An acclaimed PlayStation 5 shooter is set to receive a free update with new content, improved graphics, and more. The first-person open-world horror title was initially released nearly two years ago.

GSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is going to get a new Update 2.0, packed with fresh content and a captivating story expansion.

As for the new features in the free Update 2.0, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 players on PlayStation 5 will witness visual upgrades such as improved lighting and reworked landscapes. Additionally, there will be Custom Rules as well, enabling players to tweak the difficulty according to their preferred playstyle.

Three new binoculars will also be introduced to help players scout the Zone, identify targets, and plan their next strategy. Each binocular has a different technology and functionality and can be found across the Zone or purchased from certain traders. The update will also unleash new weapons such as the Arev assault rifle, the designated marksman rifles GP3A and SKP, and a submachine gun Fora-230.

New story content expands the Zone beyond Update 2.0

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will also get its first major DLC, titled Cost of Hope, on the same day when free Update 2.0 arrives. It will open the Zone for more exploration and opportunities for players to get rewarded.

According to the official description, the Cost of Hope story expansion focuses on “the long-running conflict between the well-known factions Duty and Freedom. Players can look forward to numerous hours exploring new locations, including the Iron Forest, CNPP, and Spatial Bubble, while experiencing the iconic atmosphere of the Zone.”

To celebrate the release of Cost of Hope DLC, the game has launched a dedicated website where players can vote for their choice of faction between Duty and Freedom. By taking a quick quiz, they can also stand a chance to win highly limited and exclusive S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-themed prizes.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Update 2.0 releases on PlayStation 5 on August 20, 2026. The Cost of Hope story expansion will be available as part of the Ultimate Edition of the base game or as a standalone purchase for $29.99.

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