GSC Game World unveiled a new trailer for the first story expansion for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

Ukrainian studio GSC Game World unveiled a new trailer for the story expansion «Cost of Hope» for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. 

This is stated on the developers’ website. 

The DLC is scheduled for summer 2026. This is the first story expansion for «S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl».

What is known about the story

The expansion’s events will unfold around the confrontation between two iconic Zone factions — «Duty» and «Freedom».

The story’s main characters will be Zulus, a series veteran from «Duty», and Mavka from «Freedom». They are forced to join forces to uncover new secrets of the Zone amid escalating conflict between the factions.

The plot will again center on Skif — the protagonist of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Players will have to explore new territories, make choices, and determine the future fate of Chornobyl.

Shot from the trailer

The trailer also shows new locations, including the Iron Forest and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

In addition, the expansion will feature familiar places presented in an updated form.

Shot from the trailer

GSC Game World notes that «Cost of Hope» will be the second chapter of the «second S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy».

The developers promise tens of hours of gameplay, new storylines, and exploration of the Zone.

More about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

«S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl» was first announced in 2010.

The game was announced after the release of «Call of Pripyat». The release was planned for 2012. However, it was cancelled a year before that.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was re-announced in 2018. Eventually the release was moved to November 20, 2024.

In March 2026 the game was nominated for the BAFTA Games Awards 2026. 

Also read: There weren’t enough artifacts for everyone. AIN looked into how the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 collaboration with ATB was launched and why the collector almanacs ran out so quickly