In the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Zone, danger awaits not only behind the next anomaly or in the jaws of a mutant. During their journey, players may unexpectedly hear Pavlo Zibrov’s “School Waltz.” These are exactly the kinds of musical surprises GSC Game World has in store for the first story-driven DLC, “Cost of Hope.”
The musical component of the expansion will be truly massive—the game will feature over 300 new tracks by Ukrainian artists. The developers have compiled tracks from various eras and genres: from hits familiar to many to the contemporary Ukrainian music scene. The list of artists includes, among others, Kalush Orchestra, Monokate, and Pavlo Zibrov.
Ukrainian music will become an integral part of the Zone’s atmosphere. It can be heard on the radio, in bars, camps, bases, and around campfires. So familiar melodies will accompany stalkers during routine stops and dangerous forays.
Pavlo Zibrov will provide commentary on the fights at the Arena
Pavlo Zibrov will appear in the new DLC for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 not only as a singer. The artist will be the voice of the Arena—a place where stalkers can fight for money and other rewards.
The Arena is located on the grounds of the former “Rostok” factory. Here, players can engage in battles with other stalkers or mutants. A cash reward is offered for victory.
It appears that Zibrov will be commentating on these matches. In the new video from GSC Game World, you can already hear Mavka introducing the Arena’s new commentator. So during the battles, the Ukrainian singer’s commentary will be added to the gunfire and sounds of the Zone.
The DLC’s soundtrack will also feature Monokate with the track “Nas Nese.” The developers have already shared footage featuring her song and encouraged players to give it a listen:
“Her voice will soon be heard in the Zone, so pay attention and listen carefully!” — GSC Game World noted.
The event wouldn’t be complete without Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania”—the song that brought Ukraine victory at Eurovision 2022. GSC Game World hasn’t specified exactly where it will be performed, but has hinted at stages near bonfires:
“We can already hear familiar tunes by the Kalush Orchestra playing around scattered campfires.”
The region will get even more Ukrainian music
Ukrainian music has been an important part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 since the game’s release. In the base version, the developers used over 400 tracks by Ukrainian artists, and with the release of “Cost of Hope,” more than 300 additional tracks will be added.
As a result, the game’s music library will feature nearly 700 Ukrainian tracks. It will bring together songs from different generations and genres—ranging from well-known hits to contemporary artists. In fact, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will span several stages in the development of Ukrainian music.
The first story-driven DLC—“Cost of Hope”—is being developed by GSC Game World, a Ukrainian studio that is part of the ecosystem of the ARS Capital investment holding company owned by entrepreneur Maksym Krippa. The release is scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Kyiv time.
The new story centers on the confrontation between two familiar factions—“Duty” and “Freedom. Along with the story continuation, players can expect new characters and locations, including the Iron Forest, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and the Spatial Bubble.