STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is drawing ever nearer, and at today’s PC Gaming Show, GSC Game World delivered a new story trailer for the game. The big news, is that the trailer features none other than Strider, a key character from the previous entry in the series, STALKER: Call of Pripyat. We also get a variety of other hints that this isn’t a narrative reboot – this game will be carrying on the story from past games, so make sure your STALKER lore is in order before you jump in. You can check out the new STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl story trailer, below.

　　In addition, STALKER 2 director and GSC Game World CEO Yevhen Grygorovych provided a statement, thanking the PC Gaming Show for declaring his game the most anticipated upcoming PC title. He also addressed the situation in his native Ukraine, saying STALKER 2 now stands as a “national project” that demonstrates “Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit.”

　　“This game stands as the biggest and most complex game in our lives. It was ambitious from the beginning but evolved into an ultimate challenge. It holds extreme significance and a deeply personal connection for us, crafted amidst the most stressful conditions imaginable, including the pandemic, war, relocation, cyber attacks, life threats, and more.

　　The war still goes on in Ukraine. Those currently fighting on the frontlines, including GSC employees are real heroes. Not all of them were trained for this, they simply couldn't turn away. STALKER 2 was important for us even before the war, but now it stands as a national project aiming to convey Ukraine's unbreakable spirit to the world. Today, we celebrate our victory here while simultaneously striving for our homeland's ultimate triumph in the future.

　　I am overjoyed to recognize that STALKER 2 has entered the final phase of development. Fellow stalkers will soon reunite in the Zone once again. Thank you all for this award.”

　　STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is launching on PC and Xbox Series X/S sometime in Q1 2024. You can get more recent info on the game’s length, Xbox visual modes, and more, right here.