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What changed in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl in 2025

216 updates · 27 main milestones · Jan 27, 2025 to Dec 8, 2025

  1. 14 events
    Ward NPC teleportation issue fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the Ward NPC could teleport in the player's field of view after killing noontiders during the Wishful Thinking mission.

    Steam
    Artifacts spawning under ground fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue that could cause artifacts to spawn under the ground.

    Steam
    Texture flickering issue fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the player could observe texture flickering on the staircase after the cutscene during the Back To The Slag Heap mission.

    Steam
    Crashes fixedbug fixMilestone

    Fixed crashes.

    Steam
    Fixed performance drop on PDA openingperformanceMilestone

    Fixed a massive performance drop on opening PDA while the Shadows option is set to Epic.

    Steam
    Weapon attachments from trade window issue fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the player could use weapon attachments from the trade window.

    Steam
    Fixed shadows on Skif's handsvisuals

    Fixed shadows on Skif's hands during the cutscene in the Back To The Slag Heap mission.

    Steam
    DualSense controller dead zone issues fixedbug fix

    Fixed several issues with dead zone settings for the DualSense controller.

    Steam
    Visual artifacts on Richter fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the player could have visual artifacts on Richter during the cinematic in the The Price Goes Up mission.

    Steam
    Fixed disappearing power linesbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the power lines could disappear on approach.

    Steam
    Settings values display issue fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the settings values could be displayed incorrectly after using the auto-detect or reset settings features.

    Steam
    Ward soldiers assistance issue fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the Ward soldiers could not help Skif to hold position during the Assault On The Duga mission.

    Steam
    Introduced fail-safe mechanism for mod incompatibilitygameplay

    Introduced fail-safe mechanism for cases where mod incompatibility prevents users from launching title.

    Steam
    Sprinting while overweight issue fixedbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the player could sprint while overweighted with loot.

    Steam
  2. 3 events
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Launch on PS5new contentMilestone

    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl arrives on PlayStation®5 on November 20, 2025.

    Steam
    Physical Edition Releasenew content

    A physical edition of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be available with the PS5 launch.

    Steam
    Full PS5 Support Featuresnew contentMilestone

    Includes Adaptive Triggers, Haptic Feedback, speakers, lightbar, touchpad gestures, Tempest 3D Audio, Trophies, and more.

    Steam
  3. 21 events
    Fixed Visual Issues for Vortex Anomalybug fix
    Steam
    Fixed issues with A-Life systembug fix

    Numerous fixes and improvements to the A-Life system, allowing factions to expand and contest territories.

    Steam
    Fixed Infinite Loading Issuesbug fix

    Fixed various infinite loading issues related to saves.

    Steam
    Mod Conflict Detection and Notificationmodding

    In-game popup with a list of conflicting mods.

    Steam
    Stamina and Sprint Reworkgameplay
    Steam
    Fixed Player Death After Fast Travelbug fix
    Steam
    NPC Vision & Combat Updatebalance change

    Enemies have improved detection issues in tall grass and are less accurate when shooting through bushes.

    Steam
    Fixed NPC Combat Animation Timingsbug fix

    Tweaked NPC combat animation timings for more realistic movement.

    Steam
    Controller Aim Improvementsui ux
    Steam
    Optimized Foliage and Meshesperformance

    Optimized foliage meshes and materials for better performance.

    Steam
    Added Icons for Partially Looted Stashesui ux

    Icons now indicate partially looted stashes on the map.

    Steam
    Light Rainy Weather Scenariovisuals
    Steam
    Improved Voiceover Clarityaudio

    Improved clarity when talking too close to NPCs.

    Steam
    Fixed Various NPC Issuesbug fix

    Fixed multiple issues with NPC behavior and interactions.

    Steam
    Immersive Mode Addednew content
    Steam
    Added Additional Mutant Soundsnew content

    New sounds can be heard at a distance under 100 meters.

    Steam
    Fixed Game Freezing During Emission Startbug fix
    Steam
    Master Difficulty & Expedition Modegameplay

    New difficulty level available only at the beginning of the game.

    Steam
    Detector Item Size Changedquality of life

    Detector item size in inventory changed to 1x1.

    Steam
    New Anomalies Introducednew content
    Steam
    Performance Optimization for Projectilesperformance

    Optimized performance regarding projectile hitting surfaces.

