System requirements and characteristics of STALKER 2 for PC: Is it possible to run the Heart of Chernobyl?

One of the most anticipated games of 2024. STALKER 2is already close to us. The highly anticipated sequel to GSC Game World’s popular FPS series, first announced in 2018, was originally scheduled to release in 2022 but was ultimately delayed several times due to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine affected the studio. However, with only a few days left now, the excitement around the Xbox and Windows PC exclusive is growing, as evidenced by its fifth place on Steam’s list of most wanted games.

WITH STALKER 2: The Heart of ChernobylGSC is committed to making The Zone’s open world bigger and better than ever before, with 20 regions each rewarding thorough exploration, Unreal Engine 5’s cutting-edge graphical fidelity, and advanced AI simulation. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure you can actually run the game if you plan to play on PC, and in this guide I’ll share all the information you need to know to do so. This includes the official minimum and recommended requirements for STALKER 2, as well as how to test your setup’s hardware and evaluate how the shooter will perform on gaming laptops.

STALKER 2 PC requirements and specifications

Ahead of STALKER 2’s November 20 release date, developer GSC Game World has shared the game’s minimum requirements and recommended specs on its Steam page. Below you’ll find a list of both games, as well as some details about the type of performance you can expect when meeting each specification, how those requirements compare to other games, and more.

STALKER 2 minimum requirements

These are the minimum requirements for STALKER 2, which are essentially the weakest components your computer can have and still run the game without major problems. If your system has this hardware, or anything similar to it, you can expect to play at 1080p with frame rates around 30fps on low settings. This is of course playablebut not ideal – especially for survival shooters, where the ability to aim smoothly is crucial.

OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600X / Intel Core i5-7600K
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB
Storage: 150 GB free space
Additional notes: solid state drive

Recommended characteristics of STALKER 2

Using the recommended specifications of STALKER 2 or similar hardware, you can achieve higher resolutions, settings and frame rates, increasing your enjoyment of the game. You’ll probably need an even more powerful kit than the one listed here if you want to play in 4K resolution at over 100fps and features like Ray tracing in STALKER 2but having a system with these specs should allow you to play the game at 1440p, 60fps and/or on high settings.

OS: Windows 10, Windows 11
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X / Intel Core i7-9700K
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11 GB
Storage: 150 GB free space
Additional notes: solid state drive

Overall, STALKER 2’s specs are pretty lenient for the new graphically impressive open world game in 2024, although I’d really like to see GSC share the specs players will need for the “Ultra” experience. However, it’s good to know that many PC gamers will have no problem meeting these requirements, as any gaming PC built in the last few years is almost guaranteed to meet them. Many also probably won’t have to make any upgrades to meet the recommended specifications.

One requirement that really stands out is STALKER 2’s need for 150GB of SSD hard drive space, which is a lot – even by modern standards – due to the ever-increasing overall file size. If you’re already low on storage space, try freeing up space for your game by deleting things you haven’t played in a while or deleting large files, such as gameplay recordings, that you no longer need or need; if there’s not enough space, you’ll probably have to purchase a new SSD.

STALKER 2 will be released on Mac?

Unfortunately for Mac owners, STALKER 2 does not run on Apple’s operating system and is not expected to become available for it anytime soon. That doesn’t mean it’s can’talthough, given that Mac systems are considered terrible for gaming, the chances of this happening are very slim.

How to check your PC’s specs

STALKER 2

An NPC aims an RPG at an approaching combat helicopter in STALKER 2. (Image credit: GSC Game World)

Now that you know what hardware you need to play STALKER 2, the next step is to check if your hardware already has it or something similar. If this happens, you’ll be all set, but if not, you’ll either have to make some upgrades or buy a new off-the-shelf system.

Luckily, finding out your computer’s specs is a very simple and easy process that will only take a few minutes of your time. To do this, follow these steps:

Click the Windows button on the taskbar.
Enter dxdiag in the taskbar.
Click dxdiag to view your computer’s specifications.
Select the System tab. to get information about your component regarding memory, processors, and Windows version.
Click on the Display tab. for detailed information about the GPU.

How to update your computer for the game STALKER 2

STALKER 2

The player loads a rifle in STALKER 2 when mutants gather nearby. (Image credit: GSC Game World)

Do you have a computer that is not suitable for playing STALKER 2? There are several ways to solve this problem, including upgrading your existing setup, building a completely new one, purchasing a pre-built gaming PC, or investing in a quality gaming laptop. All four options are viable, and no matter which one you choose, we have guides full of helpful tips, suggestions, and advice to make the process smoother. They are all linked below:

Can STALKER 2 run on gaming laptops?

STALKER 2

A STALKER 2 player wanders into an abandoned village in the Zone. (Image credit: GSC Game World)

While most gamers planning to play the PC version of STALKER 2 will do so on a traditional gaming desktop or laptop, many will want to take their “Zone” adventure on the go with gaming laptop Also. After all, their market exploded following the release of the Steam Deck in 2022, with ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, and others producing their own systems in the months and years that followed.

If you own a handheld gaming device and want to know how STALKER 2 will run on the system you’re using, read on.

Is STALKER 2 Steam Deck compatible?

At the moment, STALKER 2 is official. Steam deck compatibility is “Unknown”, although this will hopefully change as the game’s release date approaches. The FPS’s modest system requirements suggest it has a good chance of being reliable on Valve’s gaming handheld, but that can’t be said with certainty right now.

Is it possible to play STALKER 2 on ROG Ally, Legion Go or other portable gaming devices?

While we don’t know anything about STALKER 2 on Steam Deck, I’m sure the game should run well on more powerful gaming PCs such as ASUS ROG ally, Lenovo Legion Goand newer ROG Ally X. While these devices are significantly more expensive, their extra power often allows them to smoothly run games that the Steam Deck struggles with.

The zone is ringing – is your computer ready?

The wait for STALKER 2 has been long, but after several delays and setbacks, it’s finally coming to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Xbox Game Pass in less than two weeks. With the release date so close, now is definitely a time to make sure your PC can run it; If you carefully read the minimum requirements and recommended characteristics above, and then make any necessary upgrades, you will be ready to answer the call of the Zone when it comes on November 20th. Happy hunting, stalker…

The release of “STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl” is scheduled for November 20, 2024 on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Windows OS (Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG) and, it seems, will become one of best games for xbox And best computer games year. It costs $59.99 to purchase outright, although you’ll also be able to play it with Xbox Game Pass.