Throughout all the delays, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and other setbacks, GSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is finally upon us. It’s out in just a few hours on PC and Xbox Series X/S alongside Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. In the meantime, a new launch trailer is available, teasing the many sights, wonders, and horrors.
Returning to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, players control the mysterious Skif. Their goal is unknown, but based on the trailer, they have a propensity towards fighting. Of course, there are other characters, some who may be allies, waxing philosophically on the Zone’s nature, and others who treat you with hostility.
Though there is a story, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is all about making your own way, whether it’s investigating Anomalies, finding Artifacts, or completing quests. For more details, check out our review of the Xbox Series X/S version – we gave it a nine of ten, praising the emergent gameplay, visuals, and action while criticizing the technical issues.