    Steam
  4. 23 events
    NPCs Can Loot Mutantsgameplay
    Steam
    Fixed Various NPC Combat Issuesbug fix
    Steam
    Improved Chimera Combat Behaviorbug fix
    Steam
    Night Vision Rebalance for NPCsbalance change
    Steam
    New Anomaly: Fireballnew content
    Steam
    Updated Armor and Helmet Iconsui ux
    Steam
    New Unique Weapon: Honta's 'Drahunka'new content
    Steam
    Fixed Various Crashes and Freezesbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    Reduced HP for Pseudogiant Mutantsbalance change
    Steam
    Increased HP for Boar Mutantsbalance change
    Steam
    Improved UX for Weight Displayui ux
    Steam
    Local Save Backup Restoration Option Addedquality of life
    Steam
    Polished Player Stats Panel Widgetui ux
    Steam
    Fixed Zombie NPCs Freezing Midairbug fix
    Steam
    Applied CPU Optimization Tweaksperformance
    Steam
    Increased Damage of Predator Shotgunbalance change
    Steam
    Polished ModBrowser UXmodding
    Steam
    Night Vision Goggles Addednew content
    Steam
    Fixed NPC Low Cover Issuebug fix
    Steam
    Optimized Projectile Performanceperformance
    Steam
    Player Stash Items Can Now Be Sortedquality of life
    Steam
    Auto-Lean Disable Option Addedquality of life
    Steam
    Added ModSDK Support for Autoloaded Blueprintsmodding
    Steam
  5. 14 events
    Fixed mistakes in the creditsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed NPCs spawning in radiation field on Slag Heapbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed mutant teleportation during attacksbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed A-Life NPCs spawning in quest areasbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed NPCs spawning in unexpected placesbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed corrupted sound during credits on Xboxbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed bloodsuckers spawning in large groups too oftenbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed missing interact dots for some itemsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed out-of-sync subtitles for intro cinematicbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed NPCs spawning in the airbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed door to Skadovsk hub being permanently closedbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed twisted left arm of NPC holding a pistolbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed 4 crashesbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    Fixed HUD widgets displaying while PDA is open on ultra-wide monitorsbug fix
    Steam
  6. 2 events
    Limited-Time 30% Discount on Upgrade Packsshop

    A 30% discount on Upgrade Packs is available from August 7 to August 14.

    Steam
    Upgrade Packs Available for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2dlc release

    Players can now upgrade from Standard Edition to Deluxe or Ultimate, unlocking additional content.

    Steam
  7. 2 events
    Fixed random crashes during gameplaybug fixMilestone

    Addressed two crashes that could occur randomly during gameplay.

    Steam
    Fixed door issue in Shevchenko hubbug fix

    Resolved an issue when a door to the Shevchenko hub was closed.

    Steam
  8. 20 events
    NPC corpses no longer get misplaced after being picked up twicebug fix
    Steam
    FOV value no longer resets to 110 on ultra wide monitorsbug fix
    Steam
    NPCs no longer get stuck in each other during patrollingbug fix
    Steam
    Interaction hints no longer disappear after save/loadbug fix
    Steam
    Faust no longer freezes during boss fight after emitter destructionbug fix
    Steam
    Scherba now has dialog option to receive collars during In The Name Of Science missionbug fix
    Steam
    Adjusted position of money and weight indicator icon in Player inventoryui ux
    Steam
    Fixed crashes related to EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATIONbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    NPCs now go to shelter during Emission in offline modebug fix
    Steam
    Context menu can now be opened twice for the same item in looting windowbug fix
    Steam
    Windows Scale option no longer affects game in Fullscreen Borderless and Windowed modesbug fix
    Steam
    The Assault On The Duga mission no longer gets stuck after sleepingbug fix
    Steam
    Players can no longer leave X-17 lab without return option during Visions Of Truth missionbug fix
    Steam
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Coming to PlayStation 5dlc releaseMilestone

    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is officially announced for PlayStation 5.

    Steam
    NPC's left hand position corrected when holding a pistolbug fix
    Steam
    NPCs no longer get stuck walking in placebug fix
    Steam
    Bandits no longer attack without reason during King Of The Hill missionbug fix
    Steam
    A-life mutants and NPCs no longer appear in restricted areasbug fix
    Steam
    New MOD SDK update for Patch 1.5.1new content

    Supports content base from Patch 1.5.1 and reduces chances of game instability for modifications.

    Steam
    NPCs no longer fly away after headshotsbug fix
    Steam
  9. 3 events
    Introduction to the Zone Kit Phase 1 Releasedmodding

    First stage of the Zone Kit for mod makers, including guides on using the editor and managing assets.

    Steam
    Guide on Adding New Weaponsmodding

    Learn how to modify weapons using the Zone Kit.

