A week after the release of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, developer GSC Game World has rolled out the post-apocalyptic shooter’s first major patch, promising over 650 fixes for Xbox and PC players. This update addresses various issues that reviewers and players have flagged since the game’s launch.

While Stalker 2 earned a solid reception overall, it faced criticism for significant technical shortcomings. In its three-star review, for instance, it was noted that “bugs still affect missions, get you killed, or leave you stumped,” ultimately hurting the game’s playability despite its engaging moments. GSC Game World responded quickly, acknowledging these concerns and committing to improvements. With the release of Patch 1.0.1, they’ve delivered on that promise with extensive updates to quests, AI, gameplay mechanics, and more.

The patch introduces improvements across numerous aspects of the game. AI behavior, for example, has been fine-tuned with fixes addressing stuck NPCs, combat pathing, and animations. Memory leaks and performance drops caused by crowded areas have been resolved, while other AI-specific updates include improved NPC reactions to combat scenarios and corrections to quest-related interactions.

In terms of optimization, invisible NPCs and visual effects rendering issues have been fixed. Approximately 100 bugs causing crashes or performance issues have also been addressed. Audio and sound updates resolve combat music glitches and improve overall sound quality.

Gameplay balance has seen significant adjustments, particularly for novice difficulty settings. Weapon and armor repair costs have been reduced, quest rewards increased, and mutant damage rebalanced to provide a more forgiving experience for newer players. Weapon durability and armor longevity have also been enhanced, while tweaks to consumables and item prices further refine the in-game economy.

Combat adjustments target both player capabilities and enemy stats. Melee weapon range has been increased, while damage scaling for specific mutants has been recalibrated. These changes aim to create a more balanced and satisfying combat experience.

Numerous fixes also enhance the open-world experience, addressing issues with fast travel, quest progression, and NPC interactions. Critical updates include:

• Resolving progression blockers in missions.
• Fixing physics glitches.
• Ensuring smoother navigation throughout the game’s expansive environments.

For example, previously missing fast travel routes and stuck NPCs in areas like the Scientist’s Bunker have been corrected.

Quest-related improvements are extensive, with over 120 fixes targeting main and side missions. Notable updates include resolving broken quest markers, fixing inactive NPCs, and addressing missing dialogue options that previously hindered progression. Improvements to voiceovers and facial animations enhance the narrative experience, making character interactions more engaging.

GSC Game World has expressed gratitude to its fans for their feedback, stating that the patch is just the beginning. The studio continues to work on additional fixes, including resolving remaining A-Life system bugs, which will arrive in future updates.

Despite its rocky launch, Stalker 2 has performed well commercially, selling over 1 million copies in its first week. Additional players enjoyed the game through Xbox Game Pass. This patch marks a significant step in addressing the game’s issues, promising a smoother and more immersive experience for players venturing into The Zone.