Stalker 2 is looking great.

[Frag_Maniac]

Is Stalker 2 playable now?

I just watched some of my fav. reviewers bashing this game for it's bugs, glitches, performance issues, poor overall build quality and even bad implemented gameplay decisions... So basically on launch Stalker 2 was horrible - probably the worst optimized and bug infested AAA game ever made?! What about now?

It's played OK on my rig, I just don't like the superhuman enemy AI and some of their bad patching decisions, like taking away the ability to get the Diamond Exo suit pretty easily early on in the game, especially since it's so damn expensive to repair. And finding artifacts even with the best detector is too much of a crap shoot. More often than not the best ones don't spawn. This is why a lot of people just sell the lower level ones and give up on finding the best ones. So to me the game is more problematic design wise than performance wise. Metro is a far superior franchise IMO.

 

[droopyRO]

There will be another patch this June, that will fix some more things with it. I would still not play full price though.
Also if you crash a lot, make sure your system as a whole, especially the CPU and RAM are stable, as this game hammers them while compiling shaders and during gameplay.

Also the Enhanced Editions for the original trilogy are out, so you might want to check on those too if you have them in your library on Steam or GOG.

 

[Artas1984]

I found the explanations about Stalker 2 latest improvements in THIS VIDEO. In it, the last changes of patch 1.4 (applied 2025-05-15) are being addressed. I sure as heck made the right choice not to pick up Stalker 2 in the first month of it's release and wait for the more mature version of the game after 6 months (not that i ever buy games upon their release).

Metro is a far superior franchise IMO

Funny you feel that way. I love both of the franchises. To me it's like this: Exodus > Call of Pripyat = Clear Sky > 2033 = Last Light > Shadow of Chernobyl. The new Stalker 2 is not any kind of improvement over the originals as far as i can tell. It's like more of the same, a less polished continuation. Metro Exodus, on the other hand, was a colossal improvement over the originals. I am most pissed about the Unreal 5 engine choice for Stalker 2 - i'd rather have more style over substance ( and in this case a substance that destroys your GPU anyway LMAO). The original games used prop. x-ray engines, they were special, cause they were unique.

 

[Frag_Maniac]

Funny you feel that way. I love both of the franchises. To me it's like this: Exodus > Call of Pripyat = Clear Sky > 2033 = Last Light > Shadow of Chernobyl. The new Stalker 2 is not any kind of improvement over the originals as far as i can tell. It's like more of the same, a less polished continuation. Metro Exodus, on the other hand, was a colossal improvement over the originals. I am most pissed about the Unreal 5 engine choice for Stalker 2 - i'd rather have more style over substance ( and in this case a substance that destroys your GPU anyway LMAO). The original games used prop. x-ray engines, they were special, cause they were unique.

I stand by what I said, STALKER has always felt more arcade to me, and Metro more tactical. I used to think that the enemy AI following you into other regions was a bit interesting in original STALKER, but it never made up for the enemy AI's superhuman accuracy and vision. And now they can't even get A-Life to work worth a damn.

I could always use stealth in parts of the game in Metro, forget about it with STALKER. In STALKER it's just silly unexpected patrol spawns that often result in run n gun gameplay because they often happen where there's no cover. In games like these I expect to be able to play tactically, like in Ghost Recon Wildlands. Instead it's almost like a cheap jump scare horror game.

Performance wise I over equip myself anymore. On that front I can relate because I used to put off upgrades until every game I played had unacceptable lag. That said, I DID play Exodus on a much lesser rig than I have now (8700k, GTX 1080) and it ran smooth as butter. So yeah, GSC are making bad decisions on both gameplay design AND engine choice, and the players are caught in the crossfire.

 

[Artas1984]

I used to think that the enemy AI following you into other regions was a bit interesting in original STALKER, but it never made up for the enemy AI's superhuman accuracy and vision. And now they can't even get A-Life to work worth a damn.

Partially agreed here - on the part of superhuman accuracy and vision, which was annoying. But the AI independent movement throughout the map was not just "a bit interesting" - it was the best unique experience that i could have asked from a tactical FPS game - this is actually what made Stalker games iconic and why i liked them so much. Observing groups of AI bashing each other in a huge map, in non scripted events, was such a fresh wave of FPS gameplay.

