After a fifteen-year wait, STALKER 2 has finally here, and it’s jam-packed with content. After mastering the post-apocalyptic shooter with our help, you’ll want to monitor your progress through the Chornobyl exclusion zone because it’s a lengthy game.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is estimated to take 25–40 hours to complete, depending on factors like difficulty level, play style, and the number of side missions undertaken. The game offers a deep and immersive experience with its open-world exploration and branching choices that affect the ending​.

STALKER 2: Main Missions

The main storyline features numerous quests that guide the player through the Zone. Some notable missions include:

• There and Back Again: Introduction to the Zone after an artifact disrupts the protagonist’s life.
• Behind Seven Seals: Gather information and confront challenging obstacles.
• Deal with the Devil: Engage with a warlord for vital information.
• To the Last Drop of Blood / Law and Order: Key missions where player choices significantly affect outcomes.
• The Last Wish / Eye of the Storm: Final missions leading to the game’s conclusion​.

Side Quests

Optional side missions include:

• Dangerous Visitors and Dogfight in the Lesser Zone.
• Deceive the Deceiver in the Garbage area.
• For Science! and Uninvited Guests in the Chemical Plant. These side quests offer rare rewards and additional lore about the Zone​

The missions are represented by different markers on the map (orange for main, blue for side) and allow for significant exploration and faction alignment choices, adding replayability.

How Long to Beat STALKER 2

If you simply concentrate on the primary tasks, STALKER 2 should take you 30 to 40 hours to complete on average. You should plan on staying in the zone for almost 100 hours if you’re more of a completionist. Below is a list of all the major missions so you can monitor your progress.

The main plot of STALKER 2 consists of 35 missions, some of which are divided into smaller sections according on the decisions you make. Since you will be locked out of the open world once you begin the “Down Below” objective, you should probably complete any other side missions before beginning it because it is the point of no return.

STALKER: Mission

Here is every main mission in STALKER 2:

1. There and Back Again
2. Behind Seven Seals
   1. A Tough Awakening
   2. A Needle in a Haystack
   3. A Race Against Death
3. Answers Come at a Price
4. The Price Goes Up
5. Deal with the Devil
   1. King of the Hill
6. Back to Slag Heap
7. Hot on the Trail
8. Chasing Ghosts
9. Dead Frequency 9a. Like a Moth to the Flame
10. In Search of a Guide
11. Ad Astra per Aspera
12. Extreme Simplicity
13. In Search of a Miracle
    1. A Long Overdue Visit
    2. The Forge of Progress
    3. Wishful Thinking
14. To the Last Drop of Blood/Law and Order
15. Just Like the Good Old Days
16. The Hornet’s Nest
17. An Invisible Threat
18. Dawn of a New Day
19. The Assault on the Duga
20. A Minor Incident
21. In Search of Past Glory
22. Once More Unto the Breach
23. Happiness for Everyone
24. Visions of Truth
25. Dark Times
26. An Act of Mercy
27. Legends of the Zone
28. Subtle Matter
29. Dangerous Liaisons
30. Escape from the Cage
31. The Boundary
32. The Road to the Foundation
33. Down Below (Point of No Return)
34. Eye of the Storm/The Last Wish/Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death
35. The Last Step/The Eternal Shining/Let No One Leave Unsatisfied

FAQs

1. What is STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl about?

STALKER 2 is a first-person open-world survival horror game developed by GSC Game World. Set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, players assume the role of a stalker who explores the zone, battles mutants, and navigates anomalies while unraveling its secrets. The game is known for its immersive atmosphere and dynamic narrative influenced by player choices.

2. When is the release date of STALKER 2?

The release date for STALKER 2 is currently set for December 2024, following several delays due to development challenges and external factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.

3. Which platforms will STALKER 2 be available on?

STALKER 2 will be available on:

• Xbox Series X|S
• PC
  The game will also be included in Xbox Game Pass from launch. There has been no announcement for PlayStation platforms as of now.

4. What are the key features of STALKER 2?

Key features include:

• Immersive open-world: A vast, dynamic world with day-night cycles and weather systems.
• Player-driven narrative: Choices impact the story’s outcome and relationships with in-game factions.
• Survival mechanics: Players manage resources, health, and stamina while combating mutants and anomalies.
• Cutting-edge visuals: Built using Unreal Engine 5, it promises stunning graphics and realistic environments.

5. Will STALKER 2 have multiplayer?

While the game primarily focuses on a single-player experience, GSC Game World has confirmed that a multiplayer mode will be introduced post-launch as a free update.