Update 2.0 for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Will Become Available on August 20

A major update featuring a new engine version, updated graphics, and a host of other improvements will be free and available to all game owners. Players can look forward to an updated engine version, improved graphics, three types of binoculars, and much more.

Update 2.0 enhances the lighting and visual components of the Zone:

• Improved lighting. Players can expect a more natural and atmospheric look for locations, featuring more realistic shadows and reflections both in open areas and indoors or underground.
• Redesigned landscapes and vegetation to make the Zone feel even more alive and organic.

The A-Life system makes life and random encounters in the Zone much more believable:

• More points of interest where skirmishes break out — from campfires to bus stops and other places where stalkers can easily clash with mutants.
• Improved behavior of creatures and NPCs, making every encounter feel less predictable and more natural.

Update 2.0 introduces the "Custom Rules" difficulty, allowing players to tailor the game to their own style. Change individual parameters to create the desired gameplay — from comfortable survival to true hardcore.

In addition, for fans of the tougher challenges, the "Master" difficulty and the additional "Expedition" mode, added in previous updates, remain available.

Three new types of binoculars are designed to expand capabilities for reconnoitering the Zone, identifying targets, and planning tactical actions. Each model is equipped with different technologies and functionality. Players can find them while exploring the Zone or purchase them from certain vendors.

Update 2.0 expands the arsenal with four new weapon models:

• Arev — assault rifle.
• GP3A — marksman rifle.
• SKP — marksman rifle.
• "Fora-230" — submachine gun.

A unique variant of one of these weapon models can also be found somewhere within the Zone.

The update also adds new optics: a 3x scope for Western weapons and a collimator sight for Eastern ones. Furthermore, canted aiming is now possible without equipping night vision goggles (NVGs), giving stalkers even more freedom in choosing their gear.

Additionally:

• Fog is now not just a weather phenomenon, but a full-fledged gameplay mechanic. Both stalkers and their enemies experience reduced visibility and hearing. The "Light Rain" weather mode received a graphical update that perfectly complements the Zone's new visual look.
• A new "Statistics" page has been added to the PDA, allowing stalkers to track their activity in the Zone.
• Bloodsuckers and Flesh can now have different appearances depending on their habitat, making encounters with these familiar threats more varied across the Zone.

Thus, Update 2.0 will mark another important stage in the development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, taking into account years of community feedback and adding a number of technical and gameplay improvements. At the same time, on August 20, players will also receive the first major expansion — "Price of Hope," which will expand the story of the Zone and reveal the confrontation between Duty and Freedom.

New locations, dozens of hours of content, and a return to the familiar atmosphere of the Zone are set to significantly expand the game. The expansion will be available to Ultimate Edition owners, as well as separately for 29.99 USD/EUR, subject to regional pricing.

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