Resident Evil Village vs S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

• Perspective: First-Person (Third-Person Mode available in Winters' Expansion)
• Multiplayer: Single-Player Campaign. The Mercenaries mode is single-player. (RE:Verse was a separate bundled multiplayer game).
• Setting: Isolated Eastern European Village & Surrounding Areas (Castle, Factory, etc.)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version), macOS, iOS
• Unique Feature: Four Distinct Lord Domains with Unique Horror Themes, Memorable Antagonists (Lady Dimitrescu), Inventory Management & Crafting, First-Person Immersive Horror, Winters' Expansion (Shadows of Rose, Third-Person Mode).

• Perspective: First-Person
• Multiplayer: Free Multiplayer Update planned post-launch (Details TBD)
• Setting: Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine (Near Future, Post-Second Disaster)
• Platforms: PC (Windows), Xbox Series X|S (Day one on Game Pass)
• Unique Feature: Seamless Open World Chornobyl Zone, A-Life 2.0 System, Non-Linear Story with Meaningful Choices, Intense Survival Mechanics, Anomaly & Artifact Hunting, Mod Support (Confirmed).

• None (Ethan Winters - Gameplay): For the vast majority of his playable sections, Ethan Winters fights alone. He does not have persistent AI companions that follow him or can be commanded in combat during his main story segments.
• Hound Wolf Squad Members (Chris Redfield's Section - Temporary AI): During Chris Redfield's playable segment, he is accompanied by members of his Hound Wolf Squad (e.g., Canine, Lobo, Night Howl, Umber Eyes). They are AI-controlled and provide significant combat support with military-grade weaponry and tactics during these specific missions.
  Human (BSAA Elite Soldiers)
• Mia Winters & Rosemary Winters (Narrative Context): While central to Ethan's motivations, Mia and Rosemary do not act as gameplay companions for Ethan. Rosemary is an infant, and Mia's active role is primarily at the beginning and end of the game.
  Human
• Michael (Shadows of Rose DLC - Temporary Guide/Entity): In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, Rose is guided by a mysterious entity calling itself 'Michael,' which communicates through text appearing on surfaces. It provides hints and narrative direction but is not a physical companion.
  Mysterious Entity (Megamycete Construct)

• None Expected (Persistent AI Companions): The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series traditionally emphasizes a lone wolf experience for the player character. While temporary AI allies for specific missions or dynamic A-Life 2.0 squad interactions are likely, persistent, commandable companions are not a typical feature of the core gameplay.
• Temporary Quest-Specific Allies / Faction Squad Mates (A-Life 2.0): During certain quests or as part of the A-Life 2.0 system, Skif might temporarily team up with other AI-controlled stalkers from friendly or neutral factions. They would provide combat support based on their faction's typical equipment and behavior. Their survival would likely not be critical to mission success beyond specific scripted events.
  Human (Stalkers from various factions)

• Files (Notes, Diaries, Documents, Reports): Numerous readable documents found throughout all areas. They provide rich backstory on the village's history, the Four Lords, Mother Miranda's experiments, the BSAA's involvement, Ethan and Mia's past, and general lore about the Resident Evil universe. Essential for understanding the full narrative.
• Goats of Warding: 20 small, wooden goat effigies hidden in various locations across the village and its surrounding areas. They make a distinct clicking sound when nearby. Destroying all of them unlocks an achievement/trophy and Challenge Points for the Extra Content Shop.
• Treasures (Crystal Fragments, Wooden Animals, Combineable Treasures, etc.): Valuable items that can be found hidden in the environment, dropped by certain enemies, or in locked areas. These can be sold to The Duke for Lei (in-game currency). Some treasures consist of multiple parts that can be combined to create a more valuable item (e.g., Dimitrescu's Necklace, Moreau's Hidden Weapon).
• Weapon Parts (Attachments): Found in specific locations, often in locked cases or hidden areas, or purchased from The Duke. These attachments (e.g., scopes, stocks, extended magazines, compensators) can be equipped to weapons at The Duke's Emporium to improve their stats or functionality.
• Cooked Meals Ingredients (Fish, Poultry, Meat - Quality Tiers): Animals like fish, chickens, pigs, and goats can be hunted in the village and surrounding areas. They drop different qualities of meat. These ingredients are given to The Duke to cook special meals that provide permanent upgrades to Ethan's maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed.
• Outhouse Puzzles (Hidden Items): Many outhouses in the village have a small item hidden inside, often requiring a lockpick or a specific angle to see and shoot down. These usually contain ammo or minor resources.
• Labyrinth Puzzles & Balls: Each of the Four Lords' main areas (and the village) contains a Labyrinth Puzzle model. Ethan must find a corresponding metal ball (e.g., Crimson Skull, Black Goat) and guide it through the miniature labyrinth to obtain a valuable Crystal Treasure.

