No release date revealed, but it's coming to Xbox Game Pass

Jul 24, 2020 14:39 GMT  ·  By

One of the most surprising reveals during Microsoft's Xbox Game Showcase was S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, a game that was originally canceled back in 2012 and then resurfaced two years ago. Putting together everything that happened one day after the game's official reveal, we can definitely say that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is very early in development.

Although the trailer showcased is quite impressive, we've recently learned that it's not actual footage taken from the game. According to developer GSC Game World, “the trailer demonstrates the level of graphics and atmosphere we are aiming to achieve on release.”

Also, even though the 2021 release date mentioned on the game's official website suddenly disappeared after the reveal. Instead, the folks at GSC Game World added a note saying they're not ready to disclose the release date yet.

Luckily, developers offered tons of details about what S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fans should expect from the upcoming title. For the first time in the series, players will be able to experience the Zone from an open-world perspective, and one of the biggest ones to date.

Both monsters and factions that inhabit the Zone will interact with each other regularly even when you're not around. This will be possible thanks to the new A-Life 2.0, a living world simulating system meant to control the state of the world and the behavior of characters and mutants.

Ultimately, it means that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will offer players unique playthroughs with multiple endings depending on their decisions. GSC Game World says that it's completely dedicated to its new project, but we won't believe it until we see actual gameplay.

Well, at least Xbox Game Pass subscribers will be able to play S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 for free at launch, whenever that might be. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is coming to both Xbox Series X and Windows 10 PC.