S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is set to receive a substantial expansion of content and technical updates, according to developers GSC Game World. The team also shared details about a PlayStation 5 release that will include support for PS5 Pro.
Engine update and timing
GSC Game World outlined a short-term goal to upgrade the game to Unreal Engine 5.5.4 to harness new features from Epic Games’ engine and improve stability and performance. The shift to the newer engine, while beneficial in the long run, could delay other updates as the team focuses on the transition. The studio is prepared to take that risk to deliver a more robust foundation for Heart of Chornobyl.
New content and systems on the way
Planned additions cover a broad range of gameplay and world-building improvements, including:
– Binoculars and various night vision devices
– New anomalies, new missions
– A new weather scenario
– A Master difficulty preset
– Enhanced A-Life zones with technical improvements and changes to combat and NPC behavior
– An extended day/night cycle
– A reworked loot system
– New stamina and energy drink mechanics
– An immersive display mode
– Updates to the equipment interface, general UI improvements, and various optimizations
– Zone Kit upgrades to improve audio, narrative tools, mod compatibility, and support for creating custom items, plus other technical enhancements
– A holiday event on Discord and improvements to Stalker: Legends of the Zone Enhanced Edition
PS5 Pro and release window
The PS5 version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, including support for PS5 Pro, is planned to launch by the end of 2025. This aligns with the broader push toward next-generation features and performance on Sony’s platform.
What this means for players
The rollout promises a deeper, more dynamic world with expanded tools for exploration, combat, and modding, alongside a refined user interface and more varied environments. The emphasis on visual fidelity and engine modernization suggests a longer-term commitment from GSC to the franchise’s technical backbone, even if it means pacing some updates to accommodate the transition. The holiday Discord event and ongoing enhancements to the Enhanced Edition indicate continued engagement with the community.
Summary
GSC Game World is signaling a significant push to refresh S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 with a UE 5.5.4 upgrade, broad content additions, and PS5 Pro support, aiming for a late-2025 PS5 release. While the engine transition may slow other updates temporarily, the changes are positioned to deliver richer gameplay, improved performance, and expanded tooling for fans and modders alike. A hopeful outlook for the game’s ongoing development is evident, with fans awaiting the next wave of updates and the PS5 Pro-enhanced launch. If you’re tracking the series, this signals an ambitious expansion that could reshape how players experience the Zone.