Simply weeks after making its PlayStation 5 debut, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is getting a giant free content material replace including new quests, characters and a contemporary hub, in addition to a further weapon.
In a put up on the PlayStation blog, Stalker 2’s Ukranian developer GSC Recreation World introduced the brand new replace and famous that it could be “utterly free to all house owners of the sport” — so anybody who might have performed beforehand on PC and Xbox Collection X/S ought to anticipate to obtain the extra content material additionally.
Xbox house owners who performed the shooter by way of Xbox Recreation Move when it initially launched in November 2024 might have to examine in the event that they nonetheless have entry, nonetheless, as Stalker 2 departed from the subscription’s catalog final month, inflicting one thing of a stir.
New content material is on the best way to S.T.A.L.Okay.E.R. 2: https://t.co/VGavXyDygk
⚬ 8 sturdy quests
⚬ 7 places to discover
⚬ 6 characters with their very own tales
⚬ Distinctive weapon
⚬ Creation hub pic.twitter.com/P1bkNJW5H7— PlayStation (@PlayStation) December 15, 2025
“Unusual issues begin taking place close to the Malachite on the western half of the map,” GSC says of its new questline. “The analysis teams despatched by scientists have been reporting a sign interfering with their common PDA communications. After listening to it, stalkers have been affected by complications, nostril bleeds, and hallucinations.”
All of it appears like one thing fascinating, if doubtlessly lethal, that is properly value investigating. Eight missions are included, with seven places to discover, six extra characters to fulfill, plus a brand new rifle to grasp: the GP37V2. You may additionally get the possibility to ascertain a brand new hub within the Burnt Forest area.
GSC had beforehand promised new quests have been on the best way as half of its 2025 growth roadmap, which included contemporary gameplay featurs and story missions, in addition to continued technical upgrades — corresponding to a transfer to the newest model of Unreal Engline. Memorably, Stalker 2 launched in a bit of a state, although GSC has pledged to proceed working to show issues round.
“Beneath the technical issues that plague Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a novel greatness,” IGN wrote in our Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl assessment, giving it 8/10. “It emerges as a refreshingly brutal shooter that strives to hook you with its unbelievable environment and go away you invested by the tip of this lengthy, arduous journey.” Learn extra on how Stalker 2 has modified every thing for the studio amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine right here.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You’ll be able to attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social