I could always use stealth in parts of the game in Metro

Ye, but come on - we both know stealth was made absolutely laughable in the redux versions of the original Metro games, as you could literally walk crouched circles around the enemy and the idiot AI would not see you. The Metro games before the redux remasters were a bit too brutal on stealth, the AI was too sensitive, as it could hear your regular walk from 100 meters away. It was BS...

But...

I never had any problems with stealth in the original Stalker games - for me that seemed balanced enough.

I expect to be able to play tactically, like in Ghost Recon Wildlands. Instead it's almost like a cheap jump scare horror game.

We are talking about Stalker 2 now here right? I have seen MULTIPLE complains about this feature and it seems this still has not been fixed in patch 1.4. The developers have fixed so many crucial things in 1.4 - but that "unexpected spawn near your location is still the most annoying thing, yes?

 

[Frag_Maniac]

Partially agreed here - on the part of superhuman accuracy and vision, which was annoying. But the AI independent movement throughout the map was not just "a bit interesting" - it was the best unique experience that i could have asked from a tactical FPS game - this is actually what made Stalker games iconic and why i liked them so much. Observing groups of AI bashing each other in a huge map, in non scripted events, was such a fresh wave of FPS gameplay.


Ye, but come on - we both know stealth was made absolutely laughable in the redux versions of the original Metro games, as you could literally walk crouched circles around the enemy and the idiot AI would not see you. The Metro games before the redux remasters were a bit too brutal on stealth, the AI was too sensitive, as it could hear your regular walk from 100 meters away. It was BS...

But...

I never had any problems with stealth in the original Stalker games - for me that seemed balanced enough.


We are talking about Stalker 2 now here right? I have seen MULTIPLE complains about this feature and it seems this still has not been fixed in patch 1.4. The developers have fixed so many crucial things in 1.4 - but that "unexpected spawn near your location is still the most annoying thing, yes?

Walk around enemies crouched unseen in Metro Redux versions? Did you never play on Ranger mode?

STALKER to me has never been what I'd call a tactical experience. In tactical shooters you can somewhat plan a strategy based on cover, enemy spawns, and how enemy AI behaves. When the AI have superhuman vision and accuracy, that's the first nail in the tactical coffin. In STALKER 2 they also often spawn in unexpectedly where you have no cover. Even in missions where you know they're in a specific spot, you really need a long range powerful weapon, or you will be taking cover behind skinny trees while they flank and toss grenades.

The one nit pick I had about Ghost Recon Wildlands is on Tier One the AI had superhuman vision and accuracy. I still beat it on that mode, but you had to use all the skill upgrades, some bordering on magic. That also meant chasing down convoys, which would become marathon chases unless you resorted to using the Armored SUV, ram them off the road, then park it in such a way you could use it as a shield after jumping out to tag the vehicle. That's why I did my video walkthrough of it on Extreme mode but without upgrades or HUD.

 

[Artas1984]

Walk around enemies crouched unseen in Metro Redux versions? Did you never play on Ranger mode?

If memory serves well - played Metro redux versions on normal, hard and ranger. I was not lying about broken stealth, but it might have to do something with difficulty modes too. You take everything so for granted Frag, am not sure if it is sad or funny. Can't you identify a little bit of sarcasm, that is sometimes needed? You know the "superhuman vision and accuracy" is also a bit exaggerated too...

In STALKER 2 they also often spawn in unexpectedly where you have no cover. Even in missions where you know they're in a specific spot, you really need a long range powerful weapon, or you will be taking cover behind skinny trees while they flank and toss grenades.

Well then this is horrible. I have not installed the game yet, perhaps i should refund it. I have not tried those awesome original Stalker mods yet...

Meanwhile i am only finding negative comparisons from die hard fans about Stalker 2.

Complaint about downgraded monsters:

Complaint about unbalanced world exploration (this one is really good):

 

[Shakallia]

About 8 months later and a coule hundred GB's of patches, AI is still one of the worst ever seen, and the game keeps crashing. A masterpiece (of sh...).

 

[Frag_Maniac]

If memory serves well - played Metro redux versions on normal, hard and ranger. I was not lying about broken stealth, but it might have to do something with difficulty modes too. You take everything so for granted Frag, am not sure if it is sad or funny. Can't you identify a little bit of sarcasm, that is sometimes needed? You know the "superhuman vision and accuracy" is also a bit exaggerated too...

