S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is receiving a free story and content update on December 16, expanding the game with a full new storyline available to all owners. The update introduces multiple quests, new locations, characters with their own backgrounds, a unique weapon, and a player-influenced hub, all designed to deepen exploration of the Zone.
The new storyline centers on a mysterious radio signal near Malachite, drawing players into a branching investigation shaped by their choices. With expanded areas in the Red Forest and Burnt Forest regions, along with new gear and progression opportunities, the update significantly broadens the scope of the existing world.
Patch Notes
New Story Content
- Added a brand new storyline centered on a mysterious radio signal near Malachite
- Added eight new quests that can take several hours to complete
- Introduced branching narrative outcomes influenced by player choices
New Locations
- Added seven new locations to explore across the Zone
- Added Fairy Tale Pioneer Camp in the Red Forest region
- Added Old Mine location in the Red Forest
- Reintroduced inhabited versions of Car Dump
- Reintroduced Army Warehouses with new activity
- Reintroduced City Boiler Room as part of the story path
- Added Rail Depot near Malachite
- Added Volkhov SAM location
- Added access to previously uncharted areas depending on player decisions
New Characters
- Added six new characters with individual backgrounds and story involvement
- Introduced Professor Medulin as part of the investigation storyline
- Introduced Banzai, a radio specialist involved in the signal research
New Weapon
- Added the GP37V2 assault rifle
- Equipped GP37V2 with a pre-installed suppressor
- Added low-magnification scope to GP37V2
- Modified trigger group to support single-fire and burst-fire modes only
New Hub
- Added a new player-accessible hub in the Burnt Forest region
- Enabled hub appearance based on story outcomes
- Included trader, technician, medic, and guide services at the hub
- Added stash access and resting functionality within the hub
Content Availability
- Made the entire story and content update free for all owners of the game
- Scheduled update release for December 16, 2025
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl originally released on November 20, 2024, for PC and Xbox Series X and S, followed by a PlayStation 5 release on November 20, 2025.
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