Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Burning Questions Answered

After more than a decade-long wait, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will finally be available in just a couple of days. For many players, it will be their first S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game, so naturally, there’s a lot of curiosity surrounding this long-in-development title.

If you’re one of those fans and have some questions about the game, it’s a good idea to clear them up before you go investing your hard-earned money. The guide below answers many frequently asked questions, helping players make an informed decision about their purchase.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Release Date & Platform Details

The long wait is finally over as fans worldwide gear up to explore the post-apocalyptic world of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This highly anticipated sequel is set to release globally on November 20. However, some players may receive access a day later due to time zone differences. Unfortunately, the exact release time has yet to be announced.

All Available Platforms for Stalker 2

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will launch on Xbox Series X and the more affordable Series S, as well as on PC as a Day One release. Unfortunately, PlayStation 5 players will miss out for now, as the game is skipping that platform at launch. However, a future port remains a possibility, given that other major Xbox titles have eventually made their way to PlayStation 5.

Due to its high-fidelity graphics and demanding technical requirements, Stalker 2 will not be available on 8th-generation consoles.

When Can You Start Pre-loading Stalker 2?

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a massive game, so players will naturally want to download it ahead of time to dive in as soon as it launches. Fortunately, Xbox players can pre-load the game right now. However, this option is not yet available for PC players, meaning they will need to wait until the game’s release on November 20 to start downloading.

Is Stalker 2 Available on Any Subscription Service?

If you’re hesitant about spending $59.99 on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, you’ll be pleased to know that the game is included with both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. This means you can play it without paying the full price, aside from the cost of your subscription.

Is Stalker 2 Available on GOG?

Players who prefer to truly own their games rather than just a license—and dislike intrusive DRM — will be pleased to know that Stalker 2 will be available on GOG starting Day One. The price will match that of Steam and the Epic Games Store, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred store.

Console Performance & PC Requirements For Stalker 2

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will run at 60 FPS on Xbox Series X, an impressive feat considering the game’s stunning visuals. However, the Xbox Series S will target 30 FPS at launch. The developers have stated that they aim to introduce a performance mode for the Series S in the future.

What Are the PC System Requirements for Stalker 2?

The system requirements for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl are relatively demanding, which isn’t surprising considering it’s built on Unreal Engine 5, known for being a notoriously hardware-intensive engine. Here are the detailed system requirements:

What is the File Size of Stalker 2?

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is massive, not just in scope, but also in storage demands. The game requires a hefty 160 GB of free space, so it might be time to clear out games you haven’t touched in a while. Additionally, the developers recommend an SSD, as the game doesn’t officially support HDDs. That said, some players will undoubtedly attempt to run it on an HDD, but performance might suffer significantly.

Does Stalker 2 Support Upscaling Technologies or Ray Tracing?

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will support software-based ray tracing at launch, with the developer confirming that hardware-based ray tracing will be added in a future patch. As for upscaling technologies, the game will support both DLSS 3 and FSR 3.1, along with Frame Generation technology.

Does Stalker 2 Support Ultrawide Screen and HDR?

Some PC players will be able to fully immerse themselves in the world of Stalker 2, as the game supports Ultrawide displays (21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratios). However, HDR support has not yet been confirmed by the developer, so players will have to wait until the release for further clarification on that feature.

How Many Game Modes In Stalker 2?

The developer aims to ensure that Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl offers great value for your money. The main campaign is purely single-player, but a multiplayer mode is planned for a future release. More details about the multiplayer portion will be shared at a later date.

How Long Is The Campaign For Stalker 2?

While the exact length of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has not been revealed, the developer has confirmed that the game offers over 100 hours of content. However, the length of the main story remains unknown.

Does Stalker 2 Support Co-Op?

The campaign of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a purely single-player experience. Unfortunately, the game does not support co-op mode, but you and your friend can still play together when the future multiplayer mode is released.

Do You Need To Play Previous Stalker Games?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has never been the most popular franchise and had been dormant for over a decade, so it’s understandable if you’re not familiar with the previous entries. There are three mainline games in the series:

• Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl
• Stalker: Clear Sky
• Stalker: Call of Pripyat

The developer has stated that Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is mostly an independent sequel to the original trilogy, featuring a new protagonist. This makes the game a perfect entry point for new players, even if they’re unfamiliar with the story of the original trilogy. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself and catch all the references to the original games, it’s recommended to play the trilogy first.

Stalker 2 Edition Differences and Pre-Order Bonuses

Stalker 2 is available in both physical and digital formats. The physical edition comes in four different versions, while the digital edition offers three: Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions. Below are the details for each edition:

Digital Editions:

Standard Edition ($59.99)

Deluxe Edition ($79.99)

• Base Game
• Additional Story-Based Side Quest
• Single Player Extras: 1 costume skin and 3 weapon skins
• Multiplayer Extras: 2 costume skins and 3 weapon skins
• Digital Artbook
• Digital Soundtrack

Ultimate Edition ($109.99)

• Base Game
• Season Pass: Grants access to all future DLCs, including 2 story expansions
• Additional Story-Based Side Quest
• Single Player: 1 costume skin and 3 weapon skins
• Multiplayer: 3 costume skins and 7 weapon skins
• Digital Artbook
• Digital Soundtrack

Physical Editions:

The table below provides all the necessary details about the various physical editions of the game.

Does Stalker 2 Have Any Pre-Order Bonuses?

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl offers some enticing pre-order bonuses for fans eager to secure the game before its release on November 20. Those who pre-order will receive the following:

• Extended Campfire Content: Enjoy more guitar tunes and stories shared by fellow stalkers around campfires.
• ‘Early Bird’ Weapon Skin
• ‘Early Bird’ Costume Skin
• ‘Early Bird’ Multiplayer Bad

Additionally, players who purchase the game on Steam will receive a Steam Pack, which includes:

• Animated avatar
• Animated avatar frame
• Animated profile background