STALKER 2 PS5 Review—Even Better The Second Time Into The Zone

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So, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl finally made it to PlayStation 5 on November 20, 2025, but it took a while – a whole year after the Xbox and PC release! The good news is, they’ve spent that time polishing things up. As a PS5 player, I’m actually getting a version of the game that’s been updated and improved over the last twelve months, so it’s basically a better experience than what players got when it first came out in 2024.

I’ve been playing STALKER 2 on my PlayStation 5 since it came out, and honestly, it’s quickly become one of my favorite games this year. When I first reviewed it, I said there was absolutely no reason not to buy it. But after a year of updates and now playing on a new platform, I was wondering if that still holds true?

To find out, read on and explore my full STALKER 2 PS5 review.

Is STALKER 2 Worth It On PS5?

STALKER 2 launched in 2024 with several problems. The developers, GSC Game World, quickly released numerous updates and fixes to improve the game. After these improvements, the game became stable and attracted a large player base over the following year.

STALKER 2 hasn’t changed dramatically, but it’s noticeably more refined now. While features like the advanced ‘A-Life’ AI aren’t fully realized yet, the game is a significant improvement over its initial release on Xbox and PC in November 2024.

STALKER 2 takes place in a dangerous, post-apocalyptic area called The Zone. While the rest of the world is largely unaffected, The Zone is a harsh and irradiated wasteland teeming with mutants. This area surrounds the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, the site of a famous disaster.

In STALKER 2, you’ll face dangers from both people and mutated creatures as you explore The Zone. You’ll discover surprising truths, choose sides in conflicts between different groups, and ultimately uncover the story of why your character is there.

This game is quite difficult, and people often compare it to games like Escape from Tarkov and Fallout – a comparison that’s largely fair. Think of it as Fallout, but set in Russia; that gives you a good idea of what it’s like.

STALKER 2 offers a lengthy and immersive gaming experience with a compelling storyline. Players will explore a large and diverse world, discovering a wide array of weapons, clothing, and gear along the way.

It’s worth the investment to secure a copy on PlayStation 5, but let’s go a little deeper.

STALKER 2 is Better Than Ever

I’ve spent a lot of time playing STALKER 2 on PlayStation 5, and it’s truly improved. I gave it a great review earlier this year, but this version for PS5 is even better. It’s amazing to revisit a game after a year and find so many changes – it almost feels like a completely new experience.

STALKER 2 has been significantly improved with better performance, smoother gameplay, and fewer bugs. Over the past year, the developers have added new quests, updated the user interface, expanded customization options, and included quality-of-life features like an immersive mode.

The game looks amazing, even on the PS5 Slim – you don’t even need a PS5 Pro to appreciate it. The landscapes are truly stunning, and the weather, physics, and sound all work together perfectly. The dynamic weather system is one of the best I’ve experienced in a game, and the lack of a constant soundtrack actually adds to the immersion, making you feel completely present in the world as you explore The Zone.

Sometimes the game’s difficulty feels a bit off, but it’s quite lenient if you choose an easier setting.

What I love most about STALKER 2 is the combat. Whether you’re facing off against terrifying mutants or other humans in The Zone, it’s a really engaging experience. The combat system is flexible and fast-paced, letting you play however you want – from sneaking around to going in guns blazing.

Exploring the game world is a real treat, with tons of hidden areas to discover. You’ll find secrets, collectibles, optional missions, and spontaneous challenges as you explore. The world is incredibly well-crafted, and some locations are truly immersive—and dangerous, as you might actually die there!

Expect future updates and additions to the game, as GSC Game World plans to continue developing STALKER 2 long after its initial release.

Verdict: 4 – Great

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl offers a lot of engaging gameplay – though it can be quite dark – for fans of post-apocalyptic worlds like those in Fallout and Metro. It’s a visually impressive game that has had some technical issues, but the developers at GSC Game World have spent the last year improving its performance.

I still love this game, and I’d happily play it again. I’m especially excited about the possibility of a big update or expansion from GSC in the future.

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2025-12-03 19:19