After years of anticipation and a rocky development road, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is officially headed to PlayStation 5. GSC Game World has confirmed that the long-awaited shooter will launch on Sony’s platform in late 2025, following its timed exclusivity on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Originally revealed as an Xbox console exclusive during Microsoft’s next-gen showcase, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 quickly became one of the most anticipated survival horror games in recent memory. Set in a hauntingly atmospheric version of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, the game blends open-world exploration, immersive sim mechanics, and horror elements and it’s now breaking free of its platform exclusivity.
A New Home on PlayStation
The PS5 release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is more than just a port. GSC Game World says the PlayStation version will fully utilize the console’s DualSense controller features, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, helping further immerse players in the tension and paranoia of the Zone.
For those planning to play on Sony’s upcoming PS5 Pro, GSC has teased enhanced technical features. Reports suggest this may include support for PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) Sony’s new AI-powered upscaling technology designed to boost performance and visual fidelity.
The Road to PS5
The journey to get here hasn’t been easy. Development on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been heavily impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, with GSC Game World headquartered in Kyiv forced to relocate parts of its team and delay the game multiple times. Originally slated for 2022, the Xbox and PC versions are now launching November 20, 2024, with the PlayStation 5 version following roughly a year later.
This move also signals Microsoft’s evolving multiplatform strategy. While S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 began as a timed exclusive, it’s now one of several third-party titles making their way to PS5, alongside other former Xbox exclusives like Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves.
What to Expect
In Heart of Chornobyl, players take on the role of a lone stalker navigating a harsh and mutated version of the Exclusion Zone. With nonlinear storytelling, deeply immersive gameplay systems, and a dynamically hostile world, the game builds upon the cult legacy of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy while leveraging Unreal Engine 5 to deliver cutting-edge visuals.
The PS5 version is expected to include all post-launch updates and content available on other platforms, ensuring players get the full experience from day one.
Wishlist and Watch
While GSC Game World hasn’t announced an exact release date for the PS5 version just yet, the game is already available to wishlist on the PlayStation Store. Fans can expect both digital and physical editions to be released, with more information likely to arrive in early 2025.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 launches November 20, 2024 on Xbox and PC
- Coming to PS5 in late 2025
- DualSense support and PS5 Pro enhancements confirmed
- Now available to Wishlist on the PlayStation Store
The Zone Is Calling… Again
With its debut on PlayStation, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to reach an even wider audience and for long-time fans of the series or curious newcomers, the PS5 version might be the definitive way to experience the irradiated horror and haunting beauty of the Chornobyl Zone.
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