“Good hunting, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.”
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl arrives burdened by a legacy, years of delays, and sky-high expectations. This survival horror sequel, set in the chilling expanses of a fictionalised Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, attempts to immerse players in a radioactive wilderness teeming with danger, mystery, and unsettling beauty. It succeeds in many ways but stumbles just as often, leaving a mix of awe and frustration.
The Zone is the heart of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, shaping every moment with its oppressive and unpredictable presence., and its portrayal is nothing short of remarkable. Spanning over 60 square kilometres, the game world captures a desolate, post-apocalyptic ambiance. Every ruined factory, abandoned village, and mutated forest tells a story. Dynamic weather systems add a visceral layer of immersion, from thunderous rainstorms to deadly radioactive emissions that paint the landscape in an eerie red glow.
What sets S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 apart is its dedication to creating an unpredictable environment. The Zone feels alive, not in a bustling, NPC-filled way but in its hostility and indifference to your survival. Mutant roars echo through the desolation, anomalies distort reality, and every foray feels like a gamble. The game excels at keeping you on edge, a testament to GSC Game World’s craftsmanship.
Yet, the game’s immersion is frequently broken by technical issues. Visual glitches, disappearing UI elements, and comical enemy behaviours disrupt what is otherwise a gripping experience. While these are par for the course in modern open-world games, they feel especially jarring in a title that thrives on tension and atmosphere.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is unapologetically tough. The opening hours are a gauntlet of scavenging for broken weapons and scraping together resources. Ammunition is scarce, weapons jam frequently, and death feels omnipresent. This design choice won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s central to the game’s identity. Survival isn’t just a mechanic here—it’s the entire point.
Gunplay is weighty and realistic, requiring precision and planning. Encounters often devolve into chaotic firefights where the smallest mistake can mean death. While some players will revel in this level of challenge, others may find it off-putting. This is not a game that holds your hand or offers many shortcuts.
However, the AI is inconsistent. Bandits and mutants can be terrifyingly clever at times, flanking you or predicting your moves. Other times, they stumble into environmental hazards or glitch into immobility. Such inconsistencies undermine what could have been one of the game’s strongest features.
As Skif, you’re another Stalker navigating the Zone’s dangers, starting with nothing but a vague objective and a world out to kill you. The game avoids traditional narrative structures, favouring emergent storytelling through exploration, faction politics, and haunting campfire tales.
This decentralized approach creates moments of genuine discovery and immersion. A random encounter with a desperate survivor or an unexpected invitation to a faction baron’s den feels significant because it wasn’t scripted into your path. The Zone feels like a living, breathing ecosystem where your actions have weight.
Yet, the storytelling stumbles in its execution. Ukrainian voice acting is stellar and adds authenticity, but the English dub falls flat. Cutscenes occasionally feel disjointed, and some narrative threads are left dangling. These issues detract from what could have been a masterclass in open-world storytelling.
At launch, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 struggles with bugs that range from irritating to game-breaking. Some players report crashes, severe frame rate drops, and even progression-blocking issues. Others mention amusing, albeit immersion-breaking glitches like levitating NPCs or teleporting enemies.
While GSC Game World has pledged updates to address these problems, the game’s current state feels rushed. Comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077’s launch aren’t unwarranted, though it’s worth noting the unique challenges GSC faced during development, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These circumstances add context but don’t excuse the impact on the player experience.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a bold and ambitious survival horror game that thrives on its atmosphere, world-building, and punishing gameplay. For fans of the series or players who relish unguided, immersive open-world experiences, it offers something truly unique. However, its technical issues, inconsistent AI, and unapproachable mechanics make it a tough sell for those seeking a polished or accessible experience.
Play it if:
- You love survival horror with an emphasis on exploration and storytelling.
- You can tolerate bugs and unpolished mechanics for the sake of a haunting, immersive world.
- You’re a fan of challenging, tactical first-person shooters.
Avoid it if:
- You’re easily frustrated by technical issues.
- You prefer guided experiences with clear objectives and quality-of-life features.
- Combat-heavy survival games aren’t your thing.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is not for the faint of heart – literally and figuratively. Its oppressive atmosphere, demanding combat, and unforgiving mechanics create a survival horror experience that stands apart in a crowded genre. But its technical shortcomings and steep learning curve might alienate those unwilling to endure its rough edges.
If you’re willing to brave the Zone in its current state, you’ll find a game bursting with potential and occasionally breath-taking moments. For others, waiting for a few patches might be the wisest choice. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 may one day become the masterpiece it aims to be, but for now, it’s an imperfect gem buried under the radioactive sands of Chornobyl.