Stalker 2 has just arrived. When the first version was released more than ten years ago, it was an unbeatable PC game that punished and challenged players with a devastatingly unforgiving nuclear wasteland. Nowadays it’s pretty much a must to play with mods if you don’t want to punch a wall in frustration each time you enter the Zone.

Stalker 2 is released today. | Credit: Gsc Game World.

Open-world games that over-explain everything have become commonplace in today’s gaming landscape, keeping us on edge because we’re afraid we won’t grasp certain gameplay mechanics or get bored with the plot because there aren’t enough explosions. And that is where this upcoming title will be one step ahead of the likes of Elden Ring.

You Are on Your Own in Stalker 2

I can watch a gameplay trailer for a game, close my eyes, and play the game in...