Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl is the subsequent hotly anticipated entry within the Stalker franchise. The sport is releasing 13 years after the final entry within the sequence, and it’s making its debut on consoles as an Xbox Series X unique.
To get you updated on the post-apocalyptic survival shooter, we’ve rounded up all the things you might want to find out about Stalker 2.
Further studying
Stalker 2 launch date
Stalker 2: Hear of Chernobyl is ready to launch on April 28, 2022. The sport was initially introduced in 2010 following the launch of Call of Pripyat. Developer GSC Game World labored on the venture for a small window of time earlier than dissolving as an organization in 2011. Stalker 2 was formally canceled shortly after in 2012, citing points between buyers, employees, and the IP holder.
Lots occurred after that, with GSC Game World fracturing into a number of growth studios and tasks. The studio was revitalized in 2014 and re-announced Stalker 2 in 2018. The sport was formally unveiled throughout Microsoft’s Xbox Series X showcase in 2020 with an in-engine demo.
Platforms
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl is an Xbox console unique. The sport is launching on Xbox Series X and Series S, in addition to PC. When it launches, the sport can be accessible by way of Xbox Game Pass. Although a launch date for PlayStation 5 hasn’t been introduced, leaked inside paperwork revealed that the sport will solely be a console unique for 3 months.
That doesn’t imply the sport is coming to PS5, although. Tetris Effect: Connected was additionally named within the paperwork with six months of console exclusivity. This up to date model is coming to PS4 in July, however not PS5. GSC Game World says Stalker 2 gained’t come to last-gen techniques attributable to restricted efficiency capabilities.
Trailer
Microsoft confirmed off Stalker 2 through the Xbox Series X sport showcase in 2020 with an in-engine trailer. It reveals the grim, desolate wasteland by way of a sequence of hanging photos, setting the brooding tone the sport will possible have. You can watch the primary trailer under.
Gameplay
Microsoft debuted gameplay for Stalker 2 throughout its E3 2021 press convention. The trailer cuts in scenes of gameplay with a bunch of survivors huddled across the campfire. You can watch it under.
The trailer reveals off lots of attention-grabbing gameplay techniques. The first is the flexibility to seize attachments in your weapons across the atmosphere and instantly connect them. It reveals the participant grabbing a scope and a silencer and equipping them instantly with out going by way of a listing display.
It additionally reveals off a number of enemy designs, together with an up to date Bloodsucker design that appears strikingly much like Cthulhu. True to the Stalker sequence, the visuals look insane within the gameplay trailer. However, Microsoft didn’t make clear what system the gameplay was operating on.
Following the announcement, GSC Game World launched a commentary video detailing a number of the attention-grabbing factors from the gameplay reveal.
Multiplayer
Although GSC Game World hasn’t introduced something, Stalker 2 appears to be like like it’s going to characteristic some sort of multiplayer. GSC is providing an “early bird” multiplayer badge as a pre-order bonus, and the Deluxe and Ultimate variations of the sport characteristic multiplayer costume and weapon skins.
We don’t have any particulars on multiplayer proper now. Fans have requested for co-op within the Stalker sequence for some time, but it surely doesn’t seem like that’s the course GSC is heading. With a number of skins and a singular badge up for grabs, it appears to be like like multiplayer in Stalker 2 will characteristic some form of PvP mode.
DLC
None of the earlier Stalker video games have obtained DLC, however that’s altering with Stalker 2. The sport is ready to obtain two story expansions, that are described as “additional large-scale expansions that continue or expand the main story.” The sport will possible obtain extra DLC outdoors of the 2 expansions, too.
The Ultimate version of the sport comes with the season go, which entitles house owners to “all the post-released downloadable content in addition to the [two] story expansions.” This version additionally contains an unique facet quest, hinting at potential facet quests by way of DLC down the road.
In addition, we count on beauty DLC. The Deluxe and Ultimate variations of the sport characteristic costume and weapon skins for single-player and multiplayer. GSC Game World hasn’t confirmed something, however we’ll possible see beauty DLC after launch.
Pre-orders
Pre-orders for Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl are reside now at digital retailers. Physical variations have been introduced, however they haven’t gone up for pre-order but. Regardless of the model, all pre-orders include an unique pre-order pack, which incorporates prolonged campfire content material, unique weapon and armor skins, and an “early bird” multiplayer badge.
There are a number of completely different variations accessible for pre-order. On the digital entrance, the Standard version contains the sport, pre-order bonus pack, and unique Steam content material. Here’s what’s included with the opposite digital variations:
Deluxe version
$79.99
All Standard version content material
Special further quest
Digital artbook
Official soundtrack
One costume and three weapon single-player skins
Two costume and three weapon multiplayer skins
Ultimate version
$109.99
All Deluxe version content material
Three costume and 7 weapon multiplayer skins
Two story expansions
Season go
In addition, GSC is providing 4 bodily variations of the sport. The Standard model comes with the sport plus pre-order bonus, a steelbook case, a letter from the builders, a memento zone allow, and a sticker pack. Here’s what the opposite variations embody:
Limited version
$79.99
All Standard version content material
Zone map
Poster
Faction patches
Military token
Multi-tool with fireplace starter
Collector’s version
$179.99
All Limited version content material
Deluxe digital content material
Collector’s artwork steelbook
Art e book
Stalker figurine
Ultimate version
$339.99
All Collector’s version content material
Ultimate digital content material
Ultimate artwork steelbook
Artifact Container lamp
Stalker backpack
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