After several false release dates, fans of the popular first-person shooter series can now go back to The Zone. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is the fourth installment to the popular strategy game series. In this game, players will once again roam the heavily-contaminated and extremely-dangerous area surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Also returning are the terrifying monsters and mutants that players need to face in extremely-unforgiving combat. What’s different is the level of graphics and atmosphere brought about by the use of Unreal Engine.

Truly open-world this time

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.  stands for Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers, and Robbers. All of these are class options for you before you delve deep into the Zone. The earlier Stalker games are known for their big maps. However, while sizable, they were broken into different chunks. Moreover, the players are funneled through a few specific access points to travel between them. This time, though, the game will be a seamlessly open world.

The post-apocalyptic world will be yours to explore, and no areas will be left inaccessible. The simulation gameplay elements that happen a lot in the Stalker games return, as well. Aside from the mutants and creatures creeping around the Zone, there will also be humans. These humans are members of various factions and they interact—and often clash—with each other. With the game’s A-Life feature, these interactions will happen even when you are not around to see it. 

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will still carry the same scenario of the previous games. The game will still be filled with bounty hunters driven by its treasures and mysteries. Some are running from their past. Some are obsessed with finding the truth behind the mysteries. This time, however, the story will be non-linear. Your choices will influence the outcome of the story. 

Same old action

Fans of the Stalker series are in for a treat with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The game upholds the same engaging and action-packed game that is known for. While it comes with a higher level of graphics quality, the game has still captured the bleak atmosphere that the franchise offers.