STALKER 2 2025 Roadmap Brings Unreal Engine 5.4 Upgrade and more
Ukrainian developer GSC Game World has revealed the official 2025 roadmap for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, outlining a series of updates planned for the remainder of the year. Headlining the list is a major engine upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.4, aimed at delivering significant performance optimizations, along with new missions, anomalies, and expanded modding capabilities.
The roadmap includes a variety of content and quality-of-life enhancements. Players can expect the addition of various night vision devices, binoculars, and a refined A-Life system with technical improvements that adjust NPC behavior, including reduced vision in darkness, updated combat AI, and rebalanced mutant encounters. New anomalies will be introduced, alongside fresh missions involving both returning and new characters.
Other notable additions include a new weather scenario, a Master difficulty preset, and an extended day/night cycle. Gameplay systems will see updates such as a stash loot rework, a revised stamina system with updated energy drink effects, and an immersive display mode. The user interface will also receive a player equipment UI redesign and other refinements. Technical features such as local save backup restoration, further optimization, and additional anomaly fixes are also on the list.
For the modding community, the Zone Kit will progress from Phase 1 to Phase 2, introducing audio modding via Wwise, expanded narrative tools, better compatibility for mods that interact with core systems, enhanced Blueprint modification support, and overall technical improvements. Seasonal events are also planned, including a Discord Holiday event.
The roadmap confirms ongoing improvements for STALKER: Legends of the Zone Enhanced Edition and the release of STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro. While a release date for the PS5 version remains unknown, more information could be revealed at Gamescom 2025, where the game will be playable.
However, the studio has not provided any updates regarding the game’s multiplayer mode or planned DLCs. GSC Game World humorously noted that even the listed updates are subject to potential delays due to “Zone instability,” a nod to the unpredictable nature of the game’s development and the need for additional polishing if required.
Which feature from STALKER 2’s 2025 roadmap are you most excited to see implemented first?
