S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

 PlayStation 5
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The award-winning PC franchise loved by millions of players is making a true next-gen console debut with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Experience a unique blend of first-person shooter, immersive sim and horror.

    The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a unique, dangerous and ever-changing environment. It    The award-winning PC franchise loved by millions of players is making a true next-gen console debut with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Experience a unique blend of first-person shooter, immersive sim and horror.

    The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a unique, dangerous and ever-changing environment. It promises a lot the artifacts of unbelievable value can be yours if you dare to claim them. The price you may pay, on the other hand, is no less than your own life.

    One of the biggest open-worlds to date, filled with radiation, mutants and anomalies, is yours to explore. All the choices across the way not only define your own epic story, but influence the future itself. Be mindful about what you see, do and plan, as you will have to find your way through the Zone or be forever lost to it.    … Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. GameBlast
    Nov 26, 2025
    95
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a masterpiece from GSC Game World, arriving on PlayStation 5 in its definitive version with excellent optimization and challenging enemies. The dynamic world and impactful player choices create a unique experience, overshadowing the few remaining bugs.
  2. TechRadar Gaming
    Nov 21, 2025
    90
    Having braved the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone on Xbox last year, I was already won over by Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl's unique blend of first-person shooter, survival horror, and punishing open-world. But thanks to the PS5 version's bug-free, polished launch, notable graphical upgrades, and immersion-cranking DualSense integration, those feelings have been solidified.
  3. GameCritics
    Jan 5, 2026
    90
    The Zone feels fully realized, with improved gameplay mechanics and a blend of beauty, horror, and mystique that was irresistible. The engaging story gave me plenty of interesting plot threads to pull at, and allowed me to alter the progression of the story in fascinating ways. The PS5 version has great features, and a year of updates has made HoC better for all players. In my opinion, this is the definitive way for new and veteran stalkers alike to explore the mysteries of the Zone.
  4. Saudi Gamer
    Nov 18, 2025
    80
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 on PS5 offers a strong experience despite its flaws. It blends unforgettable survival atmospheres with moments of tension that the player feels personally with every step inside the forbidden zone. It may not be the complete experience many dreamed of, but it remains a world worth entering for those whose curiosity outweighs their fear and who have the patience to endure its brutality.
  5. IGN Adria
    Nov 21, 2025
    80
    The Zone has finally arrived on PS5, and the wait was worth every moment. The DualSense controller adds a whole new layer of immersion, turning this into an unforgettable experience that will impress longtime fans just as much as those entering the dangerous stretches of Chernobyl for the very first time.
  6. GameSpew
    Nov 20, 2025
    80
    A year after it originally launched on Xbox Series X/S and PC, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has landed on PS5 thankfully in a much better state. A challenging open-world experience, this finally feels like it fulfils its potential, and on PS5 Pro it's a real treat thanks to stunning visuals and solid performance.
  7. Finger Guns
    Nov 17, 2025
    60
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl ventures into the uncharted territory of the PS5 in a much better technical state, though the odd bug is still common. Boasting a huge apocalyptic landscape to explore, impressively long main story and some great gunplay, its destructive charm is easily noticeable. Sadly, it feels caught between two parallel genres and is unable to commit to either, suffering from tedious survival mechanics and superfluous decision making. The mysteries of the Zone pale in comparison to the mystery of what could have been if it had had a unified vision.

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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2025