One of the most highly anticipated games scheduled to release in 2023 is STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a AAA follow-up to the trilogy of atmospheric open world sandbox shooters released in the tail end of the 2000s. Similar to the original games, STALKER 2 will be set in the franchise’s fictional version of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, in which they’ll need to survive by hunting down resources, interacting with various factions, keeping deadly mutants and other hostiles at bay, and exploring its desolate environments.
Like many other AAA games, STALKER 2 has multiple editions for fans to choose from. Of these, the largest one available is the Ultimate Edition, which includes the full game and Season Pass access to all DLC, a steelbook, a letter from the developers, themed stickers, an art book, a full map of The Zone, a Zone permit, a military token, a STALKER figurine, a backpack, and a lamp based on an in-game anomaly. This edition has retailed for $339 since it was made available last year, but now, developer GSC Game World has announced that it plans to raise the price to $379 (or the equivalent amount in other currencies) to ensure that the included items are high quality.
“To keep the quality of all the collectible items at the desired level during these uneasy times, unfortunately, we have to raise the price of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Ultimate Edition from $339 to $379,” wrote the studio in a Tweet. “The new price will take effect as of February 21st, 2023. This will only apply to the Ultimate Edition, we still managed to keep the prices of the other editions on the same level.”
To keep the quality of all the collectible items at the desired level during these uneasy times, unfortunately, we have to raise the price of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Ultimate Edition from $339 to $379 (or the equivalent in the local currency). [3/4]February 15, 2023
The developer’s mention of “uneasy times” is undoubtedly referring to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, in which GSC was headquartered before the invasion began in early 2022. Though roughly 200 of the studio’s developers and their families have since evacuated to the Czech Republic and have regrouped in Prague, 130 of them are reportedly still in Ukraine, with many of them serving on the front lines or volunteering to help their local communities. In June 2022, GSC closed out an Xbox showcase with a harrowing look at the conflict.
The invasion has had a significant impact on the global economy, with Ukraine’s own falling by 30% in 2022. On top of that, Russia’s frequent use of heavy artillery shelling and long-range missile attacks have devastated Ukraine’s infrastructure. These developments have likely made it more difficult and expensive for GSC Game World to have high-quality collectibles manufactured, resulting in the price increase.
Though the new price isn’t supposed to take effect until February 21, it’s already present on the Ultimate Edition listings on Game Legends. Currently, the Ultimate Edition isn’t available for preorder in North America, though GSC says they should start to appear in stock once the game’s release date is announced.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is expected to release in 2023 on Xbox and Windows PC with at least three months of timed Xbox console exclusivity. Notably, the game is also launching onto Xbox Game Pass. STALKER 2 preorders are available now, though some editions may not be available depending on your local region. It has the potential to be one of the best Xbox games for fans of atmospheric open world-style experiences.
