Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl finally has an exact release date, although it's later in the year than fans initially expected.
Specifically, Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl will now release on September 5, after being pushed back from the previously announced vague Q1 release window. In a statement announcing the news, Ukrainian developer GSC Game World confirmed that this is “for the sake of another wave of polishing.”
Expanding on this, the developer explained that after Gamescom 2023, where attendees could experience Stalker 2 for the first time, the team concluded that “on the technical side, the game apparently needed more time in the oven.” This was despite the fact that, positively, “it absolutely felt and played like a Stalker match”, which was the main intention of the team.
“Throughout the frankly challenging development process, time was of the essence for the team,” the statement read. “Seeing the extent of the polish and understanding the limits of player patience, GSC was absolutely dedicated to releasing the game in the first quarter of 2024. However, that doesn't change the fact that as of earlier this year, we still certain technical imperfections remain. hold Stalker 2 below the expected standards for the final experience that fans expect.
“This extended journey to launch will be supported by much more in-game content to be shared later this year.”
Stalker 2 has faced numerous challenges throughout its development process, which the game's director, Evgeniy Grygorovych, addressed during the game's acceptance speech. 'Most Wanted' game award at PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted last year. At that time he said: “[Stalker 2] It was ambitious from the beginning, but it evolved into a final challenge. “It has extreme meaning and a deeply personal connection for us, crafted amid the most stressful conditions imaginable, including pandemic, war, relocation, cyberattacks, threats to life, and more.”
Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl is scheduled to release on PC and Xbox Series|S.
For more exciting games releasing this year, be sure to check out our roundup of Upcoming games. To play something right now, you can read our recommendations for the best Xbox Series X games and best pc games.
