In a nutshell

• Stalker 2: Cost of Hope launches Summer 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5.
• Expansion adds two new regions: Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant and Iron Forest.
• Serves as the middle chapter of a new trilogy, expanding the saga’s narrative arc.

GSC Game World has officially announced Stalker 2: Cost of Hope, the first major story expansion for Heart of Chornobyl, set to release in Summer 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PlayStation 5.

The expansion promises a massive nonlinear journey across the Zone, packed with haunting stories, twisted characters, and the series’ signature atmosphere of decay.

A New Chapter in the Zone

Players will once again step into the shoes of Skif, the protagonist of Heart of Chornobyl. The DLC storyline is triggered by a PDA signal, unfolding alongside the events of the base game. As always, player choices will shape the narrative, with consequences that extend beyond the Zone itself.

The expansion highlights the fragile peace between two iconic factions: Duty, who see the Zone as a threat to be destroyed, and Freedom, who believe it’s a gift to be harnessed.

New Regions to Explore in Stalker 2

Stalker 2: Cost of Hope introduces two major regions:

• Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant – once abandoned, now calling stalkers back into its shadow.
• Iron Forest – a maze-like area filled with uncharted paths and hidden dangers.

Each region features its own hub, quests, and activities, alongside new weapons and gear to help Skif survive mutants, anomalies, and rival factions.

Part of a Larger Saga

This expansion is positioned as the middle chapter of the “second trilogy” of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 expansions. Together with a future story DLC, it will form a new narrative arc within the saga.

Fans can already wishlist Cost of Hope on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Xbox/Microsoft Store, with PlayStation 5 listings to follow.