Welcome Back to the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone
After a lengthy hiatus of 15 years, the much-anticipated return of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has arrived. This week, players of the post-apocalyptic survival game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl finally ventured back into the eerie landscapes of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. The game’s initial release has marked a significant success, with Steam reporting over 100,000 concurrent players on its first day alone.
Record-Breaking Launch Numbers
In a remarkable development, just two days following its debut, developer GSC Game World announced on November 22 that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has sold an incredible one million copies. Furthermore, more than a million additional players participated via Xbox Game Pass, expanding the game’s reach even further.
Developer’s Insights and Community Response
Addressing the excitement, GSC Game World humorously noted, “No wonder it feels a bit crowded in the Zone,”via a recent social media post. They stated, “A million copies were sold, and much more stalkers joined the artifact hunt with Game Pass.”However, the exact breakdown of sales across different platforms—such as PC and Xbox Series X|S—and the number of Game Pass participants remains undisclosed.
Challenges Amidst Celebration
Despite the positive reception and sales figures, the game is not without its challenges. Players and critics have expressed concerns regarding performance issues and various glitches that have affected gameplay. GSC Game World has acknowledged these concerns, inviting players to expect “rough edges”given the monumental scope of this project.
Future Updates and Availability
The developer promises that hotfixes to address these glitches are already in progress, with a comprehensive roadmap expected to be revealed in December. The game is currently available on multiple platforms, including PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, and GOG, as well as Xbox Series X|S. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can enjoy the game without any additional cost.
As the launch unfolds, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is set to captivate its audience with thrilling adventures and ongoing community updates.
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