S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl‘s roadmap for the latter half of this year is now available, and it includes changes to both the base game and the Zone Kit Modifications Tool, as well as plans for its previously-confirmed release on PS5 and PS5 Pro.
“Our main mission in the near future is upgrading the game to Unreal Engine 5.5.4,” GSC Game World explained. “This will bring new features and tools to make the Zone an even better place, but more importantly — bringing the latest Unreal Engine 5 optimizations will lead to better stability and performance.”
However, by doing this, GSC acknowledges it may “shake up the timing of other updates,” adding: “We’re taking this risk — like true stalkers would — and will do our best to hit our 2025 goals.”
While there’s still no mention of multiplayer — much to some players’ collective dismay — here’s what’s coming up later this year:
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s Update Roadmap List for 2025
- Engein update to Unreal Engine 5.5.4 (for optimization)
- Various night vision devices
- Binoculars
- A-Life Updates:
- More A-Life Zone: various technical improvements and updates
- NPCs can’t see in the dark as good as before
- NPC combat updates
- Mutants combat and balance updates
- New anomalies
- New missions, fron old and new friends
- New weather scenario
- Master difficulty preset
- Extended day/night cycle
- Stashes loot rework
- Stamina and energy drinks rework
- Immersive display mode
- Player equipment UI updates
- More UI updates and improvements
- Local save backup restorations
- Further optimization and “anomalies” fixing
- Zone Kit — Phase 1 to Phase 2
- Audio modding (Wwise)
- Narrative tools
- Improved compatibility of various mods that interact with common game systems
- Ehnhanced Blueprints Modification Support
- Technical Improvements and Optimization
- Discord holiday event
- More Stalker Legends of the Zone Enhanced Edition improvements
- Release of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl on PS5 and PS5 Pro
“Thanks for your continued feedback and support,” the team concluded. “Without your help, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you!”
“Underneath the technical problems that plague Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a unique greatness,” we wrote in our Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl review, giving it 8/10. “It emerges as a refreshingly brutal shooter that strives to hook you with its incredible atmosphere and leave you invested by the end of this long, arduous journey.” Read more on how Stalker 2 has changed everything for the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine here.
In case you missed it, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s 1.5 Patch is here, introducing various tweaks and fixes, but dominating our interest — and hard drives — is the introduction of the 700GB Stalker 2 Zone Kit.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