• Artifacts: Found within or near dangerous anomaly fields. Require special detectors to locate and often careful maneuvering to retrieve. Provide powerful passive buffs (e.g., health regeneration, bullet resistance, increased carry weight, anomaly protection) but may also have negative side effects (e.g., emit radiation, reduce stamina). Can be equipped in artifact containers on a belt/suit.
• PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants): Looted from fallen stalkers or found in hidden stashes. Contain text logs, audio diaries, mission data, coordinates for stashes, or information about other stalkers and Zone events. Key for lore and finding hidden supplies.
• Documents & Research Notes: Found in abandoned laboratories, military outposts, or hidden locations. Provide backstory on the Zone's origins, scientific experiments, faction ideologies, and mutant behavior.
• Unique Weapons & Armor (Stash Items): Rare, often named, versions of standard gear with improved stats, unique properties, or pre-installed modifications. Found in well-hidden stashes, as quest rewards, or looted from powerful enemies.
• Zone Folklore Items / Mementos (Speculative): Could include items like old photographs, trinkets, or handcrafted objects that offer small glimpses into the lives of those who lived in or ventured into the Zone before or after the disasters. (Purely speculative, but fits the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. atmosphere)
• Guitar & Harmonica Songs (Playable by NPCs): Not a traditional collectible for the player, but finding NPCs who play unique songs around campfires is a memorable atmospheric element of the series. Players might collect song 'data' or similar.

• Survival Horror
• Gothic Horror
• Folk Horror
• Body Horror
• Family & Fatherhood
• Desperation
• Loss & Trauma
• Cults & Fanaticism
• Bio-Organic Weapons
• Mystery & Conspiracy
• The Nature of Evil

• Post-Apocalyptic Survival (Chornobyl Exclusion Zone)
• Anomalies & Artifacts
• Mutated Creatures
• Faction Warfare
• The Zone's Mysteries
• Greed & Desperation
• Scientific Experiments Gone Wrong
• Moral Ambiguity
• The Search for Truth
• Ukrainian Folklore (Implied)

• Handguns (LEMI, M1911, V61 Custom, S.T.A.K.E. Magnum, etc.): Pistol / Magnum
  Standard sidearms for general combat. Range from basic pistols to powerful magnums. Upgradable for damage, fire rate, capacity, etc. Some have unique properties or attachments.
• Shotguns (M1897, W870 TAC, SYG-12): Shotgun (Pump-Action, Semi-Auto)
  Effective at close range, dealing high damage to unarmored or multiple enemies. Includes pump-action, tactical, and semi-automatic variants. Upgradable.
• Rifles (FZ F2 Rifle, Dragoon - Chris Redfield Section): Sniper Rifle / Assault Rifle
  The FZ F2 is a bolt-action sniper rifle for long-range precision. During Chris Redfield's section, assault rifles like the Dragoon are used. Upgradable with scopes, stocks, etc.
• Grenade Launcher (GM 79): Explosive / Utility Launcher
  Fires explosive rounds for area damage or flashbang rounds to stun enemies. Limited ammunition.
• Knife: Melee (Utility/Last Resort)
  Ethan's standard melee weapon. Used for breaking crates, finishing downed enemies, or as a last resort in combat. Not very effective against most enemies on its own.
• Mines & Pipe Bombs: Craftable Explosives
  Craftable throwable or deployable explosives. Pipe bombs are basic grenades, while mines can be set as traps.
• Special/Story Weapons (e.g., specific weapons during boss fights or unique sections): Contextual / Unique
  Certain sections or boss encounters may provide Ethan (or other playable characters like Chris) with unique or powerful weapons temporarily.
• Chris Redfield's Arsenal (Target Locator, WCX Assault Rifle, Karambit Knife - Playable Section): Military Grade Weaponry
  During Chris's playable segment, he has access to more advanced military weaponry, including an assault rifle with various attachments and a target locator for airstrikes.
• Rose Winters' Powers (Shadows of Rose DLC - Not traditional weapons): Bio-Organic Abilities
  In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, Rose uses powers derived from the Mold to destroy Mold Cores, stun enemies, and clear obstacles, rather than conventional firearms for most of the DLC.