    Steam
    Guide on Adding New Animations for Weaponsmodding

    Learn how to add new animations for weapons in the Zone Kit.

    Steam
  10. 8 events
    Fixed Scar getting stuck in confused animation after being killed in The Last Step missionbug fix
    Steam
    Lowered armor piercing multiplier for 9x18 ammobalance change
    Steam
    Fixed camera movement sensitivity issue on low framerate with gamepadsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed erratic shaking and twitching of mutants when investigating threatsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed radiocall issue with Strelok not triggering during Dangerous Liaisons missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed duplication of consumable items in quick slotsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed doors to Duga's underground tunnel being locked on user saves during Once More Unto The Breach missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed Sanya Ocheret starting combat with stalkers in The Boundary missionbug fix
    Steam
  11. 6 events
    Steam Deck Compatibilitynew content

    Enhanced Edition will support Steam Deck.

    Steam
    New Shaders and Lightingnew content

    Introduction of new shaders and improved lighting in the Enhanced Edition.

    Steam
    Steam Workshop Integrationnew content

    Steam Workshop support added for user-generated content in the Enhanced Edition.

    Steam
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Enhanced Edition Releasedlc releaseMilestone

    Free upgrade to Enhanced Edition for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

    Steam
    Gamepad Support Addednew content

    Support for gamepads introduced in the Enhanced Edition.

    Steam
    Enhanced Texturesnew content

    Upgraded textures for improved visual fidelity in the Enhanced Edition.

    Steam
  12. 2 events
    Fixed crash on loading savefiles with installed modsbug fix

    Resolved an issue causing the game to crash when loading savefiles with certain mods like UETools installed.

    Steam
    Fixed crash on boot with Simple Mod Loaderbug fix

    Resolved an issue causing the game to crash when booting with the Simple Mod Loader mod installed.

    Steam
  13. 13 events
    Col. Korshunov disappearing issue fixedbug fix

    Resolved an issue where col. Korshunov could disappear after the end of cutscene in The Last Step mission.

    Steam
    Fixed dialog issue with Scar NPC in Visions of Truth missionbug fix

    Resolved an issue where dialog could not be started.

    Steam
    NPCs in Zalissya could not reach final scene locationbug fix

    Resolved an issue that blocked mission progression in On the Edge mission.

    Steam
    NPCs not using flashlights issue fixedbug fix

    Resolved an issue where NPCs did not use flashlights and did not notice the player.

    Steam
    Fixed doors and tunnel issue in Once More unto the Breach missionbug fix

    Resolved an issue where the doors and underground tunnel were closed for some users.

    Steam
    Corrected quest marker location on Chornozem NPCbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the quest marker could lead to the wrong location during Answers Come at a Price mission.

    Steam
    Crash fixed at Red Fortress during The Last Wish missionbug fix

    Resolved a crash that occurred at the top of Red Fortress.

    Steam
    Col. Korshunov sliding to elevator issue fixedbug fix

    Resolved an issue where col. Korshunov could slide to the elevator during the cutscene in The Last Step mission.

    Steam
    Fixed dead NPCs in Dawn of a New Day missionbug fix

    Resolved an issue where the Powerplug and Star NPCs were dead, blocking mission progression.

    Steam
    Fixed dialog issue with Prof. Ozersky in A Minor Incident missionbug fix

    Resolved an issue where dialog could not be started after killing Spark NPCs.

    Steam
    NPCs could not reach designated places issue fixedbug fix

    Resolved an issue that blocked some missions due to NPCs not reaching their designated places.

    Steam
    Corrected quest marker location for Sgt. Ivaylovbug fix

    Fixed an issue where the quest marker could lead to the wrong location during In Search of Past Glory mission.

    Steam
    Progression issue fixed in Answers Come at a Price missionbug fix

    Resolved an issue where the mission could not progress if the player fled from Depot during the attack.

