Stalker 2 has finally been released, but the launch has been met with a mixed response. Early reviews highlight a range of technical issues, including numerous bugs, which have overshadowed the game’s many strengths.
One reviewer described it as “the best but most broken game I’ve played all year,” and developer GSC Game World has acknowledged that the game is not without its flaws. The developers warned players to expect “rough edges” and emphasized that they were committed to addressing the issues through frequent hotfixes and updates.
GSC Game World took to social media to explain that Stalker 2 is the largest project they have ever worked on, and as such, some technical problems were to be expected. They reassured players that they would monitor feedback and work quickly to resolve any issues. The developers promised frequent hotfixes in the early days after launch, followed by larger updates aimed at improving the game. They also teased the release of free in-game content, with more details to be shared in December.
Despite these reassurances, player reviews on platforms like Steam show that the game is facing significant criticism. As of launch day, the game holds a “mostly positive” rating of around 76%, which, while not terrible, is below expectations given the long wait for the sequel. The majority of the negative feedback points to performance problems, with many players frustrated by technical glitches that hinder their enjoyment.
The situation mirrors the launch of the original Stalker game, which debuted in 2007 to critical praise for its depth and ambition but was similarly criticized for its technical issues. Fans of the series have long been familiar with these “janky” aspects of the game, but many reviewers feel that Stalker 2’s problems are too severe to overlook. The game’s impressive scope is clear, but the current state of the game has left many players feeling disappointed.
Even with the technical setbacks, the developers remain optimistic about the future of Stalker 2. In their launch day message, GSC Game World expressed excitement for the game’s potential and hinted at a grander vision for the Stalker universe. They thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to enjoy the game, despite the current issues. Moving forward, the success of Stalker 2 will depend on how quickly the developers can address the performance problems and fulfill the game’s potential with future updates.
