Credit: GSC Game World
GSC Game World studio has released a major update, version 1.7, titled “Expedition,” for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The patch is the largest since the game’s release, bringing together an improved A-Life system, a new hardcore “Master” difficulty, significant combat system improvements, and extensive optimization. A new trailer was released alongside the update, showcasing improved AI, updated locations, and increased game stability.
The main features of 1.7 were new content: the promised “Master” difficulty level, “Expedition” mode (which disables manual saves), new anomalies and weather conditions (light rain), and the ability to disable the interface.
The team updated equipment stats, reworked the stamina system (jogging was added), made it more difficult for NPCs to find the hero in tall grass, taught mutants/NPCs how to flee from combat, and improved aiming on controllers.
The 1.7 gameplay trailer (attached above) also highlighted improvements to the A-Life system. Factions can now expand their holdings, and not only humans but also mutants will fight for various points of interest.
Among other things, 1.7 includes fixes and improvements related to optimization, quests, the open world, mod support, and other aspects. A list of the main changes is available on the Steam page.
Patch 1.7 is now available on PC and Xbox. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be released on PlayStation 5 on November 20.