We assumed that GSC Game World would release a new update to coincide with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl’s launch on PS5, and the result is the Expedition Update. Available now on Xbox Series X/S and PC, it adds the brutal new Master Difficulty, which can only be selected from the beginning of one’s journey.
The exact challenge parameters are unknown, but then there’s Expedition Mode on top of it. Once enabled, you can only manually save when exiting. Auto-save also only applies in specific missions or when leaving a camp. If you don’t manage your well-being or stay alert, it can result in a significant loss of progress.
Other notable new features include a rework of stamina and sprint (including the addition of jogging). Immersive Mode is available for “quick screenshots”, and two new Anomalies, Steam and Antigravitational Drops, will appear in the Zone. Mutants have new death animations, and you may occasionally come across some light rain while exploring.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl arrives on November 20th for PS5. For more details, check out our feature on why it could be the best version yet.
