Stalker 2 Gets Unreal Engine Upgrade, PS5, PS5 Pro Plans

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has unveiled its development roadmap for late 2024, detailing enhancements to both the core game and Zone Kit Modding Tools alongside planned PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro versions.

"Our primary focus is transitioning to Unreal Engine 5.5.4," stated GSC Game World in their announcement. "While this brings improved visuals and tools, the critical upgrade lies in the engine's optimizations - delivering smoother performance and greater stability throughout the Zone."

The studio acknowledges this major technical overhaul might "impact other update timelines," but affirms: "We're embracing this challenge like true stalkers, fully committed to achieving our 2025 objectives."

While multiplayer features remain conspicuously absent from the roadmap (despite fan expectations), here's the planned development timeline:

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl 2025 Development Roadmap

• Engine upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.5.4 (performance optimization)
• Expanded night vision equipment options
• Binocular implementation
• A-Life System enhancements: Technical upgrades across the Zone
• Darkness visibility restrictions for NPCs
• NPC combat behavior improvements
• Mutant encounters rebalancing
• New anomalous zones introduction
• Additional storyline missions (new and returning characters)
• Expanded weather systems
• Master difficulty setting
• Extended day/night cycle
• Stash loot system overhaul
• Stamina mechanics and consumable items rework
• Immersive HUD setting
• Equipment UI modernization
• Interface quality-of-life improvements
• Local save backup functionality
• Ongoing performance optimization and bug fixes
• Zone Kit modding tools advancement (Phase 1 to Phase 2)
• Audio modding support (Wwise integration)
• Expanded narrative creation tools
• Improved cross-mod compatibility
• Enhanced blueprint modification capacity
• Technical refinements and optimization
• Discord community holiday event
• Legends of the Zone Enhanced Edition improvements
• PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro release

"We deeply appreciate our community's ongoing feedback and support," the developer statement concluded. "These achievements wouldn't be possible without you."

Our S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl review (scored 8/10) noted: "Beyond its technical challenges lies a uniquely immersive experience - delivering punishing FPS combat within one of gaming's most atmospheric open worlds, rewarding players who endure its brutal journey." Read our coverage on how Russia's invasion transformed GSC Game World's development process.

Additionally, version 1.5 recently launched featuring numerous fixes - though the 700GB Zone Kit modding tools release has become the headline feature consuming storage space worldwide.