If you’re eyeing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl but haven’t dived into the series before, here’s some good news: you don’t need to play the previous S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games to enjoy the sequel. Developer GSC Game World describes it as an “independent sequel,” making it a perfect entry point for newcomers. While familiarity with the older games adds depth to the experience, it’s not essential to understanding the story or immersing yourself in the game’s gritty, survival-focused world.

Why You Can Skip the Originals

It’s been over a decade since the last S.T.A.L.K.E.R. title launched, so it’s natural to wonder if you’d feel lost jumping straight into S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The earlier games (Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat) built a rich narrative and world, but GSC Game World has assured fans that the sequel stands alone. According to the official FAQ, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is crafted as a fresh starting point in the series, offering an engaging story and gameplay experience without relying on prior knowledge.

In essence, while S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 carries the torch of its predecessors, its connection to the original trilogy is loose. You’ll be able to enjoy the game without worrying about piecing together complex lore or catching up on years of backstory.

Why You Might Want to Play Them Anyway

That said, playing the original trilogy can enrich your experience in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. GSC Game World recommends revisiting the earlier games to “maximize the immersion.” The older titles offer deep worldbuilding, shedding light on past events, faction dynamics, and the unique politics of The Zone. If you want to fully appreciate the sequel’s nuanced setting, diving into the originals could be worth your time.

Luckily, the trilogy is widely accessible. While these games have long been available on PC through Steam, they recently launched on Xbox and PlayStation as the Legends of The Zone Trilogy. These console ports come with enhancements like a radial menu for better inventory management and aim assist for smoother shooting mechanics, making them more accessible than ever.

For those keen to explore, you can grab the entire trilogy for US$40.00 as a bundle on Xbox and PC. However, bear in mind that the originals aren’t included with Xbox Game Pass—though S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be available on the subscription service when it launches later today on 20 November at 10:00 PM (GMT+8).

The Bottom Line

While you don’t need to play the earlier STALKER games to enjoy STALKER 2, they’re still worth exploring if you’re eager to delve deeper into the rich lore and history of The Zone. But if you’re a newcomer, rest assured—STALKER 2 is ready to welcome you with open arms, no prerequisites required