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Well, reviews are in for Stalker 2's first major expansion, 'Cost of Hope', and it's off to a flying start!
GSC Game World released its premium DLC today, alongside a massive Unreal Engine 5 update that's free to everyone who owns the base game. Stalker 2 has grown on us since we originally reviewed it, so it's lovely to see Cost of Hope currently holding down an 85 on Metacritic.
Here's what the critics are saying about the Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Cost of Hope DLC:
DayOne (9.5/10)
"If you haven’t played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, ‘Cost of Hope’ marks the perfect time to jump in. Though be warned, this is a story expansion that requires you to have nearly completed the main campaign. It is seamlessly blended into the progression of the story, and it is fantastic. Genuinely scary moments abound, with the title’s trademark gunplay feeling better than ever. Consider playing in the native VO, and lose yourself in the zone."
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Insider Gaming (9/10)
"STALKER 2's Cost of Hope expansion represents the next generation of a beloved franchise, but this time, it sets the stage for the most major evolution we've ever seen. It's a haunting, emotional, and twisting expansion that might not be perfect, but comes damn close."
Game8 (9/10)
"S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope is a fantastic expansion that builds on what made the base game so compelling, even as its slow-burn pacing and punishing gameplay remain largely unchanged. Its strong narrative on two of the series’ popular factions, as well as its deeper dive into the convoluted science-fiction mythos makes it a worthwhile return to the Zone."
The Wand Report (8/10)
"The best version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2, whether you’re a new player or returning veteran. Update 2.0 and Cost of Hope’s DLC missions combine to deliver an impactful experience that is brutal, rewarding, and best when it lets humanity shine."
GamingBolt (8/10)
"While S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl was already a great open-world game, Update 2.0 and Cost of Hope have pushed it even further, regardless of whether you’re a franchise die-hard or a new player."
Gamereactor UK (8/10)
"I can say straight away the expansion is good; it explores classic factions, offers new areas, and new characters. It also features new dangers, weapons, and new equipment. Although there are significantly fewer missions than in the base game, they are of a relatively much higher quality in terms of mission design and level design, and they'll particularly appeal to those of you who really enjoyed the first game and its expansions."
So, there you have it folks! Stalker 2 Cost of Hope sounds like it'll give you a reet scare if you're heading back into the zone anytime soon. The game seems to have benefitted massively from the 2.0 update too.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl and its DLC are both available now on Xbox Series X|S and support Xbox Play Anywhere.
So, have the reviews sparked some interest? Let us know in the poll below, as well as in the comments section.