STALKER 2 Receives Major Update Just Ahead of Launch

GSC Game World has just unleashed a significant update for STALKER 2 ahead of its launch, dropping on November 18, two days before the game hits shelves. Clocking in at nearly 140GB, this patch essentially revamps the majority of the game’s initial preload version. Xbox Series X/S users will be the only ones to receive this sizable update for now, as PC preloading isn’t currently available for STALKER 2.

The game, officially titled STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, has undergone its first major update even before its release. However, it’s an update that will only grab the attention of those who have preloaded the game. With six years of development and four significant delays—one linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine—STALKER 2 finally ‘went gold’ in early November 2024. It’s set to make its long-anticipated debut on November 20.

Spanning an impressive 138.9GB, this update nearly mirrors the initial preload size of 146.7GB that was released on November 11. According to Xbox users on social media, once the patch is installed, there’s little change in total storage, suggesting it mainly overwrites existing files. Gamers planning to dive into STALKER 2 will find their console storage used up to approximately the same 150GB as the preload.

A noteworthy detail: this initial update is strictly for Xbox Series X and Series S consoles. The STALKER 2 PC version, available through platforms like Steam, Xbox Store, and Epic Games Store, hasn’t opened for preloading yet. Any cross-platform adjustments included within the update are expected to merge with the PC build on launch day. As is customary for pre-release patches, GSC Game World hasn’t shared a detailed changelog along with the update.

Mark your calendars for a global launch as STALKER 2 goes live on November 20 at 8am PST / 11am EST / 5pm CET. If you’re on Xbox and eager to start playing as soon as it releases, make sure your console has already installed the patch—especially if you’re not on a high-speed connection. Thankfully, Xbox consoles often manage downloads autonomously in sleep mode, provided you have the “Keep my games and apps up to date” option switched on in System Settings.

PC gamers have some preparation of their own: GSC recently announced that STALKER 2 would demand robust hardware. For smooth gameplay at 60fps and 1440p, they recommend hefty specs including a GeForce RTX 3070 Ti or Radeon RX 6800 XT, 32GB of RAM, and processors like the Intel Core i7-11700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.

In essence, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the next chapter in a celebrated series from GSC Game World. Blending a first-person shooter experience with immersive simulation and horror elements, it invites players to explore the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone’s dynamic and perilous setting. This enormous open world promises rare artifacts for those daring enough to seek them, though personal risk is high. Every decision shapes not just your narrative but potentially the world’s destiny, as you navigate the Zone’s myriad dangers.