GSC Game World has released a major story expansion for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 — “Cost of Hope.” The DLC is now available for download on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
This time, the return to the Zone promises much more than just another dangerous foray. “Cost of Hope” tells a standalone story with a non-linear plot, new characters, and dozens of hours of exploration of the Chornobyl Zone.
The expansion is based on the long-standing conflict between “Duty” and “Freedom.” Both factions have opposing visions of the Zone’s future. “Duty” sees it as a deadly threat that must be contained and eventually destroyed. “Freedom,” on the other hand, is convinced that the Zone phenomenon can benefit humanity.
The truce between the factions begins to crumble, and Skif finds himself drawn into a new confrontation. The story of “Cost of Hope” unfolds parallel to the events of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, showing the already familiar world from a new perspective.
New locations, weapons and music in the Zone
The zone will open up many new places for Skif. Players will be able to reach the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, explore the labyrinths of the Iron Forest and other areas that were previously inaccessible. At the same time, the exploration will become more dangerous due to new enemies, mutants, anomalies and unpredictable situations.
The hero will receive new weapons and equipment that will help to resist threats. The zone continues to change, and the conflict between the factions is only intensifying.
In parallel with the DLC, a large-scale free Update 2.0 was released for all platforms. It translates S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to Unreal Engine 5.5.4, updates lighting and AI, adds three types of binoculars, new weapons and modifications. The difficulty mode “Your Rules” has also appeared.
The developers did not forget about the musical accompaniment – they added about 300 new songs to the game, and Pavlo Zibrov himself became the voice of the arena.
GSC on experiments, fan support and the importance of the game
Working on Cost of Hope, the team deliberately decided not to stick to proven templates. According to Yevgen Grygorovych, Game Director and CEO of GSC Game World, the developers allowed themselves to experiment more, take risks, and try unusual solutions in order to create an adventure that will remain in the memory of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fans.
Grygorovych also thanked the fans of the series for the support that has accompanied S.T.A.L.K.E.R. over the years.
Maksym Krippa, owner of GSC Game World, called the release of the add-on an important event for the Ukrainian gaming industry. Even in the conditions of a full-scale war, the team continued to develop the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe and eventually released a new DLC. He also noted that the game helps to introduce an international audience to Ukraine, its culture, identity, talents and resilience.
Cost of Hope is included in the Ultimate Edition of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, but the add-on can also be purchased separately. Its price is 29.99 USD/EUR, although the cost depends on the specific region.
The game is available on the following platforms:
- PC
- Steam
- GOG
- Epic Games Store
- Xbox / Microsoft Store
- PlayStation 5