STALKER 2 set for December 1st release on PLAION store
The long-awaited STALKER 2 is poised for a potential December 1st release, as indicated by the PLAION store listing.
STALKER 2, the highly anticipated sequel, may soon become a reality for eager fans, if a recent revelation from the official German PLAION Store is to be believed. The store's listing points towards a potential release date of December 1st, and there are compelling reasons to consider this more than just a placeholder. The timing, falling at the beginning of the month and on a Friday, aligns with typical game launch patterns. Notably, the German PLAION Store has a history of accidentally revealing release dates, as seen with Darksiders 2 for the Nintendo Switch. PLAION, formerly known as Koch Media, will be responsible for distributing the physical editions of the game.
STALKER 2 set for December 1st release on PLAION store
Delving deeper, it's worth recalling that GSC Game World initially intended to release STALKER 2 in December 2022, before facing setbacks due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The recent announcement that the game will be showcased publicly for the first time at Gamescom 2023 adds weight to the speculation of its imminent arrival. A potential launch before the year's end could cap off what has already been an extraordinary year for game releases, providing enthusiasts with a long-awaited treat.
STALKER fans have displayed unwavering patience, enduring a decade-long wait for the sequel. Originally unveiled in 2010 with an anticipated 2012 release, the project was put on hold when GSC Game World disbanded in December 2011. The studio was later resurrected, initially to create Cossacks 3, but with a steadfast commitment to eventually deliver the sought-after continuation of the open-world survival horror first-person shooter franchise.
After being reannounced in 2018, STALKER 2 was poised for a 2021 launch, with a firm date set for April 28th, 2022, which was subsequently shifted to December. However, the project faced interruptions due to the conflict, resulting in a temporary pause as the developers regrouped.
Set to debut on PC and Xbox Series S|X, thanks to a three-month exclusivity agreement with Microsoft, STALKER 2 is primed to eventually expand its reach to PlayStation 5 and Game Pass. The game aspires to build upon the distinctive features that transformed its predecessor into a revered cult classic.