STALKER 2 is hardly a perfect game, but The Zone still captivates me like no other open world can

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I’ve played my fair share of open-world games, from the vast expanses of Skyrim to the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout. But nothing quite compares to the immersive, atmospheric experience that STALKER 2 offers.

14 years following its initial unveiling in 2010, five years after its reintroduction in 2018, and two years after the initially planned 2022 release date, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now set to debut on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass. This review has been published mere hours before the game’s official debut, allowing countless players to delve into its open-world single-player shooter experience as they embark upon their adventure within the in-game representation of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, commonly referred to as “The Zone”.

Experiencing over 40 hours of gameplay within a week and writing this review seems almost unreal, considering STALKER 2 has been cancelled, revived, and repeatedly postponed due to Russia’s continuous invasion of Ukraine. Developer GSC Game World has persistently worked on the project under circumstances that I, a comfortable work-from-home writer, can hardly comprehend. Amidst these challenges, many team members have served on the frontlines, provided assistance to their communities, or relocated with their families to the new studio headquarters in Prague.

The fact that this project finally crossed the finish line showcases GSC’s determination, and it’s no wonder that anticipation for the intense first-person shooter has soared this year. As I compose this, STALKER 2 continues to be the fourth most-anticipated game on Steam, and it’s also Steam’s top-selling title at present. However, the question remains: Does it truly meet the expectations? Is it the satisfying sequel that fans of the original cult classic trilogy have been yearning for after a 15-year wait?

As someone who has invested many hours into the initial trilogy, I am delighted to announce that STALKER 2 is the long-awaited sequel I’ve yearned for over the years, albeit with several areas needing improvement. The game struggles somewhat with combat balance, bothersome bugs, and occasional performance issues that negatively impact the overall experience. However, despite these shortcomings, STALKER 2 stands out as one of the most captivating open-world shooters I’ve ever played, boasting a gripping atmosphere, palpable tension, and an addictive gameplay loop that keeps me enthralled for hours upon end each day I play. Let it be known: STALKER 2, despite its flaws, is genuinely extraordinary.

What is STALKER 2?

For long-time STALKER enthusiasts, the nature of STALKER 2 should be familiar, but for those who are new to the series (and there are quite a few), it might not be clear what kind of game they’re in for with the sequel. If you fall into the latter category, I recommend reading further to get a general idea.

In simpler terms, STALKER 2 is a single-player game set in an open world filled with horror and survival elements. The game is based on a fictionalized version of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, established following the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster at the power plant that contaminated nearby areas extensively and impacted large parts of Europe. In this universe, another event occurred at Chernobyl in 2006, causing the emergence of grotesquely mutated creatures, strange supernatural occurrences called anomalies, and unique artifacts with extraordinary abilities such as rapid healing, radiation removal, and protection from the elements.

Regardless of attempts by the military to isolate it, persistent adventurers known as stalkers persistently breach The Zone in search of its valuables to sell, confronting and studying its perils, marvels, or seeking a fresh start away from their past lives. Factions with varying objectives frequently vie for crucial territories and resources within The Zone, although most stalkers remain independent, pursuing their personal goals rather than aligning with larger groups.

In this setting, the game immerses you in the role of a stalker, allowing you to roam freely across The Zone, making decisions about your exploration and interactions with various groups while battling for survival. You’ll need to keep a close eye on factors like hunger, exhaustion, radiation levels, ammunition, medical supplies, weight capacity, and gear durability as you journey through this dangerous world. An advanced AI system known as A-Life 2.0 is always active, creating dynamic encounters with hostile bandits, dangerous mutants, and other hazards. STALKER 2 offers a vast open world filled with perils such as lethal anomalies, radiation pockets, and mutant lairs, but those brave enough to face these dangers will be richly rewarded with some of the finest loot found within The Zone.

