Stalker 2 Roadmap Adds Unreal Engine 5, PS5, PS5 Pro

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has revealed its content roadmap for the second half of this year, detailing upcoming changes to the core game and the Zone Kit Modding Tool, alongside confirmed plans for its launch on PS5 and PS5 Pro.

"Our primary near-term focus is upgrading the game to Unreal Engine 5.5.4," explained GSC Game World. "This move will introduce new features and tools to enhance the Zone experience, but crucially, leveraging the latest Unreal Engine 5 optimizations will significantly improve overall stability and performance."

The studio acknowledges this major technical shift could potentially "impact the timing of other updates." "We're embracing this risk—like true stalkers would—and will work diligently to meet our 2025 objectives," they added.

While multiplayer remains unmentioned—to the collective disappointment of some players—here is what is planned for later this year:

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl's Update Roadmap List for 2025

Engine update to Unreal Engine 5.5.4 (for optimization)Various night vision devicesBinocularsA-Life Updates: Expanded A-Life Zone: a range of technical improvements and adjustmentsNPCs have reduced visibility in darknessNPC combat overhaulsMutant combat and balance tweaksNew anomaliesNew missions from both old and new contactsNew weather scenariosMaster difficulty presetExtended day/night cycleStash loot system reworkStamina and energy drink mechanics reworkImmersive display modePlayer equipment UI improvementsFurther UI updates and refinementsLocal save backup restorationAdditional optimization and bug fixing ("anomalies")Zone Kit — Transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2Audio modding support (Wwise)Narrative toolsImproved compatibility for mods interacting with core game systemsEnhanced Blueprints Modification SupportTechnical Improvements and OptimizationDiscord holiday eventContinued improvements to Stalker Legends of the Zone Enhanced EditionRelease of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl on PS5 and PS5 Pro

"We sincerely thank you for your ongoing feedback and support," the team concluded. "None of this would be possible without your help. Thank you!"

As noted in our Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl review, which scored the game 8/10: "Beneath the technical issues lies a uniquely great experience. It stands out as a refreshingly brutal shooter, captivating players with its incredible atmosphere and rewarding them by the end of its long, demanding journey." Learn more about how Stalker 2 has reshaped the studio's journey amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

For those who missed it, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl's Patch 1.5 is now live, bringing various tweaks and fixes. However, the major highlight—and a significant storage commitment—is the introduction of the massive 700GB Stalker 2 Zone Kit.