Another year out of the possible release years: a document from GSC Game World confirms that the full-fledged second part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. will not be released in 2023.

The Ukrainian studio’s fact sheet PDF openly states that the game is not scheduled for release in 2023, but in the first quarter of 2024, which means that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl could be released as early as January, but the game, previously scheduled for April 2022, will be available in March at the latest after its development was disrupted when Russia launched a war against Ukraine.

Chornobyl Exclusion Zone changed dramatically after the second massive explosion in 2006. Violent mutants, deadly anomalies, and warring factions have made the Zone a tough place to survive. It turned out that the center of the Zone hides the source of incredible power. Nevertheless, artifacts of unbelievable value attracted many people called S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s, who entered the Zone for their own risk, striving to make a fortune or even to find the truth concealed in the Heart of Chernobyl.

Take over the role of the lone stalker and explore a photorealistic, seamless open world in a 64-km² radioactive zone with various environments that reveal a post-apocalyptic atmosphere from different angles. Go through the Zone to define your destiny as you choose your paths within a highly branching epic story.

Meet members of different factions, deciding which is worth your friendship and who deserves a bullet. Engage in intense gunfights with various enemies that follow other tactics trying to outsmart you. Choose your preferred firearms from 30+ types of weapons with numerous modifications that allow the creation of hundreds of distinctive lethal combinations. Prepare to encounter horrifying mutated creatures that will try to slaughter you following different behavior models. Each mutant may appear in different subtypes, which makes their behavior less predictable. Truly extreme danger represents regions with lairs with numerous mutants hunting in large groups.

The Zone’s most valuable artifacts and secrets are hidden in the most dangerous places. Beware of the hazardous anomalies and unique devastating arch anomalies as you hunt for precious antiques scattered around the Zone. Will you dare to unveil the mysteries of the Zone that took the lives of many others before you?

[A] unique gameplay built on a blend of FPS, horror, and immersive sim. [A] non-linear story with various paths that lead to one of the several endings. Benchmark-setting graphics developed using cutting-edge photogrammetric and scanning technologies. Advanced artificial intelligence systems that will keep engaged even the most hard-boiled players. The life-simulating system “A-life 2.0” makes the game world feel as alive as ever. Immersive survival mechanics like hunger, sleeping, bleeding, and radiation effects enrich the gameplay. Dynamic day-night cycle and weather will add more realism to the gameplay experience. Mod support allows the creative players to extend and enhance the game universe.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be released in the first quarter of 2024 for Xbox Series and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store). It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass.

Source: Gematsu