S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chernobyl, returns players to “The Zone” , an alternate version of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone where a second disaster occurred in 2006, leaving much of the zone deeply changed. Players adopt the role of these S.T.A.L.K.E.Rs, which stands for Scavengers, Trespassers, adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers, and Robbers. The last Stalker game came out in 2009, with Stalker 2 initially announced in 2010 and slated for a 2012 release. The game has faced numerous delays and challenges but finally seems to be gearing up for its release date later this year – September 5th, just a few short weeks away. In the lead up to that release the team at GSC Game World have released a deep dive into the game, complete with a full walkthrough of one of the game’s missions: to access the abandoned Clear Sky base. Clear Sky was one of the factions in Stalker 1, taking center stage in Stalker: Clear Sky released in 2008.

The world of Stalker 2 is much like Stalker 1, the Zone containing 20 unique areas that are visually distinct. Throughout the mission shown in trailer the player character, Skif explores the Swamp, a relatively familiar location for players of past games. These zones are largely all open for the player to access at their own pace and explore at their own risk. The game has no leveling system, instead the tools of progress are the player’s own knowledge of the area and enemies, and the different tools and weapons that might give them the edge they seek in fights. 

The world of Stalker 2 is dangerous and desolate, how the story progresses is defined by each player’s actions as a stalker, how they explore the zone will be shaped by their choices. 

Ultimately, S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chernobyl wishes to give players the authentic Stalker experience, but in a new and updated way. As players prepare for the game’s release on September 5th, how their stories unfold rest in their hands.