PlayStation 5 Version of "S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl" Reveals Faction and Quest Information in the Zones; Numerous Factions Including Mercenaries and Opposition Groups Appear

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/928/G092818/20251107066/

Editorial Department: maru | 2025/11/07 11:05 (UTC)

Today (November 7, 2025), Sega has released the latest information for its upcoming PlayStation 5 title “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl,” scheduled to launch on November 20.

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This survival horror FPS is set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone—“Zone”—a region drastically transformed by a nuclear reactor explosion. The PC and Xbox Series X|S versions were released in November 2024. This time, details about factions operating within the Zone and quests available there have been revealed. People active around the Zone belong to various factions—Loner, Bandit, Mercenary, Duty, Freedom, and Noontide—and maintain both friendly relationships and hostilities with one another.

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Additionally, numerous side quests exist—while not directly tied to completing the main story, they offer rewards. Player choices after accepting a quest influence difficulty levels, depending on whether you follow the request, exploit information gained, or betray the client for payment.

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PS5 Play Report

[Play Report] PS5 version of “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2” supports DualSense and 3D Audio, enhancing immersion and realism while also improving gameplay accessibility

Play Report: PS5 version of “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2” supports DualSense and 3D Audio, enhancing immersion and realism while also improving gameplay accessibility

GSC Game World will release the PlayStation(R)5 version of survival horror shooter “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” on November 20, 2025. Developed by GSC Game World, a studio based in Ukraine, we had an opportunity to try out the PS5 version beforehand and are sharing our impressions.

[November 28, 2025, 10:00]

Official Website for “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl”

Survival Horror FPS
“S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl”
Introducing Factions Active in the Zone

Sega has today announced new details about its upcoming PlayStation(R)5 title, “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl,” set for release on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The game is developed by GSC Game World and features factions operating within the restricted area known as “ZONE (the Zone).”

Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / PS5 version “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” reveals factions and quests active in the Zone. Mercenaries, outlaw groups, and many other factions appear

Starting “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2” – Part 2: Introducing Factions and Quests

● About the Factions
People active around the Zone belong to various factions. Not all are friendly—some are hostile, so players should exercise caution when interacting. Here’s an overview of several groups featured in the game.

Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / PS5 version “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” reveals factions and quests active in the Zone. Mercenaries, outlaw groups, and many other factions appear Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / PS5 version “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” reveals factions and quests active in the Zone. Mercenaries, outlaw groups, and many other factions appear

Loner
A lone Stalker who operates independently in the Zone, also known as a Lone Stalker. While often solitary, they may form temporary alliances to increase their chances of survival.
Bandit
An outlaw group that preys on rookie stalkers and trades stolen goods. They are at odds with many other factions.
Mercenary
A mercenary unit equipped with high-quality gear. They present a tough challenge if provoked.
Duty
One of the major factions active in the Zone, composed primarily of former military personnel.
Freedom
Another large faction operating in the Zone, actively working to expose Zone-related information globally—often clashing with other groups over their mission.
Noontide
A newly introduced faction in this game. Its members are mostly individuals who have broken free from Monolith’s brainwashing.

● About Quests
Beyond the main storyline quests, numerous side quests are available. Even if not required to complete the game, these offer valuable rewards.

After accepting a quest, players can choose their path—whether to follow the client’s orders for reward, exploit gathered information, or betray them after receiving payment. Your choices directly affect quest difficulty and overall gameplay experience.

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What is “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl”?

“S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” is the latest installment in GSC Game World’s survival horror shooter series, “S.T.A.L.K.E.R.” Set within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone—“Zone”—the game presents a seamless open world powered by Unreal Engine 5, delivering unique survival-action experiences only possible in this title.

The PS5(R) version supports DualSense wireless controller features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, greatly enhancing immersion.

Image Gallery No.011 thumbnail / PS5 version “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” reveals factions and quests active in the Zone. Mercenaries, outlaw groups, and many other factions appear Image Gallery No.012 thumbnail / PS5 version “S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl” reveals factions and quests active in the Zone. Mercenaries, outlaw groups, and many other factions appear

[Product Overview]
Title: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl)
Platforms: PC (Steam/Epic Games Store/Windows), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation(R)5
Release Date:

PC / Xbox Series X|S versions available now (Released November 21, 2024)
PS5(R) version scheduled for release on Thursday, November 20, 2025
Recommended Retail Price:
PC / Xbox Series X|S Versions:
　Standard Edition – ¥7,227 (¥7,950 including tax)
　Deluxe Edition – ¥9,545 (¥10,499 including tax)
　Ultimate Edition – ¥13,181 (¥14,499 including tax)
　※Digital-only versions available
PS5(R) Version:
　Standard Edition – ¥7,980 (¥8,778 including tax)
　Deluxe Edition – ¥10,480 (¥11,528 including tax)
　Ultimate Edition – ¥14,480 (¥15,928 including tax)
　※Physical editions available only for Standard Edition

Genre: Survival Horror FPS
Players: 1
Developer: GSC Game World
CERO Rating: Z (For ages 18 and up)
Japanese Version Official Site: https://stalker2.sega.jp/
Official Website: https://www.stalker2.com/ja