The festive season is upon us, even within the desolation of a post-apocalyptic landscape. Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is embracing the spirit of giving with an exciting free update that promises “hours” of new quests and additional content, scheduled for release on Tuesday, December 16th.

2025 has been a productive year for Stalker 2, as developer GSC Game World has rolled out several significant updates for the acclaimed open-world shooter, addressing persistent issues with its A-Life system and launching a version for the PlayStation 5. Now, they are concluding the year with a substantial new storyline that offers extensive gameplay.

According to GSC, “Mysterious occurrences are reported near the Malachite in the western part of the map.” Research teams dispatched by scientists have encountered signals disrupting their usual PDA communications. After exposure, stalkers began to experience headaches, nosebleeds, and hallucinations. Their emergency communications can be detected throughout the Zone. Pay special attention to the Red Forest Region on your map, as your instincts, logic, and decisions will guide you through this new enigma.

Thus, a new mystery unfolds within the Zone, featuring eight fresh quests across seven locations, including the Car Dump, Army Warehouses, City Boiler Room, Rail Depot, and Volkhov SAM. The update will introduce six new characters, each with unique backgrounds and stories, along with a distinctive weapon—the GP37V2, an upgraded version of the GP37 rifle that supports only single and burst fire modes. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to establish a new hub, which, provided you make the right choices during your adventure, will be located in the Burnt Forest. This hub will grant access to a technician, trader, medic, guide, and more.

The significant free update, Stories Untold, will become available for all platforms on Tuesday, December 16th. For those interested in Stalker 2’s recent transition to PlayStation 5, GSC has shared insights on the challenges faced during ongoing development amidst the conflict in Ukraine.