• Pistols (e.g., Makarov PM, Fort-12, Walther P99, Desert Eagle): Sidearm
  Common sidearms for backup or when primary ammo is scarce. Expected to include classic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. pistols and new additions. Customizable with suppressors, sights, etc. (Speculative details based on franchise)
• Submachine Guns (e.g., MP5, PPSh-41, AS Val - integrated suppressor): Automatic (Close to Medium Range)
  High rate-of-fire weapons for close encounters. AS Val variant would be specialized for stealth. (Speculative details based on franchise)
• Assault Rifles (e.g., AKM-74/2, AN-94 Abakan, L85, G36, FN F2000): Automatic/Semi-Auto (Versatile)
  Workhorse weapons of the Zone. Expected variety of Eastern Bloc and Western rifles, highly customizable with scopes, grenade launchers, silencers, and magazines. (Some confirmed from gameplay, others speculative)
• Shotguns (e.g., TOZ-34, SPSA14, Protecta, Chaser 13): Close Quarters (High Damage)
  Devastating at close range against mutants and unarmored humans. Pump-action, semi-auto, and automatic variants expected. Can use buckshot or slugs. (Speculative details based on franchise)
• Sniper Rifles (e.g., SVD, SVU, VSS Vintorez, Gauss Rifle): Long Range (Precision/High Power)
  For taking out targets from extreme distances. VSS Vintorez for silenced sniping. The Gauss Rifle is an iconic, powerful experimental weapon. (Some confirmed from gameplay, others speculative)
• Machine Guns (e.g., RPK, PKM): Automatic (Suppressive Fire)
  Heavy weapons with large magazines for sustained fire, useful against groups or heavily mutated creatures. (Speculative based on franchise)
• Launchers (e.g., RPG-7, Bulldog 6): Explosive (Anti-Personnel/Anti-Structure)
  Rocket launchers and grenade launchers for dealing with heavily armored targets or groups. (Speculative based on franchise)
• Melee Weapons (Knives, Crowbars, Shovels - expected): Close Quarters (Silent/Last Resort)
  Basic melee options for stealth kills, breaking crates, or desperate situations. (Speculative details based on franchise)
• Throwables (Bolts, Grenades - F1, RGD-5, Smoke): Tactical/Utility/Explosive
  Bolts are essential for detecting anomalies. Grenades for combat. Smoke grenades for cover or distraction. (Bolts confirmed, grenades highly expected)
• Unique & Modified Weapons (Expected): Special Variants
  Stalkers often modify their weapons. Expect to find unique, named versions of standard firearms with special properties, better stats, or unique attachments, possibly tied to quests or rare loot. (Speculative based on franchise)

• No Equipable Armor System (Ethan Winters): Ethan Winters does not have an equipable armor system where players can find or upgrade different pieces of armor for direct stat boosts. His survivability is based on his base health (which can be permanently increased by eating specific cooked meals from The Duke's Kitchen), player skill in combat (blocking, dodging), and the use of healing items (First Aid Meds). Clothing changes are story-dictated and purely cosmetic.
• Defensive Upgrades (The Duke's Kitchen): By providing The Duke with specific quantities of Fish, Poultry, and Meat obtained from hunting animals in the village, Ethan can have meals cooked that provide permanent upgrades to his maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed. This is the primary way to increase his resilience.
• Blocking Mechanic: Ethan can block incoming attacks with his arms or equipped weapon, significantly reducing damage taken. A well-timed block can sometimes stagger enemies. This is a core defensive skill.

• Stalker Suits (e.g., Sunrise Suit, SEVA Suit, Exoskeleton, Trench Coats, Leather Jackets): Various outfits and protective suits worn by stalkers. These provide varying degrees of protection against ballistic damage, mutant attacks, radiation, anomalies (thermal, chemical, electrical, psychic), and environmental hazards. Suits often have slots for Artifact containers and may have integrated features like night vision or closed-cycle breathing systems. Heavier suits like Exoskeletons offer superior protection but reduce mobility and require battery power. Can be repaired and upgraded.
• Helmets & Gas Masks: Headgear providing ballistic protection and crucial for surviving in areas with toxic gas, high radiation, or specific anomalies. Gas masks require filter replacements. Different types offer varying levels of protection and durability.
• Artifact Containers: Specialized containers attached to belts or suits that allow stalkers to safely carry radioactive or otherwise hazardous Artifacts, mitigating their negative effects while benefiting from their positive properties. Upgradable for more slots or better protection.
• Backpacks: Increase carrying capacity for loot, supplies, and ammunition. Different sizes and types may be available.

