Summary
An unannounced console game bundle that seemingly features the first three entries of theSTALKERfranchise has appeared online. The beloved shooter series' next game,STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, is set to launch later in 2024.
The originalSTALKERgames that were released in the late aughts have managed to gain a cult following despite their notoriety for being chaotic, buggy experiences. In 2021, Ukrainian developer GSC Game World claimed that its shooters, which many praised for their complexity and atmosphere, had already sold 15 million copies worldwide. This was achieved even though the games have never been available on any other platform except the PC, but it seems like theSTALKERseries will finally make its console debut very soon.
Major Japanese retailers likeRakutenandBic Camerahave started accepting pre-orders for a Sony PlayStation 4 game calledSTALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogy. None of the online listings explicitly stated that the release was a bundle that contained the franchise’s first three entries,STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl,STALKER: Clear Sky, andSTALKER: Call of Pripyat. However, the description of the Rakuten page forSTALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogy did mention the originalSTALKERtitles, which many consider to be among thebest post-apocalyptic gamesof all time.
STALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Release
With a retail price of 6,578 Yen, or around $44,STALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogyis apparently set to be released on June 27, whileSTALKER 2launches on September 5for the PC and Xbox Series X/S. The latter, which will also be available on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service, faced many delays due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. GSC Game World moved its headquarters to the Czech Republic following the start of the conflict, but at least one former developer from the studio has died fighting in the war.
STALKER: Legends of the Zone Trilogycould be shown off at theMarch 6 Xbox Partner Previewin addition toSTALKER 2.The event will have previews of more than a dozen upcoming games for the PC, Xbox, and Xbox Game Pass. Among the titles confirmed to make an appearance wereKunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess,Tales of Kenzera: Zau, andThe First Berserker: Khazan.
Previoustrailers forSTALKER 2have provided fans with good glimpses of the Unreal Engine 5-powered title’s gameplay. These teasers also featured some of theSTALKERseries' staple anomalies and mutants.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
WHERE TO PLAY
The Zone, a place full of unfathomable wonders and sinister threats – former exclusion territory near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This most dangerous place on Earth became even more mysterious after an obscure accident in 2006. Anomalies with precious artifacts, starving mutants and greedy thugs have flooded these lands along with stalkers searching for a new life and ways to get rich… Feel as one of them in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl!SEARCHING: To survive, a true stalker must not stop his search. Valuable trophies, equipment and supplies, new friends, shortcuts or answers to the grimmest riddles of these lands are what give a chance not to perish. So prepare for a foray to find your fate in the Center of the Zone, the most protected place from unwanted guests.HAZARD: The path of a stalker to his goal is never a walk in the park. A treacherous anomaly, able to mash even the most experienced fighter, the stray of ravenous mutants or jarring betrayal – any of these things can cost your life. Get ready to check your skills and gumption, enduring the superior numbers of rivals and mutants. Stay alert even when you are alone – here at the Zone, everything is rarely what it seems at first glance.DESOLATION: These desolate lands of eternal autumn are full of hundreds of vagabonds. Though, the stalker is always on his own, facing dangers that are often unseen. Listen carefully, calculate every step and trust no one but yourself and Geiger counter. Only intuition combined with mastery and ice-cold guts can save a free stalker from being Lost to the Zone.
