STALKER 2 Without Vehicles; Developers Explain

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl is supposed to provide players with a lot of excitement, but apparently the Zone will be missing one crucial element for some players. In an interview with Russian website DTF Zakhar Bokharov (PR manager of GSC Game World) confirmed that in the game we won't be able to drive a vehicle on our own even in single sequences. And this is despite the huge size of the map of over 64 square kilometers.

The lack of "playable" vehicles may seem strange in the context of the vast area of the Zone in the new installment of the Stalker series. However, the team at GSC Game World did not make this decision without reason. Bocharov explains that the Zone in in the sequel is a place full of dangers, where rushing is a sure way to the grave, through - for example - an encounter with one of the many random anomalies. That's why travelling by car or other vehicles is not a good idea. The rationale is understandable in that for similar reasons vehicles were not present in the first installment - we could only see them in fan-made mods. Speaking of cut content: Bocharov emphasized that the studio has not abandoned any planned elements of STALKER 2 and the gameplay shown at E3 2021 matches only what players will see when the game is released (at least those with powerful PCs).

Fortunately, this does not mean that players will be forced to traverse the Zone only on foot. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will include a fast travel system, but in a rather "unusual" form. Bocharov did not provide any details, perhaps leaving this mechanic as a surprise for fans at the game's release. The second S.T.A.L.K.E.R. will hit the market on April 28, 2022. We'll be able to play the title on PC and Xbox Series X/S consoles, and buyers will get a choice of several editions (including rich collector's editions).

1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl - official website