Enemy awareness in such games often has a lot to do with difficulty mode you're on, especially since some devs have gone out of their way to make more than just HP for enemies different.

What's sad is you expecting me to not take a question about and anticipated game you ask seriously. Why even ask it in the first place? And superhuman vision and accuracy is often how enemy AI that have unrealistically fast and precise vision and aim is commonly described.

At this point I don't know if you're just being pedantic and nit picky about my responses, or just aren't as interested in knowing much about this game as you lead on, so I will just let others respond to you. I have better things to do than respond then have to explain my responses every time.

 

[Artas1984]

Patch 1.5 is out, but essential features are still missing and AI could be better. Good coverage by "swamp icebreaker":

 

[Shakallia]

They should recode this game entirely for free, so many flaws, both from a technical and gameplay point of view, not to mention the lack of attention to detail, it feels more like a big amateur mod, I can hardly believe it has been made by professionnals.

Also, the story itself is reaching soap opera level.

 

[eyenix]

Patch 1.5 is out, but essential features are still missing and AI could be better. Good coverage by "swamp icebreaker":

Thanks for the videos, I really want to buy this game because I love Metro Saga and this seems to be the perfect game for me. But I'm sorry that the AI seems really poorly programmed, what do you think? Is it worth it?

 

[sepheronx]

It isn't worth it still.

Wait till they release the DLC's and have an ultimate version or something.

 

[Artas1984]

Thanks for the videos, I really want to buy this game because I love Metro Saga and this seems to be the perfect game for me. But I'm sorry that the AI seems really poorly programmed, what do you think? Is it worth it?

No it is not worth it still. And i was an idiot bull-rushing and buying this game before seeing all the custom reviews from die-hard fans, after which i realized i can not play it yet! On the bright side of things, patches keep coming, we are now into the 8th month of this game's release and it's still being updated. Honestly Stalker 2 has been improved SIGNIFICANTLY since initial release, from the point of unplayable to the point of "lacking some content, missing some polishing and retaining some non critical bugs".

What i find confusing is your saying you are a fan of Metro series and skipping on the original Stalker series. I can hardly image if there is someone out there that might be interested in Stalker 2 without playing the originals for whatever reason. Anyone who is looking forward to Stalker 2, should play Call of Pripyat at the very least (which is the best overall game).

I made a comment in one of those Youtube videos how Monolith's F.E.A.R. has better AI than GSC's S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2. Games 20 years apart. WTF happened to GSC? Was it is so hard to just copy all the AI from the original games? If it ain't broken - why reinvent it???

At this point I don't know if you're just being pedantic and nit picky about my responses

I tend to be pedantic sometimes, but don't be angered, since it is nothing personal. We tend to argue a lot Frag (something that we have been doing since 2005 DC days), but i don't see a problem. We have played many common games and still have things to discuss.

 

[Frag_Maniac]

I tend to be pedantic sometimes, but don't be angered, since it is nothing personal. We tend to argue a lot Frag (something that we have been doing since 2005 DC days), but i don't see a problem. We have played many common games and still have things to discuss.

Yeah, you're right, I'm probably just upset the game still is IMO in unacceptable state, mostly due to the AI as you were saying.

Have you ever played Days Gone btw? Right now I'm going back and playing that again as I wanted to see how it looks with HDR now that I have an HDR compatible display. The latest patch also spiced up the graphics a tad, but after having played other Sony titles again recently like The Last of Us and Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, the character models are a step down in Days Gone. However it might be due to the game having a pretty large open world styled like rural Oregon and that looks very good.

I like to play Days Gone on Survival II mode with no upgrades on skills, bike, or weapons, and no injections for health, stamina, and focus (slow mo aim). I also don't sleep, which is one of the most challenging things, because on the slow stock bike, you risk being knocked off it when riding through forests full of Freaks at night. The Freaks are stronger and more aggressive at night.

Days Gone is a really great survival horror game. I hope Sony will eventually come to their senses and greenlight a sequel.

 

[freeagent]

It isn't worth it still.

I have been wanting to pull the trigger, but pull back every time I see someone tell it how it is, thanks.

 

[FoulOnWhite]

I am quite enjoying it, had no problems for me. Not saying there are none, i just have not seen any, in the 14hrs i have played so far.

 

[the54thvoid]

I am quite enjoying it, had no problems for me. Not saying there are none, i just have not seen any, in the 14hrs i have played so far.