• Ethan Winters' Attire: Ethan wears a consistent outfit throughout the main game (winter jacket, pants, etc.), which becomes progressively more tattered and bloodied as he endures hardships. There are no direct clothing customization options for Ethan in the story mode beyond these contextual changes. The Third-Person Mode added in the Winters' Expansion shows his full character model.
• Chris Redfield's Attire: During his playable segment, Chris wears his signature Hound Wolf Squad tactical gear. This is fixed for his section.
• Rose Winters' Attire (Shadows of Rose DLC): In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, teenage Rose wears a distinct outfit. Her appearance is fixed for her storyline.
• Character Costumes (The Mercenaries Additional Orders / Unlockables): The Mercenaries mode and potentially other unlockable content (like through completing challenges or as part of Deluxe/Gold editions) may offer alternate cosmetic costumes for playable characters in those specific modes (e.g., different outfits for Chris, Lady Dimitrescu, Heisenberg in Mercenaries).

• Stalker Outfits (Trench Coats, Leather Jackets, Hoodies, Camouflage Gear): Players will likely be able to equip various pieces of clothing that make up a stalker's typical attire. While the primary protection comes from specialized Stalker Suits, underlying clothing might offer minor benefits or be primarily cosmetic. Expect a rugged, worn aesthetic.
• Faction-Specific Gear Appearance: Members of factions like Duty (strict military style, often red/black) or Freedom (anarchist, often green/camouflaged) typically have distinct visual styles for their armor and clothing. If Skif aligns with a faction, this might be reflected in available gear.
• Patches & Insignia (Speculative): A common element in stalker culture. Players might be able to customize their gear with faction patches or other insignia, though this is speculative for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
• Masks & Headgear (Balaclavas, Respirators, Tactical Helmets, Hoods): Beyond functional gas masks and helmets, various other head coverings are common for stalkers for anonymity or environmental protection, contributing to the overall look.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will feature a seamless open world of approximately 64 sq km, one of the largest in gaming. It will encompass iconic locations from previous games (e.g., Pripyat, Chornobyl NPP, Red Forest, Cordon - TBD if all are present or reimagined) as well as new, unexplored territories within the Exclusion Zone. The world will be dynamic, with the A-Life 2.0 system simulating life for factions and mutants independently of the player. Expect diverse biomes from irradiated wastelands and dense forests to underground laboratories and abandoned urban areas.

• Tractor (Briefly, Cutscene/Scripted): Agricultural Land Vehicle
  Ethan briefly uses a tractor during an escape sequence early in the game, but it is a scripted event rather than a freely controllable vehicle.
• Boat (Moreau's Reservoir): Small Motorboat / Watercraft
  Used by Ethan to navigate the flooded areas of Moreau's Reservoir while being pursued by the transformed Salvatore Moreau. Control is primarily for navigation and evasion during this specific segment.
• Makeshift Tank / Vehicle (Heisenberg's Factory - Boss Fight): Improvised Combat Vehicle
  During the boss fight against Karl Heisenberg, Ethan pilots a makeshift, heavily armed vehicle created by Chris Redfield to counter Heisenberg's metallic form. Control is specific to this boss encounter.
• Traversal on Foot (Walking, Running, Sprinting, Crouching): Player Locomotion
  Primary mode of movement. Ethan can walk, run (limited by stamina that isn't explicitly shown but implied by breathlessness), sprint for short bursts, and crouch for stealth or navigating low passages.

• No Player-Controlled Vehicles Traditionally
  The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has traditionally focused on on-foot exploration to emphasize the Zone's dangers and the vulnerability of the stalker. While military vehicles (APCs, helicopters) exist as environmental elements or enemy threats, direct player control of vehicles for general traversal has not been a core feature. This is expected to continue, though specific scripted sequences are always possible.
• Fast Travel (Guides - Speculative/Limited): NPC Service / Map Traversal Mechanic
  In previous games, experienced stalkers known as 'Guides' could offer paid fast travel services between major friendly encampments. A similar limited fast travel system might return, rather than unrestricted map-wide fast travel, to maintain immersion and the sense of journey.
• Traversal on Foot (Walking, Running, Sprinting, Crouching, Prone - expected): Player Locomotion
  Primary mode of movement. Skif will navigate the Zone on foot, managing stamina for sprinting, using stealth (crouching, possibly prone), and carefully navigating treacherous terrain and anomaly fields.

