GSC Game Worlds STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl has been in the works for more than a decade and is now nearing completion. While last year’s Russian invasion of Ukraine set back development, it looks like everything will be set for a 2023 release date. We don’t currently have an official release date, but we do know that the game will be coming to PC and Xbox Series X|S when it comes out.
Unlike other modern games, the release strategy for is pretty simple STALKER 2. You get it on either PC or Xbox consoles. Those with a Series S will need to get a digital version, but Xbox Smart Delivery will get you all the necessary updates to bring it up to next-gen standards should you move to a Series X. On PC you have to do this with some arguing decent system requirements.
It’s in the different versions where things get confusing. Luckily we’ve scoured the web to let you know which versions are available where and for how much. We’ve also added the little pre-order bonuses that will be available when you get a digital copy.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl pre-order bonus
In a very comfortable movement, STALKER 2 Pre-order bonuses are not restricted to a specific retailer. Wherever you preorder in store, on a website, or on Steam, Epic Games, GOG, or the Xbox Store, you’ll receive the following bonuses.
- Expanded Campfire Content — Contains additional songs and stories that players can hear from NPCs near campfires.
- Early Bird weapon skin
- Early Bird Costume
- Early Bird Multiplayer Badge
None of these sound particularly groundbreaking, so don’t worry about missing out.
Physical STALKER 2 Standard Edition bonuses
Image via GSC Game World
When it comes to the standard physical edition of STALKER 2, most retail stores will carry the Xbox Series X version of the game. On PC, you can only buy a physical copy from the official STALKER 2 website, although it comes with a steelbook. GameStop also offers a Steelbook for its physical edition.
Digitally, PC users have more options. Due to the war in Ukraine, Microsoft has stopped pre-orders of the digital edition on Xbox. The Epic Games Store doesn’t currently offer pre-orders either, although it has all the info on each edition. Both stores should receive pre-orders before the game’s official release date.
Retail Xbox
Digital
Physical STALKER 2 Limited Edition bonuses
Image via GSC Game World
STALKER 2 has a few different editions as you go up the stack. One of them is the “Limited Edition” which includes a Steelbook game case and various physical goodies. Here’s everything included in this release.
- Steel book
- Letter from the developers
- Permission for the souvenir zone
- sticker pack
- zone map
- faction patches
- Military token
- Key fob (multi-tool) with fire starter
retail trade
Physical STALKER 2 Collector’s Edition bonuses
Image via GSC Game World
Far from the final release of STALKER 2, the “Collector’s Edition” contains everything from the “Limited Edition” with a few little extras. It will be available for both Xbox and PC. Here are the two additional goodies you get.
- art book
- stalker figure
retail trade
Physical STALKER 2 Ultimate Edition bonuses
Image via GSC Game World
The physical versions are rounded off by STALKER 2 is the hilarious “Ultimate Edition” that seems to be only available in Europe at the moment. It also appears to be sold out.
As you’d expect, this version includes all the physical goodies from the previous two editions, alongside some much larger items. While the official website shows an Xbox Series X logo, there is currently no retail listing for it on the Microsoft platform. Here are the few new extras for this version.
- Artifact Container Lamp
- STALKER backpack
retail trade
STALKER 2 Digital Editions
We’ve finally come to the end of this very confusing pre-order system. STALKER 2 has three different digital editions on PC that offer additional content the more you are willing to pay. One of these is the Standard Edition, which we covered above, which costs $59.99, but there are two additional variants that come with in-game goodies.
Digital Deluxe
The regular “Digital Deluxe” edition costs $79.99 and includes the following.
- Steam exclusive content
- Special extra quest
- Digital art book
- Official OST
- 1 costume, 3 weapon skins
- 2 costumes, 3 weapon skins
The confusingly titled “Ultimate Edition” costs $109.99 and includes all of the previously mentioned content alongside these extras.
- 2 story expansions
- season pass
While these other editions will likely be available on Xbox, the aforementioned pre-order freeze on Microsoft console means you can’t pre-order them at this time. On PC, they’re available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. STALKER 2 is currently slated for a December 2023 release. Keep an eye out more coverage in advance here on GameSkinny.
