One year has elapsed since the launch of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl on PC and Xbox Series S and X. The journey to reach this milestone has been marked by significant challenges for developer GSC Game World, particularly due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite these hurdles, the game has now successfully cemented its place in the gaming community.
Throughout the past year, GSC Game World has rolled out a range of major updates, with the most recent update going live this week. This enhancement notably improves the game’s artificial life (A-Life) system, introduces new difficulty modes, and implements various other improvements that enrich the gameplay experience.
In a noteworthy development, STALKER 2 is set to make its debut on Sony’s PlayStation 5 console tomorrow, following the expiration of its timed exclusivity deal with Microsoft for Xbox. To explore this new chapter for STALKER 2 and gather insights about future post-launch features such as DLCs, cross-platform mods, and multiplayer options, we connected with GSC Game World representatives, including Communications Director Zakhar Bocharov and Technical Director Ievgen Kulyk.
Reflections on One Year of STALKER 2
Question: One year after the launch, how do you feel about STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl? Have you met your quality and sales expectations?
Zakhar: We aspire to be objective in our assessment. Selling one million copies in under three days and attracting several million players via Game Pass on PC and Xbox are indeed remarkable achievements. Over the course of the year, we’ve implemented seven major updates, complemented by numerous smaller ones, enhancing performance and adding new content. The game has evolved significantly since its initial release. While updates could continue indefinitely—reflecting our quest for perfection—we are committed to moving forward.
Enhancements for PlayStation 5
Question: I noticed that you’ve incorporated gyro aiming through the PlayStation 5 controller’s motion sensor. Do you think this provides a viable alternative in terms of accuracy and user comfort?
Ievgen: The implementation is indeed feasible on PS5, and we believe it enhances comfort for many players. Ultimately, control preferences are subjective; thus, S. T.A. L.K. E.R.2 allows users to opt for gamepad controls or keyboard and mouse options—even on consoles.
DualSense Features
Question: Among the features enabled by the DualSense controller, which do you deem most suitable for STALKER 2?
Zakhar: Our technical team particularly appreciates the gamepad’s radio chatter and gyro aiming capabilities. Personally, I find the haptic feedback to be an excellent addition—this PS5 feature feels captivating across various titles, including ours. Essentially, all DualSense and PS5 features are designed to enhance immersion, aligning perfectly with our game’s aims.
PS5 Pro Enhancements and Performance Targets
Question: How long did it take to develop enhancements for the PS5 Pro version? Could you share the rendering resolutions and frame rate options, as well as any PSSR utilization?
Ievgen: The improvements for the PS5 Pro were aligned with the overall development for this platform. The enhanced capabilities of the console allow us to elevate graphical quality. Here are our performance targets:
- Base PS5: 2K at 60 FPS (Performance), 4K at 30 FPS (Quality)
- PS5 Pro: 4K at 60 FPS (Performance), 4K at 30 FPS (Quality)
It’s important to note that we are not utilizing PSSR; instead, we are using the TSR integrated with Unreal Engine 5.
Comparing PS5 Pro and PC Settings
Question: Is it appropriate to compare the PS5 Pro version to the High settings on PC? If not, what distinctions exist?
Zakhar: Console optimization is inherently complex and cannot be distilled down to merely porting PC presets. While it’s challenging to provide a definitive comparison, the PS5 Pro version does lean toward the High settings of PC. I believe that comparison videos will soon surface, allowing players to form their own conclusions.
DualSense Features on PC
Question: Will features such as speaker support, gyro aiming, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers be available on PC when using the DualSense controller?
Ievgen: Yes, these features will be accessible starting with update 1.7.
Future Updates and New Missions
Question: You have announced an upgrade to a newer version of Unreal Engine 5. When can we expect this, and what performance enhancements do you foresee?
Zakhar: Transitioning to a new version of Unreal Engine 5 is a significant undertaking, which is why we noted in our roadmap that we cannot guarantee specific timelines. This update should result in considerable overall optimization improvements. For now, update 1.7 has already provided a noticeable optimization boost, which is currently available to players.
Question: The roadmap also mentioned new missions. What insights can you share?
Zakhar: The release of this update is imminent, so I might have to hold back on specifics to avoid spoilers.
Multiplayer and DLC Updates
Question: What can you share about multiplayer plans?
Zakhar: Currently, there are no new updates to share, but we will communicate developments on our social media channels as soon as we are able.
Question: Should we anticipate the first planned STALKER 2 DLC to be released next year?
Zakhar: Yes, that is the plan.
Thank you for sharing these updates with us.
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