The countdown is on for the launch of open-world survival game STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl.
STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl has a November 20 release date on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
According to the official countdown timer, STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl has a 4pm GMT release time for players living in the UK. That’s 8am PST for US fans.
The game costs £49.99 for the standard edition, £65.99 for the Deluxe Edition and £89.99 for the Ultimate Edition.
However, if you’re a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber or PC Game Pass member, you can play the new release for free with your membership.
It’s worth pre-loading the game ahead of launch, especially if you want to start playing the moment it goes live.
The different editions come with various in-game bonuses to help you along the way.
This includes weapons such as the PTM pistol, the AR416 Monolith, the Integral-A SMG Riemann, the Lavina SA Assault Rifle, the M701 Sniper Rifle and the M860 Shotgun.
That’s on top of Suits such as SEVA Suit, the SSP-100M SIRCAA Suit and the Ultra Lightweight Mercenary suit.
You’ll also be able to take part in a bonus side quest, and check out the official art book and soundtrack.
The Ultimate Edition contains all of the Deluxe content, as well as additional weapons and suits.
Ultimate Edition owners also receive the Season Pass, which contains at least two additional expansions and upcoming DLC.
If you’re playing on PC, then it’s worth checking the recommended specs above to see if your machine can handle the ambitious open-world adventure.
Indeed, STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl takes place in the massive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, which players can explore in order to hunt for valuable artefacts.
Developer GSC Game World explains more: “Take over a role of the lone stalker and explore photorealistic seamless open world in a 64-km² radioactive zone with a variety of environments that reveal post-apocalyptic atmosphere from different angles.
“Make your way through the Zone to define your destiny as you choose your paths within highly branching epic story.”
A multiplayer mode will be introduced as a free update further down the line. Some of the bonus weapons won’t be available in the multiplayer mode.