The developers behind STALKER 2 are stepping up their game. GSC Game World has shared an ambitious quarterly roadmap full of free updates, revamped AI systems, and gameplay improvements, promising players the experience they truly deserve.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, one of the most significant game releases of 2024, is finally receiving the refinements fans have been waiting for. Developed in the middle of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the game launched in November to critical acclaim and strong sales. Still, GSC Game World acknowledged that certain elements needed work, and they’re now tackling those areas with a long-term strategy.

The studio has outlined a detailed quarterly update plan aimed at addressing the most frequent player feedback. The A-Life system, which governs NPC behavior, is getting a significant overhaul before summer, with the goal of restoring the kind of immersive simulation the original trilogy was known for. On top of that, the developers are planning updates every quarter that include new weapons, expanded inventory options, and refined gameplay balance.

All of the upcoming updates will be available at no additional cost. However, future expansions for STALKER 2 are expected to be paid content. GSC emphasized quality over speed, explaining that each patch will go through two layers of testing—an internal build and a closed beta—to avoid major bugs or issues. One of the most exciting additions will be mutant loot, meaning players will now get better rewards for taking down the Zone’s deadliest creatures.

What’s Coming to STALKER 2 Over the Next Few Months

Beyond performance enhancements, optimizations, and bug fixes, GSC Game World has also confirmed plans to bring the original STALKER trilogy to current-gen consoles. According to the studio, the first quarter was focused on resolving critical issues, and two major updates have already been rolled out. “The Zone is evolving and will continue to evolve. STALKER 2 will become the game we envisioned, and the one you deserve. We’re rolling out updates on a quarterly basis,” the team stated.

Source: Windows Central