STALKER 2 review: Gameplay and open world

In my role as an analyst, I would express that the cornerstones of STALKER 2 lie in its immersive gameplay mechanics and its expansive 60-square kilometer open world. Unlike traditional games, where the narrative and main plot often take center stage, this game allows your personal story to unfold organically – a narrative shaped by the encounters and situations you experience as you traverse The Zone and explore its network of abandoned facilities, villages, and structures.

On a visit to inspect a vast storage facility, I unexpectedly encountered a band of toughs, which led to a heated gunfight. However, a pack of grotesquely altered pigs, attracted by the commotion and carnage, charged through the scene, prompting me to swiftly escape towards a ladder and climb onto a rooftop before they targeted me next. In another instance, I found myself in a precarious position surrounded by numerous soldiers, but fortune favored me when marauders unexpectedly attacked their ranks while they were preoccupied, resulting in a brutal three-side fight that I barely managed to escape alive.

In STALKER 2, the AI behavior isn’t always perfectly synchronized with gameplay, causing enemies or stalkers to appear unusually close to me at times, which can be quite frustrating. However, the dynamic and responsive nature of its AI simulation systems more than compensates for this. Every step in The Zone feels engaging because these systems react to my actions, such as stalkers I’ve aided with a first-aid kit coming to my rescue during battles near their location. It seems that allies of anyone I choose to kill may seek revenge, and completing side quests for factions often earns their assistance, while repeatedly shooting their men could turn the entire group against me.

In STALKER 2, the unpredictable suspense of not knowing what awaits you next, a characteristic that has always been present in STALKER, is amplified significantly. This heightened tension is reinforced by the gameplay’s realistic and exposed feel, departing from the usual fast-paced FPS movement and gunplay. Instead, it prioritizes cautious, deliberate movements, strategic use of cover, high ground, and accurate, controlled shooting. Out in the open, even with good armor, you can be quickly overwhelmed by sustained gunfire. Survival depends on managing bleeding, hunger, sleep, radiation exposure, and carrying capacity. Regular visits to technicians for gear repairs are necessary due to wear and tear over time, and potential damage from nearby explosions or harsh weather conditions.

The survival elements in STALKER 2’s gameplay are deeply interwoven with the exploration of its intricately designed open world, which consists of 20 uninterrupted zones. You’ll frequently come across boxes containing ammo and food items in various locations you visit. Moreover, diligent and observant players will discover opportunities to reach higher ground at points of interest (POIs), where hidden stashes filled with valuable supplies are often found. These caches are typically left behind by other players, and on occasion, you might stumble upon rare treasures such as unique weapons, armor sets, weapon enhancements, and gear enhancement plans.

In the original STALKER, there was an exhilarating sense of uncertainty about what awaited you next within The Zone, and this element is heightened even further in STALKER 2.

In the process, groups of unusual occurrences often contain valuable items that can be gathered with a detector, but do take care while moving among them. More dangerous anomaly zones usually produce rarer, stronger items, and selecting the right ones can grant various stat boosts. However, be mindful when combining artifacts, as many come with negative side effects that can accumulate and create significant issues.

Discovering hidden caches, artifacts, and secrets of this kind offers a tremendous sense of accomplishment, as you mostly have to rely on your own skills to locate them. While question marks on the map indicating Points of Interest (POI) and loot from fallen enemies may offer some guidance, deciphering what a location holds and how to access it is generally left to your intuition. However, should you choose not to use the items you uncover, they can be sold for funds that can be used towards purchasing supplies, repairs, or enhancing your existing gear.

In STALKER 2, I was curious about the gunplay and combat. The first STALKER games received criticism for the inaccuracy of some firearms, so I hoped that the sequel would improve this aspect. Fortunately, they did! From early pistols and SMGs to high-tier rifles found later in the game, all weapons are now reliable with better ones dealing more damage, armor penetration, and a tighter spread when fired automatically. However, a concern from the original trilogy has resurfaced – enemies seem to have too much health unless you hit headshots. As I’ve become more skilled at aiming for heads, this issue has become less bothersome, but it’s still frustrating that even basic bandits wearing just jackets can continue firing after I’ve shot 10 rounds into their chest – especially on the hardest difficulty, as reducing the difficulty level doesn’t seem to impact enemy health.

