Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Release Date, Platforms, Gameplay and More

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the highly anticipated sequel to 2009’s Stalker: Call of Pripyat, has fans eagerly awaiting its release. This article covers everything you need to know about the game, including its release date, available platforms, and gameplay.

After much anticipation, it seems that players will finally be able to play Stalker 2 in 2024. This highly-awaited game is a sequel to the beloved Stalker: Call of Pripyat.

The release of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will transport players to the bleak and radioactive Exclusion Zone, an hazardous area infested with ferocious creatures at every turn. Learn about the game’s release date, compatible platforms, and additional details below.

Table of Contents

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl release date
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl platforms
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl story & setting
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl gameplay
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl pre-order editions & bonuses
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl trailers

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl release date

The announcement trailer for Stalker 2 has confirmed that the “final release date”for the game will be on September 5, 2024.

The game, which was first announced in 2020, has experienced multiple delays. Originally planned for release on April 28, 2022, the date was postponed indefinitely as the Ukrainian developers faced difficulties caused by an invasion from Russia.

Despite the tumultuous circumstances, development on the game persisted and it appears that it will still be launched this year.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Platforms

Stalker 2 is set to release on Xbox Series XIS and PC. However, it will not be released on PS5 as it will be an exclusive for Xbox consoles upon launch.

STALKER 2 Is a 3-Month Console Exclusive; Microsoft Will Increase Revenue Share for Xbox Games, Too byu/Kaladinar inXboxSeriesX

Despite no official announcement regarding a PlayStation release, a leaked document has indicated that Stalker 2 may first be available exclusively on Xbox for a three-month period. If this information is accurate, it suggests that the developers will have the option to release the game on PS5 once the exclusive period has ended.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Story and Setting

Stalker 2 takes place in the Exclusion Zone, also referred to as ‘The Zone,’ which was established after the second Chornobyl disaster in 2006. This heavily contaminated area is inhabited by mutated creatures and bizarre anomalies that pose dangers to humans. The remaining structures are in a state of decay and have been taken over by nature, with vines snaking their way into even the tallest buildings.

Despite the inherent risks, humans persist in entering The Zone in pursuit of valuable artifacts. These daring individuals are referred to as ‘Stalkers’ and can often be aligned with various factions. In the game, players assume the role of Skif, a Stalker who embarks into the zone for undisclosed motives as part of the game’s multi-faceted storyline.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl gameplay

Character holding a shotgun in Stalker 2 — GSC Game World

Stalker 2 builds upon its predecessor’s immersive FPS roots.

Stalker 2 is primarily a first-person shooter game with an expansive, interactive world. Players can freely navigate The Zone, participate in gunfights against enemies such as bandits and competing factions, and confront mutated animals and unpredictable weather phenomena. The game offers a diverse selection of firearms, including shotguns, assault rifles, and more, as shown in the gameplay trailer. These weapons will also be customizable with attachments like silencers and laser sights.

Similar to previous installments in the franchise, Stalker 2 places a strong emphasis on survival elements like hunger, inventory organization, and weapon wear. These mechanics are crucial in depicting the harsh conditions of the Zone.

Heart of Chornobyl pre-order editions & bonuses

Currently available for pre-order, Stalker 2 offers bonuses to players who purchase the game in advance. The following are the various editions of Stalker 2 and their respective pre-order bonuses:

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Standard Edition

The Standard edition of Stalker 2 includes the base game as well as extra content in the form of pre-order bonuses. It is priced at $59.99/£49.99 on all platforms.

The Standard edition comes with the pre-order bonuses of:

Extended Campfire Content
Exclusive weapon skin
Exclusive armor skin
‘Early bird’ multiplayer badge
Steam Exclusive content

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Deluxe edition

The Deluxe edition of Stalker 2 offers pre-order bonuses and a variety of additional content, such as a unique quest, weapon skins, and costumes. It is priced at $79.99/£64.99 for all platforms.

The Deluxe edition includes everything listed below:

Special Extra Quest
Digital Artbook
Official Soundtrack
1 Costume, 3 Weapon skins (for single-player)
2 Costumes, 3 Weapon skins (for multiplayer expansion)
Extended Campfire Content
Exclusive weapon skin
Exclusive armor skin
‘Early bird’ multiplayer badge
Steam Exclusive content

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Ultimate Edition

The Ultimate edition of Stalker 2 offers a plethora of content that justifies its price. In addition to the Deluxe edition’s offerings, the Ultimate edition grants access to two story expansions and the Season Pass. It is priced at $109.99/£94.99 on all platforms.

The Ultimate edition contains all of the following items:

Season Pass
2 story expansions
Special Extra Quest
Digital Artbook
Official Soundtrack
1 Costume, 3 Weapon skins (for single-player)
3 Costumes, 7 Weapon skins (for multiplayer expansion)
Extended Campfire Content
Exclusive weapon skin
Exclusive armor skin
‘Early bird’ multiplayer badge
Steam Exclusive content

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Ultimate Physical Edition

The Stalker 2 Ultimate Physical edition is perfect for both die-hard fans of the series and collectors alike. It includes all of the aforementioned content, as well as bonus items such as a Stalker Backpack, figurine, and keychain featuring Fire Starter. This deluxe edition comes with a hefty price tag of $379.99/ £319.99.

The Ultimate Physical edition includes everything you can get.

Stalker Backpack
Stalker Figurine
Artefact Container Lamp
Keychain (Multi-tool) with Fire Starter
Zone Map
Steel Book (Ultimate art)
Art Book
Letter From Developers
Souvenir Zone Permit
Sticker Pack
Poster
Faction Patches
Military Token
Ultimate edition + pre-order bonuses

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Trailers

Stalker 2 has been the subject of numerous trailers, starting with the announcement trailer at the 2020 Xbox Games Showcase. Following this, a gameplay trailer was released in 2021, followed by a series of trailers that announced delays to its release date. The latest trailer for the game showcased an in-depth look at its gunplay and combat mechanics.

Take a look at all of the trailers for Stalker 2 below: