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Stalker 2 preload guide: release date, file size, and preorder

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A Stalker from Stalker 2 looks off in the distance with a radioactive symbol behind him.
GSC Game World

It is almost time to put on your gas masks and head back into the exclusion zone as Stalker 2 is due to arrive later this month. This series was a cult classic on PC, and many fans had been eagerly awaiting for a true sequel to arrive, making it one of the most anticipated upcoming Xbox games in addition to PC. However, the development suffered many delays over the years, the most recent being directly related to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, where the development team was located. Despite all that, Stalker 2 is ready to put us to the test in a hardcore shooter where every choice and step could be our last. Make sure you’re ready to return to Chornobyl with all the preload information we have available.

Stalker 2 release date

A crashed helicopter in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
GSC Game World

Stalker 2 will be released on November 20, but a specific time has not yet been given.

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Stalker 2 file size

Pre-Load for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is now available on Xbox!

The Game's size is 146GB. pic.twitter.com/UmcUPMNxLA

— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 News (@Stalker2News) November 11, 2024

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Stalker 2‘s file size has been revealed to be a massive 146 GB on Xbox Series X. If you don’t have an external hard drive, you may need to delete a game or two to create some space.

An exact size hasn’t been shared for the PC version, however, the Steam page lists 150 GB of free space as a requirement, so odds are it will be roughly the same size.

Stalker 2 preload options

A player looks out at a barren wasteland in STALKER 2.
GSC Game World

Xbox players who have preordered are able to begin preloading Stalker 2 right now regardless of which edition you chose.

PC players cannot preload at this time, and there has been no word on when or if that option will be made available.

Stalker 2 preorder details

Key art for Stalker 2. A character in a lit-up gas mask and a gun on their back.
GSC Game World

Preorders for Stalker 2 are still available to grab on the official store page.

Regardless of the version, all preorders come with an exclusive preorder pack, which includes extended campfire content, exclusive weapon and armor skins, and an early bird multiplayer badge.

There are several different versions available for preorder. On the digital front, the Standard Edition includes the game, the preorder bonus pack, and exclusive Steam content. Here’s what’s included with the other digital versions:

Deluxe edition

  • $80
  • All Standard edition content
  • Special extra quest
  • Digital artbook
  • Official soundtrack
  • One costume and three weapon single-player skins
  • Two costumes and three weapon multiplayer skins

Ultimate edition

  • $110
  • All Deluxe edition content
  • Three costumes and seven weapon multiplayer skins
  • Two story expansions
  • Season pass

In addition, GSC is offering four physical versions of the game. The Standard version comes with the game plus a preorder bonus, a steelbook case, a letter from the developers, a souvenir zone permit, and a sticker pack. Here’s what the other versions include:

Limited edition

  • $80
  • All Standard edition content
  • Zone map
  • Poster
  • Faction patches
  • Military token
  • Multi-tool with fire starter

Collector’s edition

  • $180
  • All Limited edition content
  • Deluxe digital content
  • Collector’s art steelbook
  • Art book
  • Stalker figurine

Ultimate edition

  • $340
  • All Collector’s edition content
  • Ultimate digital content
  • Ultimate art steelbook
  • Artifact Container lamp
  • Stalker backpack

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Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…
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Key art for Stalker 2. A character in a lit-up gas mask and a gun on their back.

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