The Ukrainian studio GSC Game World has released a new trailer for the first story expansion for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl—”Cost of Hope”—which offers a closer look at the upcoming adventures in the Zone. The video introduces players to new areas, dangerous anomalies, and challenges that await them after the DLC’s release.
Two new locations take center stage in the trailer: the Iron Forest and the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. According to the developers, stalkers will have to navigate the anomaly-filled labyrinth of the Iron Forest and explore the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, venturing into its machine rooms, administrative offices, and other buildings frozen in time, each hiding its own secrets.
In addition to new locations, the trailer showcases familiar gameplay elements, enhanced with fresh content. The footage shows players hunting for artifacts, overcoming deadly anomalies, and using the NON STOP energy boost, which helps the protagonist quickly regain strength. The developers also showcased several combat sequences featuring fighters from the “Monolith” faction.
The trailer also includes details that highlight the project’s Ukrainian identity. Among the scenery, attentive viewers can spot stained-glass windows featuring the Ukrainian flag and other national symbols, once again emphasizing that the events of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 take place in Ukraine.
The release is coming soon
There are just a few weeks left until the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl — Cost of Hope. The premiere of the first major story expansion is scheduled for August 20, 2026. The DLC will be available simultaneously on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, and those interested can already add it to their wishlist. As of today, GSC Game World has not announced any release delays, so the launch is expected to proceed according to the previously confirmed schedule.
However, the Ukrainian studio’s plans extend beyond the release of the expansion itself. The Ukrainian studio GSC Game World, owned by entrepreneur Maksym Krippa, continues to actively improve the game by listening to the community’s feedback. Following a series of support patches, the team is preparing the largest free update since the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
Along with the release of Cost of Hope, players will receive Update 2.0, which will be available to all owners of the game at no additional cost. It will migrate the project to the newer Unreal Engine 5 and will also bring a significant list of technical improvements, fixes, changes, and new content.
GSC Game World has already announced that it will soon share new details about both Cost of Hope and the features coming with Update 2.0.