S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Action
Adventure
RPG
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Steam Trading Cards
Partial Controller Support
Steam Cloud
HDR available
Family Sharing

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. Make your choices wisely, as they will determine your fate in the end.

Developers: GSC Game World
Publishers: GSC Game World (worldwide) SEGA (Japan) 4divinity (China and South East Asia)
Release Date: Nov 20, 2024
Price (USD): $59.99
Current Players: 4k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(78%)
immersive atmosphere
realistic exploration
engaging storyline
gun realism
environmental detail
game world
story depth
expansive yet empty
performance issues
missing features
enemy AI
game breaking bugs
system demands
Players have a mixed sentiment about STALKER 2. While many praise its immersive atmosphere and realistic exploration, making it a must-play for fans of the series, there are significant performance issues that detract from the experience. The game world is expansive but can feel empty at times, and some essential features from previous games are missing. The storyline engages, offering several endings, though opinions vary on its depth and pacing. Overall, the game has potential, but its technical flaws need addressing to meet the high expectations set by its predecessors.

Positive Points

  • The game offers an immersive atmosphere with realistic exploration and attention to detail, especially in terms of visual storytelling.
  • Gunplay and weapon customization are praised for their depth and realism.
  • Some players appreciate the richly detailed environments and atmospheric sound design that enhance the feeling of the Zone.
  • The storyline engages players, offering multiple endings and decision-making elements that affect the narrative.
  • Negative Points

  • Performance issues are a recurring problem, with many experiencing crashes and poor frame rates even on high-end PCs.
  • Gameplay elements such as A-Life, enemy AI, and mutant encounters are criticized for being buggy or poorly implemented.
  • The game's release is considered premature by some, who expected more polish and fewer bugs for a title of this caliber.
  • Criticism on the removal or downgrading of features compared to previous titles in the series, such as night vision and enemy looting.
  • Mixed Points

  • The game world is expansive, which some players appreciate for exploration, but others find it feels empty with not enough engaging content.
  • While the storyline is engaging to some, others find it convoluted or lacking in depth.
  • Graphics are praised for their detail, yet the heavy reliance on Unreal Engine 5 is a source of performance complaints for many.
  • Common Themes

  • The game successfully captures the original STALKER atmosphere, providing a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans of the series.
  • The Zone's setting offers both beauty and danger with elements that pull players into its mysterious environment.
  • Technical and performance issues are a major barrier to enjoying the game fully, impacting overall player experience.
  • There is a divide in opinions about the story's pacing and depth, though many appreciate the multiple-choice impact on different endings.
  • Updated 6/27/2025, 12:02:11 AM UTC