Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobylhas had quite a journey since the game’s initial release, but despite technical issues and overcoming harsh real-world conditions throughout development, the game has generally been met with surprising success. In addition to two DLCs and a multiplayer game mode previously announced, following the game’s success, the development studio behindStalker 2has committed to continue supporting the game long after its release.
BeyondStalker 2’s planned DLCs and future updates, the studio should consider another specific feature that could be a highly beneficial addition to the RPG, a new game plus. Such a feature could incentivize players to experience the full story and collect some of the best gear that players may have missed on their initial playthrough, overall helping to improve the game’s replayability while also allowing players to grow their arsenal in preparation for the upcoming PvP game modes. So, while there are still rough edges to address and big DLCs already planned for the game,Stalker 2arguably needs a new game plus feature above all else.
The Case for a New Game Plus Feature in Stalker 2
Stalker 2’s Community Mods May Not Be a Permanent Solution
By now, there are already multiplecommunity mods forStalker 2that players can use to achieve the effects of a new game plus, generally by nature starting a new playthrough with every item already unlocked. However, moddingStalker 2might come with some unforeseen side effects when the game’s multiplayer game mode releases. Considering that some ofStalker 2’s PvP game modes will allow players to carry over items earned through the campaign, mods that let players directly spawn in weapons, armor, and other gear may be considered cheating.
Stalker 2’s PvP game modes will be available as a free update for all players. The release date for this update is currently unknown, though a roadmap forStalker 2’s future updatesis expected to be revealed in January 2025.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen how mods will affectStalker 2’s upcoming PvP multiplayer, though it’s safe to assume that there may be some restrictions set in place to prevent players from cheating and/or using mods in multiplayer. Consequently, making a new game plus an official addition toStalker 2would be a much more ideal solution rather than relying on community mods that could potentially prevent players from participating in multiplayer game modes.
A New Game Plus Feature Could Improve Stalker 2’s Replayability
Another reason why a new game plus feature could be a great addition toStalker 2is to encourage players to fully experience the game’s story. Many branching questlines can lead todifferent endings inStalker 2depending on some of the choices players make throughout the game. Several side quests have different outcomes, so only playing one playthrough of the game means that players will naturally miss out on a lot of unique story moments.
Not only are there multiple endings that depend on players' choices throughoutStalker 2, but there are also some unique rewards tied to some of these quests that players can potentially miss. Since some of theseunique weapons and armor sets inStalker 2will likely be transferable to the upcoming PvP multiplayer game mode, players who want to gain an upper hand against their opponents by having an expanded arsenal may want to consider playing multiple playthroughs to unlock these unique quest rewards. Hence, why a new game plus where players could retain their gear from past playthroughs would be a convenient way for players to take on the task of completing additional playthroughs ofStalker 2.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
WHERE TO PLAY
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a sequel to the award-winning game franchise developed by GSC Game World. Experience one-of-a-kind gameplay, featuring the elements of a first-person shooter, immersive sim, and horror. The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone is a unique, dangerous and ever-changing environment. It promises a lot — the artifacts of unbelievable value can be yours if you dare to claim them. The price you may pay, on the other hand, is no less than your own life. One of the biggest open-worlds to date, filled with radiation, mutants and anomalies, is yours to explore. All the choices across the way not only define your own epic story, but influence the future itself. Be mindful about what you see, do and plan, as you will have to find your way through the Zone or be forever lost to it.
