S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is facing another delay, but this time, developer GSC Game World claims that this will be the final release date. Now scheduled for release on September 5, 2024, on PC and Xbox Series X|S, the Ukrainian developer detailed the reasons for the game’s delay in an extensive post on social media. After its first-ever public showing at Gamescom 2023, the developer took much of the feedback to heart. “And as true friends always do, you shared your honest thoughts about the game,” said GSC Game World. “Both positive and negative, and we are thankful for that. From your insights, we figured out two key points: the one to celebrate and the one to consider seriously.”
The celebratory point is that “the Zone remains the Zone,” highlighting that the game retains the feel and playstyle of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. As for the point to consider seriously, it’s that “the gear in the backpack should be checked one more time to be completely sure it will not fail us in the most needed moment.” In simpler terms, the game requires additional time for technical refinements. Therefore, the delay is aimed at facilitating another round of polishing, in the hope that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 lives up to expectations.