Stalker 2 - approved or not? First impression.
Hello, Stalkers!
After what feels like an eternity of waiting, the day is finally here—the release of the long-awaited next chapter in our beloved survival RPG series set in the nuclear wastelands of Chernobyl. The advertising campaign was undeniably captivating, with developers teasing us with intriguing gameplay footage and innovative mechanics that we were eager to experience. Expectations were high, and although the game faced multiple delays due to serious challenges, GSC Game World promised to deliver something extraordinary and unparalleled. But do they truly fulfill that promise? I have some thoughts, so let’s dive in!
Graphics and Game Stability
The first thing I did after installing the game was head straight to the settings. Now, my PC isn’t top-tier, but it’s no slouch either, equipped with a solid RTX 3060 that handles most modern games effortlessly. However, Stalker 2 greeted me with low FPS, even on medium/low settings. I understand they’ve used a new engine to push boundaries, but where is the optimization? After tinkering for ages, I managed to stabilize the game at 50-70 FPS, only to encounter occasional frame drops to 10-15 FPS without any apparent reason—no anomalies, no enemies, just inexplicable lag. A quick online search confirmed I wasn’t alone. Even high-end rigs like the RTX 4090 aren’t immune to performance hiccups, with reports of crashes and stutters, especially after loading saves. My first encounter with a bloodsucker? Memorable, but the game crashing immediately after? Not so much.
That said, when the game runs smoothly, it’s a visual treat. While not exactly next-gen, the graphics are impressive. The lush environments, detailed interiors, and meticulously designed artifacts create an immersive experience. Weapons look realistic, characters feel almost alive (though some animations seem recycled from Shadow of Chernobyl), and anomalies are beautifully crafted. Nature, skies, and effects—all solid. If only the performance matched the visuals, my eyes would have been thoroughly satisfied.
Stalker 2 - Real ingame graphics. HUD is minimalist and disappear if you are not using weapons. Approved!
Story and Features
This time, we step into the boots of a character named Skif. With the help of a familiar face—German (possibly the same German from Call of Pripyat?), we breach the Perimeter. Armed with an intriguing anomaly scanner, Skif’s mission is to revive an artifact found in his flat. What follows is a gripping sequence: arriving at a bunker full of dead scientists, surviving encounters with mutated creatures and bandits, and activating the artifact at a mysterious third location—only for a shadowy faction to ambush and incapacitate him. An intriguing start full of questions. What is this artifact? Why was it stolen? Who are these shadowy figures?
The world map is another major highlight. GSC Game World promised a seamless open world instead of the segmented zones from previous games. This ambitious approach offers potential for rich exploration—hidden laboratories, forgotten tunnels, and countless points of interest. Early impressions suggest a world teeming with quests, lore, and secrets, which any true stalker will relish. The PDA remains a treasure trove of information, letting you dive into backstories of locations, characters, and enemies.
Stalker 2 - As i said dialogs in this game dialogs and scenes are really great in captive.
But what truly shines are the dialogues. Both the Ukrainian and English voiceovers are superb, though I strongly recommend the Ukrainian version for authenticity. Every conversation feels natural, with nuanced tones and believable interactions. It’s some of the best voice acting I’ve experienced in recent years—pure gold for fans of immersive storytelling.
Criticism and Modifications you may like
Not everything feels as fresh as it should. For instance, your first mission involves saving a stalker from bandits in a village—a task eerily reminiscent of Wolf’s mission in Shadow of Chernobyl. Nostalgia, perhaps, but I can’t help feeling they could’ve crafted something more original.
Stalker 2 - This guy is really creepy and make you jump from chair several times for sure.
Then there’s the price tag—a steep €60 for the base game and nearly €110 for the deluxe edition. Is it worth it? Honestly, it’s hard to say, especially when fan-made mods like True Stalker or Stalker Anomaly 1.5.3 deliver similar, if not better, experiences for free. These mods offer stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and captivating stories, rivaling what Stalker 2 provides. Here are some standout examples:
True Stalker: A gripping adventure that transforms the Call of Pripyat engine into an entirely new experience, complete with multiple endings. A must-try for fans of immersive storytelling.
Stalker Anomaly 1.5.3: A sandbox masterpie: A sandbox masterpiece offering complete freedom—crafting, exploring, and carving out your destiny in the Zone. Constant updates and a dedicated community make this a go-to alternative.
Stalker New Project: A promising mod still in development but already showing incredible potential. The demo released recently, and it closely mirrors the look and feel of Stalker 2. Exciting times ahead!
Final Thoughts
For me, Stalker 2 feels like a polished version of its predecessors, borrowing heavily from the atmosphere of Metro Exodus. The visuals, sound design, and core mechanics are undoubtedly impressive, but they don’t revolutionize the genre. It’s essentially Shadow of Chernobyl with modern graphics, improved physics, and a broader array of activities like artifact hunting with detectors.
Is it worth your money? If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll likely enjoy the experience despite its flaws. But if you’re hesitant or unsure about spending that much, try the mods first. They’re free and often more ambitious than the official release. I’ll definitely complete my playthrough and share more thoughts, but for now, Stalker 2 feels like a good game, not a groundbreaking one.
Stay safe out there, Stalkers, and remember—the Zone never forgives.
To leave comments, please log in.
