STALKER 2 prepares update 1.6 with improvements in totally brutal combat: List of changes

The new patch evolves the combat system and introduces night vision to face the Zone with more options.

More stories in the category Updates

• New update for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers with all these changes, improvements and free contents review
• Sea of Thieves premieres its mid-season patch with new added content
• Dying Light: The Beast prepares a patch to solve the indoor rain and day/night cycle

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl continues to expand its offering with periodic updates. GSC Game World has confirmed that version 1.6 is on the way, bringing with it a set of improvements designed to refine the survival experience and, above all, strengthen the combat system of the game.

The announcement came accompanied by a brief teaser published on social media, where some of the most notable changes are shown. Among them, the introduction of new night vision devices stands out, an element that will expand the possibilities of exploration in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.

Night Vision and Smarter Enemies

Thanks to this addition, players will be able to face mutants and hostile factions without constantly resorting to the flashlight, which means a strategic advantage when moving in the dark. However, GSC warns: the artificial intelligence of the enemies has also been adjusted, so they will react better to nighttime incursions.

Along with this novelty, the update will apply a deep rebalancing of the loot. The hiding spots, chests, and containers scattered throughout the map will have a more balanced booty, which will directly affect the pace of progression and resource management within this post-apocalyptic open world.

What’s Included in Update 1.6

Version 1.6 is part of the STALKER 2 roadmap for late 2025, which includes several adjustments and additions designed to keep the experience alive:

• New night vision for exploration and stealth combat.

• Loot rebalancing in hiding spots and containers.

• Enemy AI improvements, which will react more realistically.

• New anomalies that will increase the unpredictability of the environment.

• Immersive Mode, designed for those seeking a more extreme challenge.

• Improved A-Life system, with richer dynamic interactions.

• New atmospheric conditions that will add variety to the climate.

• Inventory redesign, clearer and more practical.

• Additional tools for modders, expanding community possibilities.

Coming Soon to Consoles and PC

Although there is no exact date, it is expected that this update will arrive in the coming weeks on both PC and Xbox Series. From the studio, they emphasize that this is another step within their long-term plan to keep one of the most ambitious titles in the saga alive and evolving.

Version 1.6 promises to strengthen immersion in STALKER 2 and offer new ways to face an environment where every nighttime incursion can become a desperate fight for survival.

Experience realistic night-vision combat in Update 1.6!
Offset Aiming lets you really feel the heat of nighttime close range battles. Prepare to use darkness to your advantage.
https://t.co/gjSPYfjdTN

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) https://twitter.com/stalker_thegame/status/1970156331312067053