Zulu and Makva accompany Skif on his journey through the new regions, including what appears to be the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The former is part of Duty and seemingly has a “beast” inside of him, while the latter, a Freedom member, is “looking for something” but “can’t find it.” At the very least, they seem capable of cooperation, however short-lived it may end up being.

As for the various new areas, there’s the ruins of a power station with Anomalies visible; a spooky park with dried-up trees; and even a room where gravity is playing tricks on the player. There’s also a masked figure with a hefty amount of equipment who knocks Skif out.

Regardless, it seems that Cost of Hope will follow the base game’s cue and see you choosing sides. Does that mean forsaking one side in favor of the other? What is the meaning behind “Change always requires sacrifice, but such is the price of freedom?”

Hopefully, we’ll find out sooner rather than later as the expansion nears release. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC – you can check out our review of the PlayStation version here.