Debuting in 2007, theSTALKERseries garnered a bit of a cult following in the West due to its immersive, oppressive atmosphere, and its high level of player freedom. In the years followingthe originalSTALKER’s launch, a prequel and direct follow-up were released, but it’s been 15 long years since fans got their hands on a newSTALKERgame. That’s about to change, withSTALKER 2: Heart of Chornobylnow just around the corner.
After years of developmental delays,STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobylis finally set to release on November 20 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. It’s been a long and tragic road forSTALKER 2’s developer, with the team continuing to work on the game during the ongoing invasion of their homeland of Ukraine. ButSTALKER 2is almost complete, and it should have plenty of features on launch that appeal to die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
Every Feature Confirmed for STALKER 2’s Launch
A Non-Linear Post-Apocalyptic Story and World
In the universe ofSTALKER, a second disaster occurred at Chornobyl in 2006. This disaster reduced the surrounding area to rubble, and the following years saw it gradually turn into an irradiated wasteland, now known as the Exclusion Zone. But unlikethe first Chornobyl incident, the second has resulted in small physics-breaking anomalies popping up around the area, alongside a handful of mutated plants, animals, and monsters.
Despite the overt danger, many still venture out into the Exclusion Zone in search of valuable artifacts and scientific research. Those who enter the Exclusion Zone in search of treasure are called S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s. InSTALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, players take on the role of one of these titular adventurers.
While inSTALKER 2’s Exclusion Zone, players will encounter a colorful cast of factions, such as the religious cult Monolith, the supposedly lawful paramilitary group Duty, and the nomadic Loners. These factions, and many more, will occupySTALKER 2’s 64km² open-world map, and it’ll be up to the player to decide which factions they align themselves with.
Just like everySTALKERgame that’s come before it,STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobylwill feature multiple endings.
A Unique Blend of Immersive Sim and Survival Horror
A major draw for theSTALKERseries has always been its strive for realism and immersion, and that seems to be back with a vengeance inSTALKER 2. From what’s been shown in the pre-release trailers and screenshots,STALKER 2looks like it’ll feature some stunning visuals, with some state-of-the-art lighting complimenting the game’s grounded tone.
Much like its predecessors,STALKER 2will feature a handful of survival mechanics. Whileexploring the Exclusion Zone, players will need to keep a close eye on their hunger, their radiation levels, their tiredness, and any bleeding wounds they’ve sustained. Players will also need to manage resources like food and ammo carefully, as they’re scarce in the wasteland.
STALKER 2will also feature the brand new A-Life 2.0 AI system, which will see enemies and NPCs react more realistically to the player’s actions. All of these systems are designed to work in tandem to further immerse the player inSTALKER 2’s post-apocalyptic world.
STALKER 2 Could Get a Multiplayer Mode After Launch
According toSTALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s official website and Steam store page, the game will receive a multiplayer update after launch. It’s currently unclear what type of multiplayer mode would be included in this free update, but a PC Gamer deep-dive on the game back in December 2021 teased that PvP would be added post-launch. It’s also been confirmed thatSTALKER 2will receive mod supporton both PC and consoles.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Chornobyl Exclusion Zone has changed dramatically after the second massive explosion in year 2006. Violent mutants, deadly anomalies, warring factions have made the Zone a very tough place to survive. Nevertheless, artifacts of unbelievable value attracted many people called S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, who entered the Zone for their own risk striving to make a fortune out of it or even to find the Truth concealed in the Heart of Chornobyl.EPIC NONLINEAR STORY IN SEAMLESS OPEN WORLDTake over a role of the lone stalker and explore photorealistic seamless open world in a 64-km² radioactive zone with a variety of environments that reveal post-apocalyptic atmosphere from different angles. Make your way through the Zone to define your destiny as you choose your paths within highly branching epic story.VARIETY OF ENEMIES AND HUNDREDS OF WEAPON COMBINATIONSMeet members of different factions deciding who of them worth your friendship and who deserve a bullet. Engage intense gunfights with a variety of enemies that follow different tactics trying to outsmart you. Choose your preferable firearms from 30+ types of weapons with numerous modifications that allow creating hundreds of distinctive lethal combinations.
