With 2021's gaming year almost in rear view, it's time to start looking ahead to the 2022, which promises to be one of the most exciting years for the industry in a while. Of all the high profile titles slated to arrive next year, few are more fascinating than STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl (styalized S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2,) the long awaited sequel to STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, which first released over 14 years ago. As the game approaches release in just over 4 months, GSC Game World has revealed new screenshots of the Unreal Engine 5 powered Xbox Series X timed console exclusive.
STALKER 2 was initially announced all the way back in 2010 with an intended release of 2012, however after the developer was hit by major financial issues and layoffs, the game was officially canceled in 2011 when GSC Game World was dissolved. Many of the developers working on the STALKER series would go on to found 4A Games and create the now beloved Metro franchise, however in 2014 GSC Game World would return. The game was finally revealed during Xbox and Bethesda's E3 2021 conference, where STALKER 2 was revealed that it will be a timed Xbox Series X/S console exclusive also launching as part of Xbox Game Pass.
Back in August, GSC Game World announced that the game will be running on Epic's latest version of its Unreal Engine technology, Unreal Engine 5. Now GSC Game World has revealed new screenshots showcasing the beautifully desolate world of STALKER 2's take on Chernobyl (which you can view here). This comes alongside a feature in the latest issue of PC Gamer magazine, which details the game's multiple factions that the player can allign themselves with similar to games like Fallout. The developer also mentions that STALKER 2 will introduce more survival elements to the series, involving the protagonist requiring food and rest before a rapid loss of stamina or sight deterioration begins to affect gameplay.
The developer also revealed that STALKER 2 will be a lengthy game, with over 30 quest designers actively working on the game's story. The studio currently estimates that the game will take the average player over 100 hours to beat, and that the optional factions throughout the game will offer a huge level of replayabilty on top of the main and optional quests.
If what GSC Game World is promising about STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl is true, it could go down as one of the biggest games of 2022. While not much of the game has been shown yet, it could show up at The Game Awards, as Microsoft has teased multiple announcements for the event.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl will release on PC and Xbox Series X/S on April 28th 2022. The game is planned to be a three-month Xbox console timed exclusive.