S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

After a supernatural event destroys his home, Skif enters the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone in search of answers and a way forward. There, rival factions, mutants, and dangerous anomalies make survival uncertain.

Explore a large open world on foot, investigate abandoned buildings and landmarks, take on missions, and scavenge weapons, artifacts, and supplies. First-person firefights pit you against human enemies and mutants, while radiation, injuries, and limited carrying capacity affect each expedition.

Maintain and modify weapons and equipment, and manage ammunition, medicine, food, repairs, and weight. Decisions during missions and faction encounters can change the story’s direction and ending, while side quests and discoveries offer reasons to explore beyond the main path.

Positive reviews repeatedly value the Zone’s atmosphere, from its weather and abandoned settings to its sound and sense of danger. Players also enjoy exploring off the main route for hidden stashes and discoveries, and some praise the weapon handling, tense combat, story, and consequential choices. Opinions differ sharply on how well the world and its systems work, with many supplied reviews also raising concerns about enemy behavior and technical problems.