the multiplayer mode’s structure remain undisclosed at this point. A plausible speculation is that it could mirror the cooperative experience found in Far Cry, allowing players to navigate the story and explore the open world alongside friends.

Price and Editions

The standard edition of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 costs $60. To highlight its accessibility, the game will also be included in Game Pass from its launch day. Currently, pre-orders are being accepted exclusively for the PC version. Beyond the standard offering, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 extends its range with two additional digital editions, each packed with exclusive perks. Additionally, fans can look forward to four distinct physical editions, promising various collectible items and in-game bonuses tailored to enhance the overall gaming experience.

Digital Editions:

Physical Editions: