STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl receives a major update with a hardcore mode, revamped life simulation, and improved stealth
The Ukrainian studio GSC Game World continues to actively improve the shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and has released the massive update 1.7, titled 'Expedition', which is the largest since the game's release.
What is known
The developers have significantly expanded the life simulation capabilities in the Zone, added a new hardcore mode, and improved the game's performance.
Main innovations of 'Expedition':
- new difficulty level 'Master' — survival in the Chernobyl Zone has become even harsher, enemies are more aggressive, resources are scarcer, mistakes are deadlier, prices are higher;
- improved A-Life system — stalkers, mutants, and factions act less scripted, respond to the environment and player more dynamically. Factions can capture new territories and lose control over important objects;
- new anomalies and weather effects — added preset 'light rain' with fog and drizzle;
- NPCs and mutants have improved animations;
- stealth mechanics have been changed: bushes now better conceal the player, and enemies are less likely to hit bushes;
- inventory redesign — interface reworked, item characteristics added, placement logic changed;
- updated stamina system — energy drinks can now have side effects (hand tremors, addiction, etc.), and sprint has become more realistic;
- stashes are now marked on the map, and with labels, the player knows exactly whether they've taken the items or not;
- improved stability, increased performance on PC and consoles.
To showcase the main innovations of patch 1.7, the authors presented a special overview trailer.
The update is now available for download on PC and Xbox, and on November 20, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be released on PS5 with all the innovations.
The full list of changes can be found on the game's page.
For those who want to know more
- The Zone doesn't let anyone go: review of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl on PlayStation 5
Sources: GSC Game World, Steam
