S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is now available on PS5 after one year of Xbox Series X|S and PC exclusivity, and much like that original launch, the hardcore title comes with a long list of technical faults on PS5.
We have had access to the open world game for a few weeks now for review purposes, but have encountered numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues during that time. A day one patch has been promised to fix many of those flaws, and now the game is out, so too is update 1.7. Based on our experience, it is essential that you update the game to this version to ensure the best experience available on PS5.
Watch on YouTubeSubscribe to Push Square on YouTube166k
Once we've tested S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 with its day one patch enabled, we'll have a full PS5 review to publish.
As for what the patch entails, here are the highlights from team GSC Game World, with hundreds of other improvements said to be included:
- Major A-Life Overhaul
NPCs and mutants now actively fight for and lose control of territories. Most points of interest, checkpoints, and locations (except hubs) are constantly contested.
- Master Difficulty
A new ultra-hard mode, selectable only at the start of a new game. Features tougher balance, no autosaves, and disabled manual saves. Progress is saved only when leaving hubs or during major story moments.
- Inventory & Equipment UI Rework
Redesigned interface showing protection against Zone hazards. Consumables and artifacts now have five quality tiers instead of three. New radiation balance bar for equipped artifacts.
- Stamina & Energy Drink Changes
Three movement speeds: walk, jog, and sprint. Overusing energy drinks now causes hand tremor and aiming penalties.
Outlets who have chosen to review the PS5 version based on what was available pre-release have landed on a Metacritic rating of 75 so far, based on eight verdicts. This is only a very slight increase on the Xbox Series X|S and PC versions, which both sit at a 73.
There'll be more to come from STALKER 2 in the future as well, as the Ultimate Edition contains a season pass promising at least two expansions. Are you braving the potential technical faults to play STALKER 2 on day one? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 29
Don't let these bugs put you off. I've played STALKER 2 3 times on XBX, currentlyon my 4th...its a fantastic game. Its bloody hard on normal mode, God only knows how hard Master mode will be. Its an old school hardcore PC survival shooter that is utterly compelling if you buy into Its systems. Play it like a Stalker - scavenging for resources, food, ammo and fighting for survival. Its not an RPG but play it like one, you'll have a blast- if you "get it".
Looking forward to playing it when I get home from work!
1.7 is the default for digital version for those wondering.
Tangent: RIP to Avalanche studios and contraband.
I've been highly critical of the state of the game at launch - honestly THE buggiest experience I have had in years - but that has to be presented with the understanding of making a game while your country is a warzone. HUGE respect to the team for even getting to that state.
Regardless, as a consumer, I will keep waiting for the game to be in the best state possible before diving in again. I am glad I got to try it on Game Pass, else I might have felt bitter.
Given that the game requires a download, is the patch even optional when installing “from the disc” anyway?
Shouldn't overusing energy drinks cause you to get a sick k/d ratio
It wouldn#t be slav jank otherwise 😂😂 (for the record I love this type of game and have the plat for STALKER 1)
one for the wishlist!
I've been waiting on picking this up on pc due to letting the devs iron out more of the technical issues.
Let’s normalise releasing games that are finished day one
@KillerBoy Giving the size and scope of the game and the fact the devs are fighting a war while making the game its fair to say that would never happen. Be thankful it could be like the PS2 days where you screwed if bugs appeared.
I'm pre ordered the physical online, so desperated to play for it!
I will be keeping an eye on this title.
A good excuse for not buying now is that price will go down and performance will go up.
Is it enough to line RPGs or is it highly recommended to be a huge fan of survival games with this? Previous reviews let me to believe this has a great story and side quests which I presume isn't the case with survival games.
I'm lost in the zone again for a few months excited to see the improvements on 1.7 also the better performance on the pro.
I tried it via Xbox Gamepass.
It was buggy as hell even after the release patches. Yet somehow it was surprisingly good fun. Definitely worth a play.
One issue I had though, especially with limited ammo, was that smaller enemies running around at your feet were extremely annoying to shoot.
I really needed a stronger auto-aim system when using the controller. Seemed too mouse-tailored. Or maybe I suck, but I generally have no issue with first person shooters on pad.
@Lukeded (#13) beware, it's not a full game on disc
@KillerBoy (#11) Agreed!
Wow, apparently the PS5 port team is based out of Kiev, not with GSC in Prague
I pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition, have not done that in years
I had to, this is almost my dream game. Give it a chance
@PerpetualBoredom But it worth, only 1000copy on Aisa (except Japa), it will become gold!
Got my disc yesterday. install from disc: 50gb download: 100gb.
I don't think the patch is optional. Game looks and runs well, having a blast so far!
@DennisReynolds So the 1.7 should have been the base release version.As a essential update it means the game was hot garbage is 1.0 state. The bar is so low we praise a game for making it functional.
@Flaming_Kaiser Yeah doesn't work like that.
Playing it on version 1.7 which TBF is what it installed with on a base PS5. Silky smooth performance wise (looks gorgeous btw). No problems yet & thoroughly enjoying it.
Been playing since launch and having a blast. This game is brutal on "normal" setting, but it feels right. The zone should be punishing and it makes you work for it. There is a lot of walking around, so be prepared for that. I still don't think A-Life is where it needs to be to make the zone more "alive", but it's not bad. It also looks great on PS5 Pro even on the performance setting and smooth as butter.
@DennisReynolds I know how it goes now but this is how it should be. That is the new idea of selling a broken product and its so normal that we dont even blink a eye when a game is a mess on day one.
On full price or even worse a higher price for early access that was cheaper before option before because you bought a game that was still being developed or worked on.
People now accept that as a early buyer you pay full price or even a inflated for the worst version of a game.
Im glad they are not in the food industry. Even with cars now you get subscriptions for certain options in your car what is the world getting into.
Well i know people defending broken or incomplete games i have people here getting mad that people with a PS4 expecting a working game with Cyberpunk.
@Flaming_Kaiser Yeah it should be like the "good ole days" where if the game was broken you were expected to buy a later print of the game that might have a fix.
Dude games are more complicated then ever now, its actually not that simple to just release a "finished" version on release. Its kinda funny actually because the original Stalker that released during the "good ole days" was also pretty broken and needed a lot of fixing. Ever hear the term "Euro Jank"? Yeah that's whats Stalker ultimately is and there's a reason why that term exists.
@DennisReynolds I have not had a broken game though in the PS1 or PS2 even the PS3 had better polish and quality. A simple requirement should be i runs without mayor issue on the released version. Gaming is the only industry that sells faulty products without consequeces.
@Flaming_Kaiser As i said the original Stalker games that released during this "perfect era" were broken as hell, even now they're still janky. Again learn the term euro jank. Also stop pretending that video game are easy to make and don't have a million different issues that need fixing prior to release.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...