You're one of the reasons I downloaded it (Game pass). I figured the negative hype must be wrong, as a few people here were saying it was fine. I was genuinely bummed when it crashed. I might try again - I hear there's been another update.

 

[hat]

Guys, it wouldn't be Stalker if it wasn't janky and crashy...

 

[the54thvoid]

Guys, it wouldn't be Stalker if it wasn't janky and crashy...

I'm okay with janky. But my crashy is every 1 or 2 minutes.

 

[Artas1984]

Have you ever played Days Gone?

It's one of those types of games on the list - i liked the looks of it! But i already have planned everything for this year and the next. Currently replaying The Last of Us 1, playing a bit of Dying Light (for the first time), as well dedicating most of the gaming time for StarCraft 2 by getting all the specific mission achievements on hard, which can be exhausting and time consuming. This year alone i am done with Dead Space remake and Silent Hill 2 remake (multiple times), so the next survival horror game in schedule is Alan Wake 2. If there will be time left in the end of the year, i will want to replay all Max Payne games. Finally, and eventually, there will come time for Stalker 2, but only after it get's patched properly!

@the54thvoid, have not seen you in years! And @hat - a surprise too! So what, not only Stalker 2 is a HUGE, 60+ square km MESS, but it crashes so often too? LMAO...

 

[FoulOnWhite]

It's one of those types of games on the list - i liked the looks of it! But i already have planned everything for this year and the next. Currently replaying The Last of Us 1, playing a bit of Dying Light (for the first time), as well dedicating most of the gaming time for StarCraft 2 by getting all the specific mission achievements on hard, which can be exhausting and time consuming. This year alone i am done with Dead Space remake and Silent Hill 2 remake (multiple times), so the next survival horror game in schedule is Alan Wake 2. If there will be time left in the end of the year, i will want to replay all Max Payne games. Finally, and eventually, there will come time for Stalker 2, but only after it get's patched properly!

@the54thvoid, have not seen you in years! And @hat - a surprise too! So what, not only Stalker 2 is a HUGE, 60+ square km MESS, but it crashes so often too? LMAO...

I have not had a single crash, weirdly

 

[neatfeatguy]

It's one of those types of games on the list - i liked the looks of it! But i already have planned everything for this year and the next. Currently replaying The Last of Us 1, playing a bit of Dying Light (for the first time), as well dedicating most of the gaming time for StarCraft 2 by getting all the specific mission achievements on hard, which can be exhausting and time consuming. This year alone i am done with Dead Space remake and Silent Hill 2 remake (multiple times), so the next survival horror game in schedule is Alan Wake 2. If there will be time left in the end of the year, i will want to replay all Max Payne games. Finally, and eventually, there will come time for Stalker 2, but only after it get's patched properly!

@the54thvoid, have not seen you in years! And @hat - a surprise too! So what, not only Stalker 2 is a HUGE, 60+ square km MESS, but it crashes so often too? LMAO...

STALKER 2 never crashed for me. I had a couple of odd graphical issues (but I found that it was tied to the upscaling methods - all of them - in the game) and a fall through the world spot that persisted through a couple of patches (might even still be there after patch 1.5). For me, the game wasn't crashing, but there were bugs from graphical to quest related. I'm also kind of disappointed in the underwhelming AI of the bad guys and mutants....oh, and when I played the lack of mutants and bad guys wandering, the world felt really empty.

Dying Light is an amazing game. The combat is fun, the parkour is handled well, the story is decent, but the gun play is kind of bleh and melee fighting the human NPCs can be a bit irritating as they constantly dodge, dodge, dodge. The game isn't perfect, but I enjoyed it so much I played through it 5 different times. I think the part that got me hooked was the first night run. If you really like Dying Light (and the expansion, it's just as fun but with lots of driving) be wary of Dying Light 2 because it's a step back in every aspect in my opinion, very disappointing. So much so that I couldn't even bring myself to play much past the intro. As for Dying Light - coop makes the game so much better.....after posting here now I want to play more, but I currently got myself tied up in another run with yet another build type in Grim Dawn (I'm anxiously awaiting the new DLC coming out).

 

[Artas1984]

Talks about many important improvements since patch 1.5:

Talks about the specific A-Life improvements since patch 1.5:

 

[Frag_Maniac]

^This might be the patch that FINALLY makes the game worth playing! I'll wait until others weigh in after some play time with it though.