STALKER 2 is getting an Unreal Engine upgrade and a lot more in 2025

Earlier this year, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl developer GSC Game World gave a roadmap on what it's working on for 2025. Now, with most of those changes already implemented, the studio is back with another roadmap for the year, and this time, it's targeting quarters three and four.

"We know it took more time than you expected, but we are finally here to present the Game Update List for the rest of 2025 (Q3 and Q4), which includes updates to both S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and the Zone Kit Modifications Tool," says the company in the roadmap announcement blog post.

Alongside other content, the biggest change coming with these updates is a new Unreal Engine version. The studio says that it will upgrade S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl to Unreal Engine 5.5.4, up from the launch 5.1 version. The studio says that in addition to offering it new tools to use to improve the game, this engine upgrade will "lead to better stability and performance."

The A-life NPC simulation system is continuing to get updates, too, including lower low-light vision, better combat AI, and balance changes to enemies. New anomalies, new missions, another weather scenario, a Master Difficulty preset to switch to, extending the day-night cycle, binoculars, night vision goggle options, and more have been confirmed as incoming features as well.

Outside of the game, GSC Game World is also working on the modding tools for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The Zone Kit is slated to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 this year. This will carry tools for audio modding, narrative tools for making questlines, better compatibility with game systems, and optimizations.

"We’re taking this risk — like true stalkers would — and will do our best to hit our 2025 goals. Stick with us on this journey and keep an eye out for upcoming news, including bigger and exciting ones," adds the company.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is currently available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass. The title is also receiving a PlayStation 5 version sometime before 2026

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Posted Thursday 14 August 2025 at 3:44 am AEST (my time).

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