Since Stalker: Heart of Chornobyl is here, many players wonder how it ranks compared to previous installments in the series. They also ask themselves which of its predecessors are worth playing, so we will try to answer these questions.
Heart of Chornobyl is the most recent installment in the first-person shooter/survival horror Stalker series, preceded by three earlier games, with Shadow of Chernobyl being the first. If you are wondering in what order to play these titles and which one is the best, you are in the right place.
Our ranking of all Stalker games can give you an idea of which titles are the most worth playing and whether you need to try the previous installments to enjoy this latest one.
Quick Ranking List (For Immediate Insight)
- 2007 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl – No. 1
- 2008 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky – No. 4
- 2009 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat – No. 3
- 2014 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha – No. 2
- 2024 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – ?
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl - No. 1
| Release date: | 2007-03-20 |
There is no better game in the series than Shadow of Chernobyl.
Let’s start with the fact that this title influenced a first-person shooter/survival horror open-world environment capable of scaring players with its gruesome design.
Unlike its successors, SoC made players feel genuinely lonely in the vast and unpredictable Zone setting. Also, the lore and gameplay seem coherent even after so many years.
Fans praise the game for its memorable lore, generous playtime, realistic shooting mechanics, and rich selection of quests. Plus, it gathers the most creative modding scene in the series’ history.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha - No.2
| Release date: | 2014 |
It’s a standalone mod developed by fans and former studio members, unraveling how Shadow of Chernobyl was supposed to play.
The title features a darker atmosphere, better weapon customization, more storylines, and improved physics. It’s not a must-play but may appeal to beginners and experienced SoC players seeking something to scratch that itch after completing the first installment.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat - No.3
| Release date: | 2010-02-11 |
Call of Pripyat takes everything players love about the first title to improve the experience with enhanced weapon customization, atmospheric locations, and a thrilling plot.
Its main flaws are the short playtime (around 15 hours) and overly arcadey gameplay.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky - No.4
| Release date: | 2008-09-15 |
As the least-liked installment in the series, Clear Sky didn’t get the best reception due to the lacking atmosphere, undiversified locations, and repetitive quests.
The only thing it does better than Shadow of Chernobyl is the weapon customization (although it’s still not as successful as in the Call of Pripyat). The game is noticeably shorter, initially suffered from many technical issues, and doesn’t offer an especially memorable plot. According to players, it feels rushed compared to other installments.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – ?
| Release date: | 2024-11-20 |
It’s still too early to decide where Heart of Chornobyl ranks (we’ll update that shortly), but the game looks like a worthy successor to the first title.
Since it’s a direct continuation of the SoC storyline, players can expect a similar experience in the modern installment.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- In what order should I play Stalker games?
The best method is to play the games according to their release order. However, if you wish to skip some titles, you can ignore Clear Sky and Call of Pripyat to play only SoC and proceed straight to HoC. Lost Alpha remains optional.
- Do I need to play the earlier games to understand Stalker 2?
We highly recommend playing previous installments for better immersion – but if you have a limited amount of time, you can play only Shadow of Chernobyl and proceed to Heart of Chornobyl. While playing previous games is not a must, you may have minor issues understanding the lore without trying them first.
- Are mods available for Stalker installments?
All installments in the series are moddable and offer a wide selection of mods
Tips for Newcomers and Returning Players
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Stalker player, our most vital advice is to play the game. It’s a truly unique title combining a gloomy setting, dynamic first-person shooter mechanics, and a fascinating storyline. If you seek something familiar yet completely different from other alternatives – play the game. Also, avoid enjoying it on the lowest difficulty level, as the experience spices up with some challenges enabled.
Conclusion
The grand Heart of Chornobyl’s release revived the fanbase and sparked interest among players who never played the series before. This title truly inspires the entire gaming industry, and despite obvious difficulties like the war in Ukraine, the game has finally gone gold. Regardless of how it fares in future comparisons, it’s an undeniable milestone in history, encouraging many players to once again return to the treacherous world of the Zone.
Sources:
- rpgcodex.net/forums/threads/best-s-t-a-l-k-e-r-game.147637/
- stalker.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=97&p=165012
- reddit com/r/patientgamers/comments/11v4dur/stalker_shadow_of_chernobyl_the_good_the_bad_the/