As a researcher delving into STALKER 2, I’ve encountered a peculiar trait shared by certain mutants within The Zone – an extraordinary resilience that makes them challenging adversaries. For instance, bloodsuckers and controllers require an unusually high volume of gunfire to be defeated, while poltergeists can be problematic if one is unable to approach them due to the extended damage falloff. A new addition to STALKER 2’s mutant roster is the deer mutant, which appears to have an unreasonable amount of toughness and even commands a group of lesser creatures like dogs and boars as its minions, making it more of a formidable boss compared to the previously mentioned entities.

It’s fortunate that encounters with these creatures aren’t frequent, and usually, the conflicts I’ve experienced involve weaker, more numerous ones that demand strategic positioning over depleting ammo supplies – a situation I find more thrilling. However, the most exhilarating battles are against stalkers, as they try to outmaneuver you, creep up from behind, and force you out of cover with grenades, making them consistently intriguing adversaries. Cunning players can also capitalize on their tendency to gather at your last known location, stealthily moving to an oblique angle and ambushing them when they advance towards their perceived position. This strategy is particularly effective during nights or adverse weather conditions when visibility is poor and player-made sounds are overshadowed by the loud thunderstorms.

STALKER 2 review: Story (no spoilers)

In contrast to the storyline of STALKER 2 taking a supporting role compared to its open-world mechanics, it is important to clarify that this isn’t indicative of it being poor or laborious to experience. Quite the contrary, it offers an enjoyable journey with a likeable cast, unexpected turns (no spoilers!), and numerous story elements that deepen the mysteries of The Zone and its factions while intertwining with some of the game’s most pivotal moments. Fans of the original series will appreciate seeing familiar characters reappear in this sequel, as they discover how these characters have evolved and where they’ve ended up since the trilogy concluded, and STALKER 2.

In this story, you take charge of Skif, a newcomer in the mysterious region known as The Zone. A devastating energy anomaly from here destroyed his home and livelihood. The narrative revolves around sophisticated scanner devices that can generate anomalies near them. Skif frequently finds himself interacting with different factions within The Zone, either collaborating or negotiating for information or assistance. Along your journey, you’ll have the power to shape The Zone’s politics by either supporting or eliminating influential figures and leaders. The outcome of many missions relies on the decisions you make.

In STALKER 2, roleplaying takes on a more significant part compared to its predecessors. This is due to the numerous branching paths found not only in main storylines but also in side missions. These choices influence how the game’s events unfold, with some decisions impacting the game’s experience substantially. For instance, you might decide to give a bandit your money to avoid getting shot immediately, but this could delay your gear upgrades and progress. Confronting them is riskier, but one of them might have an attractive rifle, which you can take for yourself or sell for valuable resources if you act swiftly and accurately.

STALKER 2 review: Visuals and audio

One fundamental characteristic of STALKER has consistently been its ambiance – the chilling elegance of a dismal, mournful environment perpetually trapped in autumn’s waning phase, where the whispers of foliage and wind’s wails are occasionally interrupted by the high-pitched yelps of mutants, distant gunshots, and the melodious strumming of guitars around a campfire. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, STALKER 2 takes The Zone to unprecedented levels, breathing life into it through stunning graphics, top-notch sound design, and music brimming with ominous dark tones.

The crumbling remnants of Soviet towns and expansive wilderness stretching to the horizon underscore the complete isolation of The Zone from human civilization. Many parts of the map are constructed using photogrammetry and boast stunning high-definition detail. Although some textures and models might not be incredibly detailed, the richness on-screen coupled with the game’s exceptionally long draw distances results in breathtaking vistas wherever you look. During fierce tempests or lethal blood-red storms known as emissions, the vegetation sways wildly in the wind, creating visually captivating scenes that would make me pause and marvel if I wasn’t preoccupied with rushing to the nearest sheltering structure due to the need for protection.

