The first downloadable content for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be released in the next few months, and the developers at GSC Game World have even more planned. A free content update called Sealed Truth is coming in April, unlocking access to the X-18 Lab. The developers hint that the lab holds many secrets, saying, “Who knows what’s hiding there in the darkness…”
Fans of the original Shadow of Chornobyl will immediately recognize this location, though it was previously known as Lab X-18. It was used for experiments involving psychic radiation and as the development site for the Brain Scorcher—a large radar dish designed to control minds. Beyond that, the area is also home to powerful, unpredictable Anomalies. While players could explore portions of it in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, GSC Game World appears to be expanding on this location far beyond what players expect.
The main question now is whether this leads into the events of Cost of Hope, where players will investigate the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Iron Forest. The expansion looks set to deliver a substantial new storyline – potentially lasting dozens of hours – with many smaller areas to discover, a variety of quests, and a brand new central location to explore.
The downloadable content doesn’t have a specific release date yet, but it’s coming this summer for players on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. We’ll share more information about ‘Sealed Truth’ as soon as it’s available. You can also read our review of the original game on PS5.
Attention Stalkers! ☢️
A free update, called Sealed Truth, is coming in April to celebrate the announcement of the Cost of Hope DLC. This update will unlock access to the X-18 Lab, but be warned – something mysterious lurks within its depths.
Keep an eye out for more details!
— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) April 6, 2026
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2026-04-08 15:43