Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been delayed again, as the game will now be released on September 5, 2024. Originally scheduled to launch in the first quarter of the year, developer GSC Game World says that the "challenging" development process led to the studio's decision to delay the game by several months so that several technical issues can be addressed.

"Throughout the frankly challenging development process, we understood the time was of the team's main essence," GSC wrote in a post. "Seeing the scope of polishing and understanding that we can't push your patience too much, we were absolutely dedicated to releasing the game in Q1 2024, and we worked extra hard to meet the release window. That, however, doesn't change the fact that at the beginning of this year, we still witnessed the certain amount of technical imperfections that hold Stalker 2 below the expected standards for the final experience our fans are waiting for.

https://t.co/8h8ZK5J2fF
Dear stalkers,
Last year, during Gamescom 2023, we finally had the chance to meet in person. We gathered around the campfire with you to share something valuable that we have been creating for you for all these years — a small part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:…
— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) January 16, 2024

Stalker 2: Shadow of Chornobyl has been subject to several delays, primarily due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the country where GSC Game World was primarily based. It relocated to Prague in 2022. The conflict has severely impacted several members of the studio, and the developer has also been cyber-attacked by Russian hackers. Through all of the setbacks, GSC Game World has remained resolute in its efforts to deliver the long-awaited sequel to the original game set in the radioactive wasteland of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant disaster.

Stalker 2 is just one of several big horror games out this year, as Pacific Drive, Luto, and a remake of Silent Hill 2 are also in varying stages of development.