STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Reveals Free Story Expansion Update

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GSC Game World is releasing a new story update for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and players won’t have to wait long to play it. Since the game’s first anniversary on November 20, 2025, the developers have been busy both celebrating and adding new content. In addition to a year of updates, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now available on PlayStation, expanding the player base to include a whole new community.

Xbox fans were disappointed to see STALKER 2 removed from Xbox Game Pass shortly before it launched on PlayStation 5. This frustrated many players, as significant updates released after the removal meant Game Pass subscribers wouldn’t get to experience those improvements. Some jokingly referred to the Game Pass period as an extended early access phase, with a year of updates essentially completing the game, despite it being fully released initially. Regardless, the developers, GSC Game World, are still actively updating and expanding the game, recently announcing a surprise new content update.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Story Expansion Release Date

  • December 16, 2025

Good news for STALKER 2 players! A major update arrives tomorrow, December 16, 2025, adding a completely free new storyline. It includes 8 quests taking place in 7 locations, and a brand-new area called the Burnt Forest, expanding the game’s already large world.

After the update, players will pick up a distress call leading them to the Red Forest. Researchers there have been investigating a strange radio signal that’s been giving other stalkers headaches, nosebleeds, and hallucinations. During this investigation, players can use the new GP37V2 rifle, which comes with a low-magnification scope and silencer, and can be fired in both single shots and bursts. And if the GP37V2 isn’t your style, you’ll still have access to all the other weapons available in STALKER 2.

Image via GSC Game World

GSC Game World has revealed that choices you make in the new story campaign will significantly impact how the game unfolds, leading to different endings and experiences. Players might also discover a new, quieter hub area within the Burnt Forest, complete with shops and rest spots. Although announced on the PlayStation Blog, GSC Game World confirmed this story content will be available simultaneously on PC and Xbox.

Image via GSC Game World

This update is perfectly timed for all players, whether they’re new to the game or long-time veterans. After a year since launch, GSC Game World has consistently improved the game, and this latest update arrived alongside the PlayStation 5 release of STALKER 2. Update 1.7 significantly improves the game’s performance and enemy behavior. It also introduces a challenging Master difficulty and Expedition modifier, but players will need to begin a new game to experience these features.

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2025-12-15 22:04