With the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, fans of the series might wonder how the new title compares to the original trilogy.
If you’re a newcomer to the series, you might also wonder if you can jump straight into S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, or if you’ll be better off starting with the classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games.
No matter why you’re looking for a comparison between the older instalments and their successor, we’re here to explore the main differences between the freshly released game and its predecessors.
New Engine, New Possibilities
Unlike the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was developed using Unreal Engine 5, not GSC Game World’s proprietary X-Ray Engine. According to the developers, the main reason for this change is the ability to make use of UE5’s Nanite and Lumen technologies.
Stalker 2 - Graphics
These cutting-edge tools allow for greater visual details and improved lighting effects, which, in turn, translates into a more realistic and immersive experience for the players.
Stalker Trilogy - Graphics
Improved Graphics and Visual Upgrades for the Classic Locations
The graphics overhaul doesn’t mean that the Zone of Alienation presented in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 bears no similarities to its versions from the earlier instalments.
As you travel through the exclusion zone, you’ll visit many familiar places – after all, visiting Pripyat is a must in a game taking place in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
The returning locations have been visually enhanced, making them look more real than ever – but with enough fidelity to their original locations to make them instantly recognisable. The returning maps also underwent design changes, making it possible to explore parts that were not accessible before.
A Huge, Open-World Map with Plenty of New Locations
Apart from the returning locations, you will also explore many new ones. The game’s map is over 60 square meters in size and it’s divided into 20 regions.
The sprawling open world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is seamless, meaning you can immerse yourself fully as you traverse it – that’s a clear improvement, as the original games made use of loading screens as you travelled across their maps.
The main story is about 40 hours long, but if you want to explore all of the points of interest scattered around the gigantic map, you can spend as much as 100 hours doing your completionist run.
A-Life 2.0 – Even Better A.I. for the Living World
It’s also worth mentioning that the developers paid close attention to making the open world feel real and living. That’s why they have developed a new A.I. system controlling the behaviour of NPCs and mutants.
The system is called A-Life 2.0, and as you can guess, it’s an improved version of the original A-Life system from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy.
While most open-world games nowadays come with NPCs that have their own schedules depending on the time of day and other factors, A-Life 2.0 is also supposed to control encounters between NPCs and monsters, even if you’re not there to see them unfold.
Speaking of encounters, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 also offers an overhauled combat system, with improved A.I. governing the enemies’ behaviour.
New Things for the New Protagonist to Explore
As you traverse the Zone, you will encounter many new mutants to test the abovementioned combat gameplay improvements on.
Apart from that, the latest instalment of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series introduces multiple new factions and anomalies.
You will also play as a different character than before – the new protagonist is a lone Stalker named Skif.
Without spoiling too much of the story, this new character enters the Zone with the intention to charge a mysterious artefact, but, as you can expect, this is easier said than done.
Comparison Table
| Feature | S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Original Trilogy | S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | X-Ray Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Graphics | Classic, less detailed | High-fidelity, enhanced visuals |
| World Size | Moderate, with loading screens | 60+ square meters, seamless open world |
| A.I. System | A-Life | A-Life 2.0 |
| Protagonist | Various characters | New protagonist: Skif |
| Combat System | Standard A.I. behavior | Overhauled with improved A.I. |
| Factions & Anomalies | Established factions | Multiple new factions and anomalies |
FAQ
Can I start with Stalker 2 if I’m new to the series?
Yes, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is designed to be accessible to newcomers. However, playing the original trilogy first can provide a deeper understanding of the lore and enhance your overall experience.
Do the original locations in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 remain true to the originals?
Absolutely. While the locations have been visually enhanced and some areas redesigned for better exploration, they retain enough fidelity to their original counterparts to be instantly recognisable.
What new features does S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 introduce?
Beyond the upgraded engine and graphics, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 offers a seamless open-world experience, a revamped combat system, new factions, anomalies, and a fresh protagonist with a unique storyline.
To sum up
With all those improvements and modifications, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 offers a fresh, modern experience while keeping enough familiar elements to make it feel like a homecoming for fans of the classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games. Whether you’re a returning player or a newcomer to the series, we recommend you give the new instalment a try and see for yourself if all those changes result in a gameplay experience you’ll enjoy. With that, it’s time for us to wrap up this article and jump straight into the Zone of Alienation. Stay cheeki breeki, friends!