The release of STALKER 2 is a landmark achievement for the Ukrainian gaming industry, symbolizing national pride and showcasing the country's global influence.

On November 20, 2024, GSC Game World launched 'STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl,' marking the largest project in the company's history.

STALKER 2 set a record on Steam with 121,335 concurrent players on November 23, 2024, and emerged as the most profitable product on the platform for the week of November 19-26.

The launch was so popular that it temporarily crashed parts of Ukraine's internet due to the overwhelming download traffic, generating over 500 terabytes of data in just six hours.

The soundtrack features contributions from various Ukrainian musicians, blending modern rock and folk music to enhance the game's atmospheric experience.

The game quickly became a sensation, selling over 1 million copies within just two days, making it the most downloaded Ukrainian title ever.

Reviews for the game have been largely positive, boasting a 78 percent approval rating from over 30,000 reviews on Steam, and it has outperformed popular titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in sales.

Despite some technical issues reported by players, STALKER 2 has been praised for its expansive map and immersive gameplay, which reflect Ukrainian culture and resilience.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Chornobyl Exclusion Zone following a fictional disaster in 2006, the game combines first-person shooter and role-playing elements.

Players take on the role of 'Scythian,' a stalker navigating one of the largest open worlds in gaming, where their choices significantly impact the non-linear plot and character interactions.

The game's concept evolved due to financial constraints stemming from the war, incorporating elements of Ukrainian underground music from the 1980s and 1990s.

Originally announced in 2010, STALKER 2 faced multiple delays before finally being released on November 20, 2024.