It’s been a long time coming, but over seven months after launch, GSC Game World has finally brought Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s missing A-Life system to work as intended. Back in November 2024, the game launched in a half-baked manner, understandably, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The latest update, patch 1.5, has finally brought in line with GSC’s original vision, while adding a lot more.
Long-time fans of the series were disappointed at the state of the game, but stuck by it, knowing the state that the developer was in at the time. With GCS Game World having to pause development, delay the game multiple times, and even move offices due to the war, it was understandable that the game would not be perfect at launch. However, the patch notes have revealed that we’re finally getting everything we wanted from Stalker 2.
Stalker 2’s A-Life System Is Now Completely Fixed
According to the patch notes for the latest update, the devs have significantly reworked the A-Life system, which now makes the Zone feel like a living, breathing entity with a mind of its own. Issues related to NPCs seemingly doing nothing and instances of “pop-in” effects should be drastically reduced after this update.
The revamped system will now ensure that every NPC in the zone will work on a schedule, and not just the ones that are in view of the player. You’ll also come across Stalkers who you’ve previously met after some time. Mutants and enemies won’t suddenly reappear behind you once you’ve cleared an area and the overall visualization range has been increased to avoid texture popping.
On top of all this, the update also introduces new weapons like the Three-Line Rifle and Kora handgun, along with a new anomaly called Water Electric Tornado. You’ll also be able to loot mutant parts now. All this comes along with a series of fixes and quality of life improvements.
The second big thing that the update has introduced is an official mod tool which can be accessed via the Epic Game Store. However, the Zone Tool, as it’s called, will require around 700GB of harddrive space should you choose to download it.