Hot on the heels of its first major update, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has received another patch, 1.02. This update follows closely behind the substantial 1.01 patch, which addressed hundreds of bugs. While smaller in scope, 1.02 focuses on crucial progression-blocking issues.
This article contains minor spoilers for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. If you’re just starting the game, proceed with caution.
Patch 1.02 Details
The 1.02 update targets specific issues that hindered player progress. Here’s a breakdown of the fixes:
- “On the Edge” Mission Fix: Resolved an issue preventing the second wave of Monolith soldiers from spawning, which previously blocked progression.
- “A Minor Incident” Mission Fix: Addressed a bug that could cause Richter to be found dead, halting mission progress.
- “Just Like the Good Old Days” Mission Fix: Fixed a progression blocker that occurred if players obtained the Emitter from Faust’s Cell before installing the fuse in the Wild Island area.
- “All That is Left” Mission Fix: Resolved an issue that prevented successful completion of this mission within the Chemical Plant region.
- “Down Below” Mission Fix: Addressed a bug where quest enemies would spawn in inaccessible locations, blocking further progress.
- “Visions of Truth” Mission Fix: Fixed a potential issue where Scar could be missing.
- Additional Fixes: Several EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors have also been addressed.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is available on Xbox and PC.
Update Availability
PC players using Steam, the Epic Games Store, or GOG can download update 1.02 immediately. Those playing on Xbox or PC via Game Pass will need to wait a bit longer. The developer has stated the update will be available on those platforms “soon,” but hasn’t given a precise timeframe. Based on the rollout of 1.01, Xbox and Game Pass users should expect the update within a few hours, likely by the end of the day.
Future Updates
While GSC Game World hasn’t revealed specifics about the next patch, they did provide insights into 1.01 before its release. This suggests a similar preview might be available before the next update drops.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Fallout Comparisons
Many S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 players are experiencing the series for the first time. The game’s setting, themes, and creatures evoke comparisons to the Fallout franchise. If you’re looking for a Fallout-esque experience, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 might be a good fit, but be prepared for a lengthy adventure.
