Developer GSC Game World has delayed first-person shooter STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl to a new release date of December 8, 2022. The studio explained the reasoning for the delay in a social media post, saying the extra time is being used to make sure its radioactive sequel launches in tip-top shape. Expect more details to come throughout the next year as STALKER 2 continues development.
“These additional seven months of development are needed to fulfill our vision and achieve the desired state of the game,” the post states. “STALKER 2 is the biggest project in the history of GSC, and it requires thorough testing and polishing. We are convinced that development should take as long as necessary, especially in the case of such a project.”
— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) January 12, 2022
STALKER 2 being delayed to a more distant release date is nothing new for fans, who have been waiting nearly 15 years for a proper follow-up. Still, GSC has remained communicative, showing off an in-engine teaser in 2020 and a proper gameplay debut in 2021. The road to STALKER 2 has not been without its faults though. GSC recently announced plans to feature non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in its new installment, then immediately backed off when the fan reaction was extremely hostile.
Stay tuned for more as we wait for STALKER 2 to arrive on PC, Xbox Series X | S, and Xbox Game Pass in its new December release date.