| Title: | S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl |
| Developer / Publisher: | GSC Game World |
| Release Date: | November 20, 2024 |
| Genre: | Survival Horror, First-Person Shooter |
| Platforms: | Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S (Day-One on Xbox Game Pass) |
| Game Engine: | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Modes: | Single-player |
| Similar Game/s: | Metro Series, Escape from Tarkov, Atomic Heart |
| Price: | Standard Edition: US$59.99 Deluxe Edition: US$79.99 Ultimate Edition: US$109.99 |
Many years in the making (and on hiatus), we finally have the release of Stalker 2. A sequel to the cult-classic Stalker series, this ambitious sequel attempts to bring the eerie, brutal world of the Zone to modern gaming. But does it manage to recapture the magic of its predecessors? Here is our in-depth review of the game, after playing through a PC review copy.
A Faithful Return to Form
For fans of the original series, the good news is that Stalker 2 stays true to its roots. This is the gamer’s game: hardcore, unpretentious and proudly rough around the edges. Whereas many long-awaited sequels streamline mechanics or over-polish their presentation, Stalker 2 seems to revel in its gritty heritage. The tone of the original is preserved, as are its harrowing dynamics and eerie atmosphere that defined the original.
From the first steps into the Zone, players will feel the oppressive charm that made the series special. The Zone is a dangerous and unpredictable place, rife with anomalies, mutants and rival bandit factions, and it’s the player’s job as a rookie stalker to trek through its hazards in search of fame or fortune.
Gameplay: Brutal and Rewarding
At its core, Stalker 2 is about survival. Resources (such as food, medicine and ammo) management is everything, and you will at all times find yourself in desperate circumstances. Flavors of combat are brutally realistic, punishing but satisfying: It takes a skilled hand and mind to master hitboxes and know when to charge into the melee. Whether with mutants or against human enemies, every encounter feels tense and consequential.
The game also has a solid inventory system in which finding rare artifacts and crafting upgrades can either make or break your progress. Artifacts provide unique buffs but in many cases have trade-offs, so they add a layer of thought to your loadout. Leaping from a rusted pistol to a scoped rifle is genuinely pleasing, and preparation is the order of the day for anyone who wants to live long enough to succeed in the Zone.
The Mysteries of the Zone
Stalker 2 is set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, which has been transformed into a supernatural wasteland created by the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion. This mysterious land is filled with deadly anomalies, grotesque mutants, and valuable artifacts that stalkers will risk their lives to get their hands on. The Zone is an arena for rival factions determined to obliterate it, protect it and loot the living hell out of it. Players traverse these factions, making allies or enemies that will influence their path. Anomalies and artifacts are a big part of the lore. And while anomalies are deadly, artifacts grant benefits – both in power and in some cases their negative consequences.
Uncovering the secrets of the Zone, what brought it into existence, and why those in control of Zone went to such lengths as if it were a kingdom’s treasure are crucial aspects of the story that provide players with an unsettling combination of discovery and feeling for survival. These descriptions introduce players to the deadly Zone as a complex, mysterious entity that goads them to explore and experience its chilling beauty.
The Zone: A Beautiful Nightmare
What impresses me a lot about Stalker 2 is its open world. The Zone is gorgeously realized, with interactable, handcrafted environments that feel alive and reactive. Icy winds, deserted buildings, radioactive puddles and lurid anomalies combine to create a ghostly environment. Exploration is always met with secrets, side quests, and emergent gameplay opportunities.
But that loveliness is sometimes sullied by technical problems: a few visual and audio hiccups here, some lag there. Between flickering textures, characters becoming lodged in animations and irregular AI behavior, these problems can be frustrating for players, especially if they’re trying to play the game for long periods of time.
Developers have committed to update and patch the game regularly, and some fixes are already baked in. As these updates are refined and expanded, players are in for an even smoother journey through this game sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
It’s not perfect, but Stalker 2 has the spirit of the original game. It’s an unforgiving survival experience in a richly detailed world that rewards exploration and experimentation. The Zone is a living, breathing dangerzone of chaos and the continuation of GSC Game World’s dedication to their own legacy.
Stalker 2 is a warm welcome home for those who played the previous titles from the series, offering several hours of brutal, immersive gameplay. For newcomers, its a chance to enjoy an unparalleled survival horror adventure, however they will find themselves frustrated at a handful of technical problems and the steep learning curve might be daunting.
In today’s world, many Triple A games polish every edge but lose some of their soul in the process, but Stalker 2 embraces its grit. It might be clunky in places, yet its atmosphere and ambition shine through. Those willing to push past the rough spots will find a world worth exploring, especially fans who know what to expect.
*This game was reviewed on a PC via Steam with a review code provided by the publisher.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Score: 7 – Good Ride
View Enduins Rating Guide – Click Here >>
| Score | Enduins Label | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Legendary | A genre-defining game; unforgettable and essential. |
| 9 | Must-Play | Outstanding, highly recommended |
| 8 | Great Pick | Strong, polished, and fun; well worth your time with few minor flaws |
| 7 | Good Ride | Solid and enjoyable, though some issues hold it back. |
| 6 | Decent Try | Playable with clear fun moments, but uneven overall. |
| 5 | Mixed Bag | Balanced between good ideas and noticeable flaws. |
| 4 | Needs Work | Rough execution; only niche fans might enjoy. |
| 3 | Broken Path | Major flaws overwhelm potential; not recommended. |
| 2 | Painful Grind | Very poor experience with little redeeming value. |
| 1 | Game Over | Fundamentally broken or unplayable; avoid. |
