Stalker 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Stalker 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
GSC Game World says there's a reason it didn't give Stalker 2 more time in the oven: 'To make something better, you need to receive feedback, and this feedback should be fresh'
GSC Game World CEO Ievgen Grygorovych explained that releasing Stalker 2 with some bugs was a strategic decision influenced by the need for fresh player feedback and the high financial cost of extended development. He also cited market conditions like layoffs and studio closures as factors in bringing the game to market.
Stalker 2 släpper nya moddverktyg för att skapa egna uppdrag
Stalker 2 has released its Zone Kit – Phase 2, a new set of modding tools for the game. This update allows players to create their own quests and stories using visual scripting, and to add or modify in-game audio, including voice acting, through the Wwise system.
'Can I cry?': Stalker 2 devs say its 2.0 update's engine overhaul was a nightmare—but worth the…
GSC Game World's decision to overhaul Stalker 2's engine from Unreal Engine 5.1 to 5.5.4 for its version 2.0 update was a difficult but ultimately rewarding process. Despite the 'nightmare' of custom code integration, the developers believe the move to a standardized engine like Unreal is beneficial for the game and the studio's future.
Steam Week in Review: Here are the top 10 most popular genres on Steam
A new report analyzing Steam revenue data reveals that sandbox games have the highest 'hit rate,' meaning the largest percentage of games within the genre earn over $100,000. First-person shooters, RPGs, and simulation games also show strong performance. The study used the Boxleiter method to estimate sales based on review counts.
"We're not doing something that everyone [would] do": After Cost of Hope, Stalker 2 devs are working on multiplayer which won't be "session-based" like Counter Strike
GSC Game World is developing a second DLC for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl with a focus on different storytelling, alongside a free multiplayer mode. The studio aims to create unique experiences that deviate from common industry practices, with the multiplayer not being session-based like Counter-Strike.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the gaming team shared their weekend plans, with many focusing on recovery or continuing to play games like Mortal Shell 2 and STALKER 2. Others are exploring new titles such as Sandustry and CleanFall, with anticipation for Gamescom next week.
How to start the Cost of Hope DLC - Stalker 2
This guide explains how to start the Cost of Hope DLC for Stalker 2. Players can begin the DLC organically during a normal playthrough, with parts unlocking after leaving the Lesser Zone and completing the A Minor Incident mission. Alternatively, players who have finished the main game can use the 'New Game' menu to 'Skip Ahead to The Cost of Hope,' choosing between an Early Start or an Advanced Start to jump directly into the DLC content.
Snabbkollen: Realistiska eller tramsiga simulatorer?
This article discusses the appeal of both realistic and 'silly' simulator games, asking readers for their preferences. It also includes a roundup of recent gaming news, including leaks, release date announcements, and developer interviews.
What are we all playing this weekend?
Several members of the RPS team are discussing their weekend gaming plans. Julian is playing the city builder Corsair Cove, Edwin is trying a solo journalling RPG, and Jeremy is working on guides and a review for a demanding but good game. James mentions playing STALKER 2.
August is the calm before the storm for this year's new game releases
August 2026 is a relatively quiet month for new PC game releases, offering a chance to catch up on titles from earlier in the year. Notable releases include the 1.0 launch of Fields of Mistria, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, which finally brings Metal Gear Solid 4 to PC. The month also features several DLC updates for existing games and major industry events like Gamescom.
Stalker 2 studio founder's claims that Xbox paid more for exclusivity than the game cost to make "do not reflect the actual facts", according to GSC Game World
GSC Game World has refuted claims made by its former founder, Sergiy Grygorovych, that Xbox paid more than the development cost for Stalker 2's exclusivity. The studio stated that Grygorovych was not involved in the negotiations and his comments do not reflect the actual facts, with the majority of the budget funded by current owner Max Krippa.
Business and Finance
Sony's decision regarding PlayStation discs could impact a $7 billion resale market, while Xbox reportedly paid more than Stalker 2's development cost for exclusivity. An Xbox VP also departed after only three months.
Steam Machine review: A singular living room PC that's more expensive than I'd like, but too special not to love
The new Steam Machine offers a unique and compact living room PC experience, though its high price point is a significant drawback. Despite performance limitations compared to more expensive custom builds, it excels in quiet operation, small form factor, and seamless integration with SteamOS and the Steam Controller, making it a compelling, albeit costly, option for a dedicated home entertainment PC.
Steam Machine: the big tech questions answered
This article addresses key hardware questions surrounding the Steam Machine, collaborating with RPS for expert insights. It discusses value for money compared to building a PC, performance longevity, 4K gaming expectations, and customizability options. The piece also touches on modding capabilities, Windows installation, and thermal performance, concluding that the Steam Machine offers a quiet and safe living room PC experience.
The future of European publishing is diversity, not concentration | Opinion
Despite financial struggles at major European publishers like Ubisoft and Embracer, the continent's game publishing sector is thriving with smaller, focused companies. These firms prioritize creative niches, sensible scale, and long-term stability over rapid growth, producing successful titles across various genres and demonstrating a diverse and healthy industry landscape.
PC Specification Requirements of the Most Graphically Demanding Games
This article discusses the PC hardware requirements for graphically demanding games, highlighting how advancements in PC technology and game development necessitate powerful components. It details the specifications needed for titles like Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Baldur's Gate 3, and others, emphasizing the impact of resolution, frame rates, and advanced graphical features like ray tracing on system demands.
Steam Now Tracks Playtime for Non-Steam Games Like STALKER 2 | HappyGamer
Steam has begun tracking playtime for games added as non-Steam shortcuts, a feature previously exclusive to titles purchased on the platform. This change, discovered by users adding games like STALKER 2 from GOG, suggests Valve is aiming to make Steam a more comprehensive hub for all gaming activity, regardless of purchase origin. The move raises questions about data collection and could intensify competition among digital distribution platforms.
Steam Quietly Starts Tracking Your GOG and Epic Games Playtime | HappyGamer
Steam has quietly updated its platform to track playtime for non-Steam games added to a user's library, including titles purchased from GOG and Epic Games. This change aims to position Steam as a central hub for PC gaming, regardless of where games are purchased, by offering unified playtime tracking and improved user experience features.
Our Steam Controller second opinion: what works, what doesn't, and what Valve should add for the next one
This second opinion piece offers a detailed look at Valve's Steam Controller, with reviewers James and Julian sharing their experiences. While acknowledging some minor technical hiccups and wishing for better non-Steam launcher integration, both find the controller comfortable, functional, and a strong contender for PC gaming, even suggesting it could be Valve's most impactful hardware release.
Something for the Weekend – 18/04/26
This week's gaming news includes the reveal of Metro 2039 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, and Masters of Albion launching into Early Access. Updates were announced for Battlefield 6, Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, Fortnite Save the World, and STALKER 2. Several games received reviews, including Pragmata with a 9/10 score, and new trailers were released for 007: First Light and Northgard: Battleground.
