After Charlie Hall reviewed STALKER 2 for Polygon and shared some beginner tips, he passed on a bonus nugget of wisdom that I’m happy to relay to you: switch the voice acting to Ukrainian with English subtitles. Sure, this means you’ll need to follow along with some reading and focus a bit more, but given the game’s challenging nature, you’re already deeply immersed in it anyway. Trust me, making this change is truly worth it.
While the English voice actors perform adequately, sticking with them might leave you unaware of what you’re missing if you don’t venture to the Ukrainian option. And by “enjoy,” I mean overlooking the game’s rather shaky state as of now. I’ve been testing it on Xbox Series S through Game Pass, a platform where it has its hiccups, yet I’ve managed a reasonably smooth experience.
Switching the language isn’t just about the novelty; it’s about embracing realism. STALKER 2 hails from Ukrainian developers at GSC Game World, who pressed on with development amidst the 2022 Russian invasion. The STALKER narrative plunges into a post-apocalyptic science fiction realm set in Ukraine’s Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This installment continues exploring how local characters navigate supernatural and real-life threats, forging a sense of community despite their dire circumstances. From an artistic and emotional standpoint, hearing Ukrainian conversations feels authentic and enhances the game’s depth.
Beyond authenticity, the performances are impressive. The portrayal of Skif, the protagonist, is particularly remarkable and stood out to me. Since you’ll journey through the game in his shoes, listening to his voice really enriches the experience of entering the Zone.