In the Unreal Engine 5 framework, STALKER 2 raises the bar for The Zone, immersing players in stunning visuals, top-tier audio, and an unsettlingly atmospheric musical score.

In STALKER 2, many game features are seamlessly integrated into the game environment. For instance, when you check your map or journal, Skif uses a handheld PDA, and his backpack is opened during inventory management. Additionally, there are smooth animations for using items and adjusting weapon attachments on-the-go. These details, such as realistic reloads and scope-ins, are common in modern first-person shooter games. However, I appreciate these elements as they enhance immersion in the game world, much like they did in 4A Games’ Metro Exodus. I’m thrilled to see GSC incorporating similar design choices in STALKER 2.

The audio quality is excellent as well, featuring robust Ukrainian voice acting (I’ve mostly relied on subtitles and haven’t experimented much with the English version, but a coworker who also had access claims it’s somewhat over-the-top). There are numerous clear and high-quality sound effects that make battles easier to follow, realistic acoustic echoes, and a haunting soundtrack that intensifies and deepens The Zone’s ambiance. Overall, the audio/visual presentation is flawlessly done.

STALKER 2 review: Performance and stability

In my experience with STALKER 2, the overall performance has been strong, generally maintaining around 80 frames per second (FPS) at an ultrawide resolution (3440×1440) with top-tier settings. My gaming rig, equipped with an i5-12600K CPU, NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti SUPER graphics card, and 32GB RAM, has handled it well. However, I’ve encountered a few issues during my playtime, such as frame rate drops after prolonged pauses, occasional freezing upon Alt+Tab attempts, and infrequent crashes that required Task Manager to close the game. A fellow reviewer has reported severe stuttering, while another found performance issues on the Steam Deck (though it’s been smoother on other handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally). On Xbox, there seems to be a challenge with aiming due to the absence of a thumbstick dead zone.

Within the game itself, I’ve encountered several issues such as T-posing corpse models in areas with high body counts, rapidly flickering building textures, and some side quest steps being bugged during the early stages of play. The first two problems are relatively minor, but the last one was particularly aggravating because it prevented me from completing a mission and earning additional money to help me progress more smoothly.

These issues with bugs weren’t persistent or frequent, but they occurred occasionally. As GSC has been fixing my review build throughout this past week, they have become less common. However, even minor problems can accumulate and affect my experience with STALKER 2 slightly. The positive aspect is that the game will receive a significant day one patch, which should resolve these issues completely.

STALKER 2 review: Conclusion

There’s no denying that STALKER 2 ranks among the top Xbox games and PC games of this year, making it a game you shouldn’t miss if you’re an Xbox Game Pass subscriber. The world of The Zone is hard to forget, offering a gripping atmosphere that few games can match. It features NPC behaviors that react dynamically, intense first-person shooter combat that’s incredibly satisfying, exploration that pays off, and a presentation that’s nothing short of stellar. All these elements come together to create an experience that’s truly unique in the gaming world. The only game I can think of that bears some resemblance is Metro Exodus, but STALKER 2’s gameplay moments are more varied than what you’d find in Metro Exodus (even though it may be a cleaner game overall).

Although it has some significant problems with enemy placement, combat adjustments, and technical hiccups, STALKER 2 still stands as a victory for the Ukrainian team, delivering mostly what I had hoped for in this undervalued series. Now that I’ve completed this review, I’m eager to dive back into my gameplay for more experiences.

I’ll see you in The Zone, stalkers.

On November 20, 2024, the long-awaited release of STALKER 2 takes place! You can grab a copy for $59.99 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC platforms such as Steam, Microsoft Store, Epic Games Store, and GOG.

2024-11-20 17:10