Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl rolls out major Patch 1.5 update with enhanced AI, new weapons, and official mod support

Image: Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl

The latest update for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, dubbed Patch 1.5, is now live and brings a substantial set of improvements and additions. From fine-tuned AI behavior and balance tweaks to the long-awaited official mod support, this update is one of the most significant ones yet for GSC Game World’s survival shooter.

One of the core features of Patch 1.5 is the overhaul of the A-Life system, which now ensures that all NPCs and enemies are constantly simulated, even when they’re not in the player's immediate view. This means characters now continue living their lives in the Zone regardless of the player's presence, creating a more dynamic and immersive world—similar to what fans experienced in STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl.

The update also introduces two new weapons: the Three-Line Rifle, a bolt-action sniper perfect for precision shooting, and the Kora handgun, which trades speed for raw power.

In a first for the franchise, mutant looting is now possible. Players can harvest parts like eyes and tentacles from various mutants and trade them for in-game rewards. But it’s not just about hacking and slashing—there’s a learning curve. Players must visit Malachite to learn how to properly extract and preserve these mutant parts.

Perhaps the most exciting addition for the creative crowd is the launch of Zone Kit, the game’s official modding toolkit. Available via the Epic Games Store, this allows players to modify everything from animations and weapons to anomalies and mechanics. Mods can be shared on Steam Workshop or Mod.io, depending on your platform. According to GSC Game World, this is just the beginning, with more features planned for future updates.

Performance-wise, Patch 1.5 addresses a long list of bugs and issues. From fixing random crashes and visual glitches to optimizing NPC behaviors and reducing frame drops in crowded areas, the game should now feel more stable across platforms. Xbox users in particular will notice improvements with quick resume functionality and better UI responsiveness.

Other key highlights from the update include:

• A new anomaly called Electric Water Tornado

• Adjustments to weapon damage, armor penetration, and ammo types

• Expanded stash window and improved inventory sorting

• Added support for 21:9 and 32:9 ultrawide resolutions

• Ukrainian lipsync for non-pre-rendered cutscenes, enhancing narrative immersion

Additionally, for those looking to jump into the world of Stalker, a Steam Summer Sale begins June 26. Stalker 2 will be available at 30% off, and Legends of the Zone Enhanced Edition will see a 15% discount.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and Windows Store. It’s also part of the Xbox Game Pass library, making it easily accessible for subscribers across console, PC, and cloud.

For the full list of patch notes, players can visit the official Stalker 2 website or check the latest developer updates on Steam.