The first image of long-awaited Stalker 2 has been released

Ukrainian studio GSC Game World has released the first image of Stalker 2, while promising not to disappoint fans with the long-awaited post-apocalyptic shooter sequel.

Following on from 2007’s Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl, 2008’s Stalker: Clear Sky and 2009’s Stalker: Call of Pripyat, Stalker 2 was initially planned for release in 2012, but was cancelled when GSC Game World temporarily disbanded in December 2011.

The studio reformed in 2014 and re-announced the game in May 2018 with a website seemingly teasing plans to launch the title in 2021.

The three Stalker games released to date were adapted from the novel Roadside Picnic by brothers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. They’re set within the Zone, an alternate history version of the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

Today GSC Game World offered a first look at the game and an update for fans.

“Being inspired by everything you do [including arts, stories, cosplays and mods], we fully understand we can’t let you down,” it tweeted.

“The second chapter of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. saga will be our most ambitious game so far. It will live to the legendary legacy.

“A lot of you are joining social isolation now. That’s why today, on a very special occasion, we are ready to slightly uncover the mystery of what we’re working on. This is the first glimpse of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.

“Consider it as our humble present, with more to come in 2020.”