The Farm 51 has officially announced that Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone will launch in Steam Early Access on March 6. The game, currently funded on Kickstarter, has also received a brand-new CGI story trailer, offering the first look at its dark and gripping narrative.
A dystopian world fuelled by Chernobylite
Chernobylite 2 follows Cole Grey, a former soldier-turned-security guard in a world where Chernobylite has become the backbone of civilisation. This powerful material has propelled humanity forward but at a cost—widespread unemployment, economic instability, and growing desperation.
Struggling to provide for his family, Cole joins the Planewalker initiative, a highly secretive program that sends operatives into parallel worlds to extract Chernobylite by any means necessary. But to survive, he must undergo genetic modifications, absorbing the very substance he’s harvesting, which alters both his body and mind.
Things quickly take a sinister turn, trapping him inside the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, a place teeming with otherworldly horrors. His only goal is to escape—but standing in his way is the Black Stalker, a mysterious and deadly figure who rules the Zone from the shadows.
A successful Kickstarter and new features
Chernobylite 2 has already surpassed its minimum funding goal on Kickstarter, unlocking several stretch goals, including:
- First-person combat mode
- All weapons from the original game
- Weapon customisation
- New solo and co-op locations
The next stretch goals include a customisable UI and a dynamic dialogue camera, adding even more flexibility to the game.
Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone gameplay: Survival, combat, and exploration
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Chernobylite 2 promises a larger world, deeper RPG mechanics, and cooperative missions. Here’s what players can expect:
- A massive open world – A highly detailed recreation of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, playable in both first- and third-person perspectives.
- Adaptive combat – Choose between melee, firearms, or stealth tactics to handle threats in your own way.
- Character progression – Develop Cole into a powerhouse brawler or a precise marksman, shaping his abilities to fit your playstyle.
- Team-building – Recruit and train survivors, gaining allies with unique skills and personalities.
- Base-building – Upgrade weapons, craft equipment, and assign team members to tasks that impact your survival.
- Faction conflicts – Navigate shifting alliances and power struggles in a world where your choices shape the battlefield.
- Planewalking – Adapt your playstyle on the go, switching between skill sets to overcome different challenges.
System requirements
Chernobylite 2 is demanding when it comes to hardware, requiring a solid setup to run smoothly.
| Specification | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel i7-7700K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600X | Intel i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600 |
| GPU | Intel Arc A580 / GTX 1060 6GB / RX 580 | Intel Arc A770 / RTX 3060 8GB / RX 6700 XT |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 150GB | 150GB |
A dark and ambitious sequel
Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone is shaping up to be a brutal and immersive follow-up, blending survival horror with deep RPG elements. With a dynamic world, faction-based conflicts, and cooperative missions, it looks to push the series to new heights.
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