en

F.A.Q.

Main questions

What is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is a new entry in a legendary franchise by GSC Game World. It's an AAA-survival FPS with a large-scale, nonlinear story, set in a sinister environment of the post-apocalyptic Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

When is the release date of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl?

The release date of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is set for the 28th of April 2022, and it is now available for preorder. Preorder now and receive exclusive in-game content: a costume, weapon skin and additional campfire songs and stories!

What is the price of a digital copy of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl costs $59.99 for a Standard Edition of the game. You can also preorder Deluxe or Ultimate Editions for $79.99 or $109.99 respectively. The price may vary depending on your region.

Is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl an open-world game?

Yes, we have a seamless open world with more than 60 square kilometers of space, which is one of the biggest open worlds in video games to date. You’ll need more than 100 hours of gameplay to explore its secrets.

When does the story of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl take place?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is a sequel to the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy and takes place in a modern world. The game features an epic, non-linear story where the player's choices will have both short-term consequences and global outcomes.

Is it necessary to complete the previous games before starting S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl — is an independent sequel to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy, so it can be a great start of your journey within the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe. Though to maximize the immersion, we’d highly recommend completing the previous games of the series first.

Who’s Skif?

Skif is the main protagonist of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl. You’ll hear more about him later.

What technologies are being used for the development?

The visual component is one of the most important parts of immersion in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl. Our team of more than 300 developers uses the most advanced technologies available today, like full body and facial motion capture along with photogrammetry, as well as some of our technologies to make your story immersion truly unforgettable.

Will S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl look the same as it does in the gameplay trailer?

Right, the trailer reveals the actual gameplay footage and in-game cutscenes. It shows the level of graphics and atmosphere that we strive to deliver on the release.

Which game engine will be used? What is the version of the engine?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is powered by the Unreal Engine 5. During the development process, we utilize innovative technologies and bespoke tools to make sure the Zone looks as realistic as possible!

Which platforms is S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2: Heart of Chernobyl going to be released on?

The game will be released simultaneously on PC and Xbox series X/S. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl will be available at Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Xbox Store and in Game Pass on day one.

You’ll be able to make a preorder wherever it’s more comfortable for you, but our team will be much obliged to pre-ordering at our website www.stalker2.com.

Will PC and console versions be different in some way?

We are doing our best to ensure an equal level of game experience and immersion, regardless of the gaming platform.

What is the difference between pre-order editions?

You will receive special bonuses with pre-order: additional campfire content, unique armor skins, and an early bird badge for multiplayer mode.

For the most loyal fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, there is a physical version of the Ultimate Edition that includes all the digital bonuses, and also a poster, patches of in-game factions, a multitool with flint, a stalker action figure, a backpack, an artifact lamp and much more!

More info about additional content of special editions you will find here: www.stalker2.com/preorder/retail

Clarifications

What anomalies were showcased in the trailer?

Those are gravitational anomalies called «Carousel» and «Gravity» with revamped animations.

What artifact is shown in the trailer?

In the scene taking place in the swamps, the protagonist has stumbled upon «Jelly», the stamina regeneration artifact.

Will there be new factions and characters? Will the old ones remain?

You’ll see both familiar and new faces. The same applies to the factions of the Zone. Don’t forget that the situation in the Zone is never stable, and it is really hard to predict who’s managed to survive and those who didn’t make it.

What’s A-Life?

Often, the game world exists only in the player's field of view. A-Life 2.0 is a simulation system for life in the Zone. Factions and mutants are fighting for living space, migrating, capturing new places, or retreating to safer areas.

Will there be any new mutants in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl?

Yes, there will be both old and new mutants. In addition, monsters of the same species will be visually different depending on the area of habitat.

A new anomaly detector, "Gilka 01", is shown at the swamps scene. Will the old detectors remain? Will the principle of their work change?

The game will retain the detectors that are familiar to experienced stalkers. We have also added new ones and changed the principle of their operation to highlight specific features and make each detector truly unique.

What locations will we be able to visit through the game?

As before, the events of the game will take place on the territory of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Cordon, Duga, Pripyat, and hundreds of other familiar and new locations will be open up for exploration.

In the trailer, it can be seen how Skif is adjusting the silencer and the scope "on the go". So will there be any more modifications?

There are more than 30 types of firearms in the game, each one with its own set of modifications. The main character will be able to install some of them while in combat, while the more complex and advanced upgrades will be available only through the technician.

The description of the preorder mentions weapons and clothing skins. So should we wait for pink camouflage and overhead wings stuff?

There will be the ability to change gear's appearance, but only within the game world laws and logic. Pink camouflage will not merge with the bleak landscape of the zone, and overhead wings will peek over the shelters. Of course, skins will not provide any advantages or gameplay impact.

Will there be a multiplayer mode in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl?

Yes, the multiplayer will be added to the game with a free update soon after the release.

Will it be possible to create mods?

We understand the importance of mod creation possibility to our community. So we will ensure that modders will have opportunities to create mods right after the game's release, and we will enhance this feature later.

Cooperation and partnership

Can I produce and sell my merchandise, game, comic, book, etc. based on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or other GSC Game World games?

We do encourage and support fans releasing literature, modifications, and other content for non-commercial purposes, but monetizing the works requires licensing. At the moment, the rights to manufacture such products belong exclusively to GSC Game World. There may be licensing opportunities in the future.

I want to buy the company's shares, donate or support the development in any other way. How can I do it?

We don't accept donations or offer stocks for purchase, but you can support development by purchasing our games. Purchase of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl on www.stalker2.com website is the maximum level of support we can hope for.

I want to work for you, where can I check the open positions and where can I send my resume?

You can find a list of open vacancies on our website. You can send your resume there or to the following email — [email protected].

I have an idea and I want to share it. How can I contact you?

You can send all your ideas and suggestions to [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your desire to help and support!