The first STALKER 2 mods are already on the Nexus in case you’re sick of repair costs or crazy high mutant health

What you need to know

  • It may only be a few days after STALKER 2’s release, but there are already dozens of mods for the PC version of the game available on Nexus Mods.
  • These mods do everything from nerf mutant health to reduce equipment repair costs, with the most popular mods addressing the open-world shooter’s performance problems.
  • The Xbox version of the game doesn’t have mod support yet, but developer GSC Game World did say it would get it at some point.

As a lifelong tech enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the vast and intricate world of modding, I must say that the rapid emergence of mods for STALKER 2 within just days of its release is nothing short of astonishing. The modding community has always been a cornerstone of the STALKER series, and it’s heartening to see this tradition continue with such vigor.


The STALKER community has long embraced modding, so it’s no surprise that within hours of its release this week, the first modifications for STALKER 2 began appearing. Despite the game only being out for a couple of days, there are already more than 80 unofficial changes and enhancements available for the PC versions.

You can take a look at these modifications at your convenience on the STALKER 2 section of Nexus Mods, which is one of the most widely used mod hosting sites in PC gaming. Currently, there are mods for various aspects such as reducing mutant health or lowering repair costs for weapons and armor. The most popular downloads are projects aimed at enhancing the open-world survival shooter’s performance.

To date, Stalker Optimizer has emerged as the most widely used modification for STALKER 2, boasting a significant 78,750 downloads (with 55,140 unique users) since last Wednesday. This tool has been instrumental in minimizing stuttering and enhancing shader compilation speed within STALKER 2 for many players. Additionally, it might aid in achieving an additional 5-10 frames per second, though the impact on visual quality may vary based on your CPU’s capabilities.

I won’t delve into modifying STALKER 2 until I finish my extensive 50-hour gameplay session first, despite the general opinion among players that enemies are too tough and the cost of repairing equipment is high. However, I’m not inclined to use mods that affect carry weight, as I believe having a limited amount that Skif can transport is crucial for maintaining a challenging gaming experience.

One tool I’ve found useful is UETools. It provides an in-game console and access to Unreal Engine debugging tools, which can be handy for players. While it can be used for cheating purposes, my main intention was to navigate through walls and locked doors that were causing issues in certain side quests. Using this tool, I managed to complete those stuck quests successfully.

The thriving modding community for STALKER 2 can be partly explained by its highly successful debut. Within just a few days, it has climbed high in Steam rankings and has sold more than a million copies, an impressive feat for a game not classified as AAA and available on both Xbox and PC via Xbox Game Pass. A post from the developers at GSC Game World thanked players for their journey into The Zone, and they confirmed they are addressing issues like the A-Life 2.0 AI system and controller deadzones in various updates.

It’s important to mention that the starting releases of modifications for STALKER 2 are compatible only with the PC version, but GSC has confirmed that they will also be accessible on Xbox in due time, although an exact schedule hasn’t been revealed yet. A mod system is planned for both Xbox Series X|S at a later date. Moreover, many of these modifications can be utilized on the PC Game Pass version of the game, which is available on the Microsoft Store, as well as those purchased on Steam or GOG. However, it’s essential to note that the installation process might vary, so ensure you read each mod’s individual instructions before proceeding.

Looking forward to seeing a variety of modifications for STALKER 2 being released now, but what truly piques my interest are the projects scheduled for release in the coming months and years – the extensive overhauls and STALKER: GAMMA-like transformations that will undoubtedly add new features, survival aspects, and more to STALKER 2. The original mods like STALKER: Anomaly gave players fresh and captivating ways to experience STALKER during the decade and a half between Call of Pripyat in 2009 and the upcoming sequel, and I’m eager to see how the skilled modders will utilize the new game.

The highly anticipated game “STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl” is now available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. This year, it’s been recognized as one of the top games for both Xbox and PC platforms. With a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $59.99, you might find it a bit steep, but currently, it’s on sale at CDKeys. Additionally, you can play it through Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

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2024-11-23 04:39