Patch 1.5 for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is now live, adding in mod support, new guns, and a lot more, and we’ve got the basic patch notes for you.
I reviewed Stalker 2 back at launch, loving the game and stating:
The most difficult part of this review is how to properly explain just what a Stalker title is. In more casual terms think of the shooting of PUBG inside of one of the largest game maps I’ve ever seen. This is a 60+ square kilometer chunk of the Ukraine, and it is daunting. The game offers up an easy mode, though any true series fan will play on at least default. You are Skif, a new Stalker joining in on the looting of the zone around Chornobyl.
The Zone is the star of every S.T.A.L.K.E.R. title. The previous three playable areas are all here, alongside more than you could ever imagine. Entire areas may not be accessible depending on your choices. As you navigate through this world you’ll go on various expeditions. Preparation is key, as you’ll need to make sure your gear is fixed and upgraded, and you have enough provisions for the mainline campaign.
This is a world to live in, and I did so for nearly 60 hours in the 6 days we had for our review period. I could see truly dedicated completionists spending hundreds of hours finding every hidden stash and doing all of the available content across multiple playthroughs. In this wild, dangerous zone the Chornobyl explosion happened twice. Once as we know it and again in 2006. The area around the Nuclear Plant is full of anomalies that can kill you in an instant, or zap half of your life away in a flash. There are mutants, militants, and zealots all vying for various artifacts of magical power. So why would anyone ever want to visit?
Patch 1.5
New Firepower: Three-Line Rifle and Kora Pistol
Patch 1.5 arms players with two formidable new weapons, perfect for surviving the Zone’s relentless dangers:
- Three-Line Rifle: A lightweight, bolt-action sniper rifle with impressive range and precision. Ideal for sharpshooters, this rifle has quickly become a favorite among veterans of the Zone. Encounter it early in your journey and test your aim against distant threats.
- Kora Pistol: A heavy-hitting, clunky pistol that sacrifices speed for raw power. Each shot from its limited magazine packs a punch, making it a must-have for stalkers who value impactful firepower. Seek out the rare Night Stalker variant, a unique Kora coveted by weapon collectors.
Expanded Looting: Mutant Parts Trading
Patch 1.5 introduces a new feature: mutant parts looting. Defeating bloodsuckers, fleshes, and other mutants now yields valuable parts including eyes, tusks, and tentacles. Trade these with NPCs for coupons – but first, visit Malachite to master the art of harvesting them in tradable condition.
The Zone Kit: Official Mod Support Unleashed
GSC Game World is proud to introduce The Zone Kit, a powerful modding toolset that empowers players to shape the Zone to their vision. Available on the Epic Games Store, the Zone Kit allows stalkers to:
- Modify or create new animations, weapons, mechanics, and anomalies.
- Adjust gameplay to suit your preferences, whether you’re seeking more challenge, less difficulty, or something entirely new.
- Share creations effortlessly via mod.io or Steam Workshop, depending on the platform.
Future updates will add even more functionality to the Zone Kit, ensuring endless creative possibilities. This marks Phase One of the mod support launch, so stay tuned for future updates.
Other Enhancements
Patch 1.5 streamlines the stalker experience with:
- Further A-Life improvements.
- New Electric Water Tornado anomaly.
- New vehicle models scattered across the terrain.
- Expanded stash window size for better inventory management.
- Distinct icons for each ammo type, making identification effortless.
- Reload renewal, allowing Skif to seamlessly resume interrupted reloads.
For players using the Ukrainian voiceover, Patch 1.5 adds Ukrainian lipsync to all non-prerendered cutscenes, enhancing immersion in key story moments.
Are you thinking of diving back into S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 after this patch? Let us know in the comments below.