    Steam
  14. 22 events
    Fixed mission stage not starting due to Powerplug's death in Dawn of a New Daybug fix
    Steam
    Fixed monolith NPCs entering safe zone in Prypiat during The Road to the Foundationbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed missing Scar at X-17 lab during Visions of Truth missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed Dark Times mission being blocked due to Jarl's deathbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed Talk to Scar objective not completing if Richter is dead in The Road to the Foundationbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed NPCs not returning to designated places after Emissionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed item highlighting not moving to next item when looting with gamepadbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed underground lab objective starting without Emitter from Powerplug in Dawn of a New Daybug fix
    Steam
    Fixed Simon Dubny missing The Faust's cell during Hot on the Trail missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed multiple EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors and crashesbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    Fixed Find Spirit mission objective not ending after talking to Spirit againbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed Chasing Ghosts mission progression issue after activating tower equipmentbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed door to Forestry location being locked at Extreme Simplicity mission startbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed looping sound effect for entering Ribs' anomalybug fix
    Steam
    Fixed NPC blocking entrance to watch post during The Assault on the Duga missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed dialog with Roosevelt not starting during Legends of the Zone missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed player falling into elevator shaft during Let No One Leave Unsatisfied missionbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed doors to underground tunnel closed for some players during Once More unto the Breachbug fix
    Steam
    Improved voiceover positioning for better audio experiencebug fix
    Steam
    Fixed drag'n'drop actions delay in item container at STC Malachite locationbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed crosshairs not being disableable through settingsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed Richter's body missing after bossfight with Korshunovbug fix
    Steam
  15. 42 events
    Improved Sound Positioningother

    Improved the positioning of various sounds.

    Steam
    Fixed Output Device Reset Issuebug fix

    Fixed the issue when the output device was reset after restart of the title.

    Steam
    Improved Audio Obstruction for Mutantsother

    Improved audio obstruction for mutants' sounds.

    Steam
    Fixed Flashlight Light Issues in Cutscenesbug fix

    Fixed issue with light from the flashlights in cutscenes.

    Steam
    Fixed Looting Blockage from Story NPCsbug fixMilestone

    Fixed an issue when looting some story NPCs could block the mission.

    Steam
    Improved Bullet-Caused Decalsother

    Improved some bullet-caused decals.

    Steam
    Fixed Visual Bugs on Character Costumesbug fix

    Fixed visual bugs on character costumes (texture stretching caused by awkward animation poses).

    Steam
    Fixed NPC Stuck Issuesbug fixMilestone

    Resolved issues where NPCs got stuck in one place and obstructed player movement.

    Steam
    Fixed Localization Issues and UI Bugsbug fixMilestone

    UI Update: Fixed localization issues, improved stability, resolved visual bugs in widgets, corrected text corruption, and SFX for a smoother experience.

    Steam
    Enhanced NPC Reaction to Footstepsai

    Improved the reaction of NPCs to the sound of footsteps.

    Steam
    Archiartifacts Rebalancebalance changeMilestone

    Various adjustments to the effects of different Weird artifacts.

    Steam
    Fixed High Ranked NPC Spawn Issuesbug fix

    Fixed an issue where high ranked NPCs were able to spawn at Rookie Village location.

    Steam
    Updated NPC Movement and Shooting Animationsother

    Updates and fixes of NPC movement and shooting animations.

    Steam
    Fixed Player Lock Inside Ranger Stationbug fixMilestone

    Fixed an issue when players could be locked inside the Ranger Station.

    Steam
    Fixed Permanent Stacking of Unequipped Artifactsbug fixMilestone

    Fixed a bug that could let players permanently stack the effect of unequipped artifacts.

    Steam
    Added New VFX Animals and Visual Anomalyother

    Added new VFX animals and a new type of a visual anomaly.

    Steam
    Buffed Science Suit Anomaly Damage Protectionbalance change

    Buffed anomaly damage protection for 'science' suites.

    Steam
    Added New Death Screensother

    Added multiple new death screens that vary based on the cause of the death.

    Steam
    Added Missing Localizations for Tutorialsother

    Added missing localizations for tutorials.

    Steam
    Added New Night Music Themeother

    Added a new night music theme for Slag Heap.

    Steam
    Improved Shadows from Player's Flashlightother

    Improved the shadows cast by the player's flashlight.

    Steam
    Fixed Missing Guide NPC at Yaniv Hubbug fix

    Fixed an issue where a guide NPC was missing at Yaniv hub after unlocking Prypiat region.

    Steam
    Added Descriptions for Ammo Typesother

    Added descriptions that explain what is the difference between armor-piercing and expansive ammo.

    Steam
    Fixed Transparent HUD After Inventory Closebug fix

    Fixed an issue where the HUD would sometimes appear transparent after closing the inventory or finishing a cutscene.

    Steam
    Fixed Visual Effects of Sleepinessbug fix

    Fixed an issue that could permanently keep visual effects of sleepiness if the save was made during a Main Quest line.

    Steam
    Fixed Phantom Stalkers Damage Issuebug fix

    Phantom stalkers that appear under the influence of Psy-effect no longer can damage other NPCs by throwing grenades.

