STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now available on PlayStation 5, marking a significant milestone exactly a year after its initial debut on PC and Xbox Series S|X. This release follows the conclusion of a timed exclusivity agreement with Microsoft, expanding the game’s reach to eager PlayStation enthusiasts.
Upcoming Features and Developments
In the lead-up to the PS5 launch, there was keen interest in the additional content and features GSC Game World had in development. Although the Ukrainian studio had previously indicated plans to integrate multiplayer, cross-platform mods, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing, updates on these fronts remain elusive. Yet, there’s exciting news on the horizon: the first DLC for STALKER 2 is slated for a 2026 release. The Ultimate Edition of the game continues to promise two future expansions along with all subsequent DLCs.
Technical Enhancements
The studio is exploring an upgrade to a newer version of Unreal Engine 5, which promises to enhance optimization significantly. This process, however, is complex and time-consuming, with no set timeline. Currently, players can benefit from update 1.7, which has already delivered notable optimization improvements.
Performance and Sales Success
The performance of STALKER 2 has been impressive, with sales reaching one million copies in just three days and millions engaging through Game Pass on PC and Xbox. Over the past year, the game has seen seven major updates and numerous smaller ones, enhancing both performance and content. The game has evolved substantially since its launch, and the developers remain committed to ongoing improvements, mirroring the ever-evolving world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
One million copies sold in under three days and several million players through Game Pass are considered a success, reflecting the game’s strong reception and ongoing development.
Have you experienced STALKER 2 on PC or Xbox, or are you planning to dive in on the PlayStation 5? Share your thoughts on this much-anticipated sequel.
[category]Adventure/Open World[/category]