STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Set for Epic 2024 Launch – A Decade in the Making

After a decade of delays, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is finally gearing up for release this year. As the November launch approaches, the Ukrainian team at GSC Game World shared a heartfelt message with fans reflecting on their journey, fresh from Gamescom 2024. Alongside this, a new gameplay overview and the “The Time of Opportunities” trailer were unveiled, showcasing footage from The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

Following the story of the stalker Skif, this sequel to 2009’s Call of Pripyat promises to be packed with mutants, intense anomalies, and plenty of radiation to keep players on edge. STALKER 2 also offers an immersive open-world experience, blending FPS survival horror with unique encounters in its haunting, ever-changing environments.

Speaking to PC Gamer at Gamescom, STALKER 2’s technical producer, Evgeniy Kulik, discussed the challenges faced during the game’s prolonged development. The project experienced multiple delays, partly due to Ukraine’s full-scale invasion by russia in early 2022. Kulik highlighted the immense pressures the team endured, with some members even joining the Ukrainian armed forces. Despite these challenges, the team remained committed to finishing the game, supporting each other through the upheaval.

Kulik shared insights into the development journey, explaining, “When we moved to the Czech Republic just after the russian aggression, we were working very closely together. Even after work, we would discuss the game, make decisions, and constantly talk about what needed improvement. It really helped us, as we were deeply concerned about our colleagues and families back home. We have two big studios—one in Prague and another in Kyiv with almost 200 people—working under the constant threat of bombing and air raids.”

Initially slated for release in 2012, STALKER 2 faced numerous setbacks, including a major fire at the developer’s Prague office and leaked test builds. However, Kulik emphasized that fan support has been a driving force for the team, stating, “The fans give us so much energy. Of course, we’re tired—it’s been a long journey with many obstacles. But now, we must give our best to finish this project and release it to the public. We want to say: ‘Hey, we’re here.’”

Feedback from the game’s demo and pre-release showcases at Gamescom has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the graphics and technical achievements. Fans were also excited to learn that STALKER 2 will run at 60 FPS, the sole performance option, and that the game will feature a vast 64 square kilometer open-world map.

To add to the excitement, Nvidia and MSI are collaborating on a STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl-themed graphics card for PC players. This collaboration enhances the marketing campaign driving anticipation for the release, with STALKER 2 shaping up to be the most-anticipated PC game of the year, designed to “convey Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit to the world.”