    Steam
    Added Option to Change Melee Attack Buttonother

    Added option to change Melee weapon attack button in control settings.

    Steam
    Added Music for Elevator in SIRCAAother

    Added music for the elevator in SIRCAA.

    Steam
    Added Idle Animations for NPCsother

    Added additional idle animations for NPCs with weapons drawn.

    Steam
    Increased Damage from Explosive Propsbalance change

    Increased damage from destructible explosive props.

    Steam
    Nerfed Combat Armor Anomaly Damage Protectionbalance change

    Nerfed base anomaly damage protections for 'combat' armors.

    Steam
    Fixed NPC Zombification Crashbug fixMilestone

    Fixed the crash caused by zombification of NPCs.

    Steam
    Improved Mutant Combat Movementsai

    Made mutants movements during combat smoother.

    Steam
    Polished Mutant Ambush Behaviorai

    Polished ambush behavior for mutants when Player is hiding behind or on top of props.

    Steam
    Improved Visibility of Enemies at Nightother

    Improved the visibility of enemies at nighttime by increasing the intensity of the NPC flashlights.

    Steam
    Fixed Various Quest Progression Issuesbug fixMilestone

    Fixed multiple issues that could block quest progression.

    Steam
    Moved Attachments from End Game Sequenceother

    Several attachments and upgrades have been moved from 'point of no returns' end game sequence to Prypiat stashes.

    Steam
    Fixed Sprinting Bug After Chaotic Movementbug fixMilestone

    Fixed a bug that could prevent players from being able to use sprint after chaotic movement.

    Steam
    Fixed Misleading Trails of Psy-Phantomsbug fix

    Fixed an issue that caused some psy-phantoms of blind dogs to have misleading trails.

    Steam
    Improved Facial Animationsother

    Improved facial animations in the mainline.

    Steam
    Fixed Mutant Attack Behavior in Safe Zonesai

    Fixed an issue where mutants didn't attack other NPCs once Player was in the safe zone.

    Steam
    Fixed Memory Leaks in Inventory Menusbug fixMilestone

    Fixed memory leaks issues when navigating inventory/looting menus.

    Steam
  16. 4 events
    Fixed crash on loading save files related to AI logicbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed crashes related to lightning ball anomaly interaction with artifactsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed crash on loading save files with applied effectsbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed crash occurring when moving away from hubs and during Emissionbug fix
    Steam
  17. 12 events
    Improved General Game Performanceperformance

    Fixed memory leaks and input lag, and added framerate lock during menus.

    Steam
    Economy Tweaks for Missionsgameplay

    Adjusted economy for 'A Job for the Barkeep' repeatable missions on Veteran difficulty.

    Steam
    Added Ability to Trade with More NPCsgameplay

    Expanded trading options with additional NPCs at Hubs.

    Steam
    Improved Stealth Mechanicsai

    Adjusted the time of identification of the player character by NPCs and fixed several stealth-related issues.

    Steam
    Fixed Numerous Quest-Related Bugsbug fixMilestone

    Addressed various bugs that affected quest progression and NPC interactions.

    Steam
    Adjusted Weird Water Artifact Effectbalance change

    Reduced the anti-radiation effect of the Weird Water arch-artifact.

    Steam
    Improved NPC Looting Behaviorai

    Fixed a bug with A-Life NPCs unable to properly approach corpses and improved their looting behavior.

    Steam
    Fixed FPS Drops During Boss Fightsperformance

    Addressed performance issues during boss fights, particularly with Faust.

    Steam
    Fixed NPC Shooting Accuracyai

    Reconfigured bullet dispersion accuracy for all distances for all weapons and added randomization of accurate shots in bullet sprays.

    Steam
    Fixed NPC Animation Issuesbug fix

    Corrected various NPC animation glitches and issues related to interactions.

    Steam
    Enhanced Mutant Behavior in Combatai

    Fixed various issues affecting mutant combat behavior and added new abilities.

    Steam
    Rebalanced NPC Armor and Weapon Spawn Ratesbalance change

    Increased chance of spawning low and mid-tier armor while reducing top-tier armor and high-tier weapon spawn rates in early game.

    Steam
  18. 5 events
    Implemented fixes for lost saves issue on Xboxbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    Fixed crashes and freeze on shaders compilationbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    Fixed performance degradation when shooting/aiming on long playtime savesperformanceMilestone
    Steam
    Fixed memory leak at Rostok locationbug fixMilestone
    Steam
    Fixed random crash related to UI animationsbug fixMilestone
    Steam