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GSC Game World presented a 40-minute demo of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl to a group of journalists at Summer Game Fest 2024. Impressions of the new shooter build were shared by authors from GamesRadar+, WCCFTech, and other publications.
Journalists noted that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 underwent an “absolute transformation” compared to the 2023 version. Developers significantly improved graphics, level detail, lighting, and vegetation in the game’s environments. Enemies have also become smarter, now capable of pursuing players into forests, not just open areas. The GamesRadar+ author was impressed with the gunplay and highlighted the weapon jamming and degradation system from frequent use. Managing resources like medkits and ammo has become crucial to avoid running out of weapons or healing at critical moments. Moreover, the shooter now runs much more stably, including on consoles.
Initial press reviews of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 emerged in summer 2023. At that time, many journalists felt the developers had showcased an outdated build — the game’s graphics were subpar, NPCs lagged behind or got lost, and technical issues led to lags and numerous errors.
The official release date for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set for September 5, 2024. The title will launch on Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. Originally planned for 2022, the game’s final date had been repeatedly postponed. Development of the shooter concluded in September 2023. You can check out the game’s system requirements in the material provided.
