It's been some time since the last Stalker game, and it appears that it will be a bit longer until the next one. Subtly revealed during the Xbox & Bethesda showcase, Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl has been delayed to the following year. This was confirmed on the release bracket which put the title down for 2023. For many, this came as a surprise since the game was scheduled to come out on December 8th later this year.
Delays In Stalker 2
The very first Stalker game came out in 2007 where it created a very bleak and dangerous world. Set in the highly irradiated Zone, players took on the role of a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. one of the few brave enough to explore it in hopes of uncovering valuable artifacts. This game was followed by the prequel Stalker: Clear Sky in 2008, and then the sequel Stalker: Call Of Pripyat in 2010. The series was quiet for a while until the reveal of Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl. The latest entry will be the most graphically advanced in the series with a heavier focus on narrative. Due to being a Ukrainian-based studio, GSC Game World has cited the conflict with Russia as a reason for the delay but is confident they will get back on track.
The world of Stalker is presented as highly hazardous and dark. From a first-person perspective, you'll be exploring an area called the Zone that's been ravaged by war and radiation. As a result, the environment within has been altered significantly with mutated creatures on the hunt and supernatural anomalies in effect. As a Stalker, your goal is to go into the Zone, gather what you can, survive long enough to help others, and get out alive.
Despite the delays, pre-orders for Stalker 2: Heart Of Chornobyl are still available in standard, deluxe, and ultimate editions. Players can pick them up now with hopes of getting to play next year.
