STALKER 2: Release date, gameplay details, system requirements and more

This year’s Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase at E3 included some exciting announcements, including the likes of Redfall, Contraband, Starfield and S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chernobyl (henceforth, STALKER 2). So, get ready to take a trip down memory lane, as we venture back into Pripyat and the rest of the nuclear exclusion zone. 

Beyond its vastly improved photorealistic graphics, STALKER 2 includes a host of new features, with a nonlinear storyline that is set in a seamless open world. This world includes a 64 km2 fallout zone, full of dangerous mutant enemies, deathly anomalies and powerful artifacts, in which players can unveil their own unique story.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl release date & price

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl will be available exclusively on the Xbox Series X/S next-gen consoles for 3 months, prior to releasing on PC.

Like many of the other games announced, the game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass, from the first day of launch. Unlike the previous titles we’ve covered, STALKER 2 has a confirmed launch date, releasing on 28 April 2022. 

(Picture: GSC Game World)

Indeed, this is still quite some time away. Thankfully, you’ll agree that it’s definitely going to be worth the wait once you’ve seen the official gameplay trailer linked below.

In case you miss it, look out for the game’s creator (Sergiy Grygorovych) in a cameo, at the end of the trailer.

So what will the game cost? Digital licenses are priced from USD 59.99 (standard) to USD 109.99 (ultimate); whilst retail copies will set you back as much as USD 339.99 (ultimate). You can also get a pre-order bonus, which includes extended in-game content, weapon and armour skins and an “early bird” multiplayer badge.

STALKER 2: Gameplay and development

At first glance, STALKER 2 appears to be reminiscent of its predecessor, STALKER: Clear Sky, albeit with graphics better suited for next-gen systems. This is evident with throwbacks to notable scenes, such as the tower on the swamps.

(Picture: GSC Game World)

Upon closer inspection of the trailer, there would also appear to be several new features and story scenes. Although there isn’t much detail regarding the game’s actual plot, it’s clear that STALKER 2 will be centred around the infamous “Zone”, we are all too familiar with.

According to the Epic Games Store page, players can expect to “meet members of different factions” and will have to decide which are worth friendship, or which “deserve a bullet”. The game will include over 30 different types of weaponry, with “numerous modifications that allow creating hundreds of distinctive lethal combinations”

(Picture: GSC Game World)

As if it weren’t already clear, players will be plagued with the task of fighting off irradiated mutant enemies. These mutants will comprise one of several mutant subtypes, following “different behaviour models”.

Per the previous rendition of the game, players must also avoid deathly anomalies, scattered deep within the centre of the Zone, in their quest to uncover the many buried secrets and valuable artifacts. 

(Picture: GSC Game World)

It was also confirmed by Bethesda that the game will embrace 4K resolution with ray-traced reflections and lighting. Coupled with the dynamic day-night cycles and realistic weather conditions, this will result in greater depth of gameplay, with an added layer of realism.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl PC system requirements

In case you’re wondering whether your PC system will be able to cope with the visual demands of STALKER 2, check out the minimum and recommended system requirements, listed below:

Minimum requirements:

• OS Version: Windows 10
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600X / Intel Core i5-7600K
• Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB / NVIDIA
• GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
• Disc space: 150 GB

Recommended requirements:

• OS Version: Windows 10
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X / Intel Core i7-9700K
• Memory: 16 GB
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 8GB /
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8GB /
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB
• Disc space: 150 GB

Are you ready for STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl? The game will be released on 28 April 2022, exclusively on Xbox Series X/S game consoles, and later on PC. Good hunting, Stalker!

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For more E3 2021 coverage, check out our general video games section, filled with announcements and explainers on the latest titles.