STALKER 2 Rolls Out Second Update for March 2025

March 27 marked the release of a significant update for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl with version 1.3.1 now available for download. This second patch for March 2025 brings a host of improvements, primarily aimed at smoothing out various bugs within the game.

Since the game’s launch in November 2024, Ukrainian game creators at GSC Game World have been on top of their patching game, rolling out 11 updates in just three and a half months. Their typical strategy includes launching a major update followed by smaller tweaks to fine-tune the game. This pattern continues with the fresh March 27 update, which builds on the earlier March 18 release of patch 1.3.0. This latest version introduces 22 changes, with many focusing on crucial mission blockers that could frustrate players. One of the critical issues fixed included a character mysteriously going AWOL during a key lab visit in the “Visions of Truth” mission.

Moreover, the 1.3.1 update tackles glitches in the mid-game “Dawn of a New Day” mission. A particularly vexing bug that prevented the “Control Emitter” task from triggering after a key character’s demise has been ironed out. Additional missions benefitting from this bug-squashing spree include “The Boundary,” “Chasing Ghosts,” “Let No One Leave Unsatisfied,” “Hot on the Trail,” “Once More unto the Breach,” and “Dark Times.” And let’s not forget “Legends of the Zone,” “Extreme Simplicity,” and “The Road to the Foundation.” The update also tackles an issue where an NPC jams the entrance of a watchpost during a mission, which was revealing of a major plot twist. In total, 15 quest-specific bugs have been addressed.

On the technical front, six improvements have been made to various game systems. For instance, an annoying bug where NPCs refused to return to their original spots after seeking cover due to an Emission has been set straight. Another oddity where the Ribs anomaly sound effect got stuck in an endless loop is also fixed, saving players from auditory distraction long after they’ve left the area. Numerous “Exception Access Violation” errors received attention too, although some of these memory access issues have been persistent challenges for GSC to tackle since the game’s debut.

GSC Game World remains committed to enhancing STALKER 2 with robust post-launch support, including at least two planned paid DLCs. As the game hits its 12th update in four months, players can expect ongoing efforts to refine their experience.

### Patch Notes for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Update 1.3.1

#### Technical Fixes
– The issue preventing NPCs from returning after an Emission has been fixed.
– The Ribs anomaly sound loop bug has been resolved.
– Crosshairs can now be disabled correctly in the settings menu.
– Drag and drop delays in item containers at the STC Malachite location are fixed.
– Improvements have been made to the voiceover positioning to correct one-sided audio issues.
– Item highlighting now functions properly when looting with a gamepad.
– A dozen exceptions and crashes, including EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors, have been fixed.

#### Main Story, Side Quests, and Encounters
– Scar’s mysterious absence at the X-17 lab during “Visions of Truth” has been addressed.
– The “Control Emitter” task in “Dawn of a New Day” now starts correctly, even after Powerplug’s death.
– A glitch with the “Find Spirit” objective during “The Boundary” mission is fixed.
– Issues in progressing through “Chasing Ghosts” after activating tower equipment have been rectified.
– The incomplete “Talk to Scar” objective when Richter is dead during “The Road to the Foundation” is resolved.
– Players falling into the elevator shaft in “Let No One Leave Unsatisfied” can now get out.
– “Dawn of a New Day” now correctly leads players without Emitter from Powerplug.
– Missing characters like Simon Dubny in “Hot on the Trail” have been restored.
– Door glitches during “Once More unto the Breach” are no more.
– Blocking the “Dark Times” mission due to Jarl’s death is fixed.
– NPC obstructing the watch post entrance during “The Assault on the Duga” is no longer an issue.
– Dialogue with Roosevelt for “Legends of the Zone” starts smoothly now.
– Locked doors in “Extreme Simplicity” have been addressed.
– Unintended movement of monolith NPCs into the safety zone in “The Road to the Foundation” has been corrected.
– Richter’s body reappears post-bossfight with Korshunov.

This March update demonstrates GSC Game World’s continued dedication to perfecting the STALKER 2 experience, ensuring players can enjoy their journey through Heart of Chornobyl free from pesky bugs and technical hiccups.