An immersive survival horror simulator, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl will release for Xbox and PC on November 20, 2024. So far, it’s set to be one of the best games of the year on those platforms, with many eagerly awaiting the next-gen’s biggest sequel. Developed by GSC Game World, the new survival experience is set in the post-apocalyptic exclusion zone of Chornoboyl, offering players a new setting for landmark graphics and unique gameplay. There are three different editions available for digital download and four separate editions for physical copies starting at $59.99.
Ahead STALKER 2: Heart of ChornobylUpon release, many players wondered about the status of DLCs that were announced to be included in specific editions of the game, as updates from the GSC Game World team have been quite scarce. Many concerns about the timing of DLC releases could be alleviated by the season pass that will be available post-launchallowing players to purchase a single pass instead of accumulating microtransactions with the release of each pack.
STALKER 2 will have DLC after launch
Two expansions confirmed
Although these DLC packs were announced several months before release STALKER 2After the official release date announcement, it was finally confirmed by the GSC Game World team that the two current narrative expansions will be available alongside a season pass for future DLC expansions. In addition to the downloadable cosmetic and weapon extras available in higher editions of STALKER 2a bonus side quest and two story expansions at the end of the game, Echoes of the Past and Shadow of the Monolithwill be available to players at launch.
For those who aren’t as interested in increasing their budget for some of the expanded editions, the developers of STALKER 2 confirmed that there are plans to release more story add-ons in addition to the DLC expansions that will be available at launch. These free updates will include bug fixes that would be standard for a post-launch game, but with additional content and extended gameplay. The option to purchase a season pass will also be available for players who may not want all the additional features at first.
How to get access to the STALKER 2 DLC
Ultimate Edition or purchased separately
If you get the DLC as soon as STALKER 2 is preferred, players can purchase any of the Ultimate Editions, physical or digital. The Ultimate Edition comes with two additional story expansions and a season pass, giving players access to the two DLC packs that have been announced for the future and any others that may be released. The physical version comes with a letter from the GSC Game World development team along with many other collector’s items. Still, at a very exorbitant price of $379.99, devoted fans of the STALKER the franchise should keep an eye on this pre-order.
The season pass and future DLC packs will be available individually at a later dategiving players the opportunity to save some money now and continue supporting the development team for longer. As with any new release, there will also be additional content released in stages alongside bug fixes. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl has a big set of expectations to meet and the early announcement of additional content should give players an idea of the expansive world that the GSC Game World created.