• Ethan Winters: Protagonist
  The returning protagonist from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. A civilian desperately searching for his kidnapped infant daughter, Rosemary, which leads him to a mysterious and hostile village in Eastern Europe. He endures immense physical and psychological trauma throughout his ordeal.
• Mia Winters: Supporting Character / Ethan's Wife
  Ethan's wife and Rosemary's mother. Her apparent death at the beginning of the game sets Ethan on his quest. Her past connections to The Connections and bioweapons are relevant.
• Rosemary 'Rose' Winters: Key Character / Ethan's Daughter / Playable in 'Shadows of Rose' DLC
  Ethan and Mia's infant daughter, who possesses unique abilities due to her parents' exposure to the Mold. She is kidnapped by Chris Redfield, and her rescue is Ethan's primary motivation. Playable as a teenager in the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC.
• Chris Redfield: Supporting Character / Antagonist Figure (Initially) / BSAA Operative
  A recurring hero from the Resident Evil series. He appears to act antagonistically at the start of Village, but his true motives and mission are gradually revealed. Leads the Hound Wolf Squad. Playable in a short segment of the main game and as a character in The Mercenaries.
• The Duke: Ally / Merchant
  An enigmatic and surprisingly jovial, obese merchant who appears in various locations throughout the village. He sells weapons, ammunition, crafting recipes, weapon upgrades, and cooks meals for Ethan that provide permanent stat boosts. Offers cryptic advice and assistance.
• Mother Miranda: Main Antagonist / Village Cult Leader
  The supreme leader of the village and the Four Lords. A powerful bioweapon researcher who seeks to use Rosemary to resurrect her own deceased daughter, Eva. She is the source of the Mold and the mutations in the region.
• Lady Alcina Dimitrescu: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
  The towering, aristocratic mistress of Castle Dimitrescu. A vampiric figure with immense strength and retractable claws, she rules her domain with her three daughters. Became a viral sensation due to her height and design.
• Karl Heisenberg: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords / Potential Rebel
  A charismatic and rebellious lord with the power to manipulate metal (ferrokinesis). He operates a factory producing cybernetic soldiers (Soldats). He has his own agenda and offers Ethan a chance to join him against Miranda.
• Donna Beneviento & Angie: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
  A reclusive doll maker who communicates through her sentient puppet, Angie. Her domain, House Beneviento, focuses on psychological horror, hallucinations, and puzzles rather than direct combat.
• Salvatore Moreau: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
  A grotesque, fish-like mutant lord with low self-esteem, desperate for Miranda's approval. He controls a reservoir and can transform into a colossal aquatic monster.
• Elena & Leonardo Lupu: Supporting Characters / Villagers
  Survivors Ethan encounters in the village. Elena tries to help Ethan but faces tragic circumstances with her father, Leonardo.
• The Hag (Old Crone): Supporting Character / Narrator Figure
  An elderly, mysterious villager who appears at various points, offering cryptic warnings, lore, and seemingly observing Ethan's journey.

• Skif: Protagonist (Stalker)
  The new player-controlled protagonist. Details about Skif's background, motivations, and specific skills are largely unrevealed, but they are depicted as a capable lone stalker venturing deep into the Zone.
• Faction Leaders & Key Members (Duty, Freedom, Loners, Scientists, etc. - Speculative): Quest Givers / Allies / Antagonists
  Expect to encounter and interact with leaders and prominent members of the Zone's various factions. These characters will likely provide quests, trade opportunities, act as allies or enemies depending on player choices and faction alignment. Names and specific roles are TBD but will draw from established S.T.A.L.K.E.R. lore.
• Mysterious Zone Figures (e.g., Guides, Legendary Stalkers, Zone Cultists - Speculative): Lore Figures / Enigmatic NPCs
  The Zone is known for its mysterious and legendary figures. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will likely feature new or returning enigmatic characters who hold deep secrets about the Zone, its origins, and its future. These could include unique quest givers, hidden mentors, or dangerous ideologues.
• Scientists & Researchers (Speculative): Quest Givers / Information Source
  Mobile scientific labs and bunkers are a staple. Expect to interact with scientists studying the Zone, its anomalies, and artifacts, who will likely offer research-oriented quests and unique rewards or information.
• Traders & Technicians (Speculative): Merchants / Crafting & Repair NPCs
  Essential NPCs for buying/selling gear, ammunition, supplies, and for repairing and upgrading weapons and armor. Found in stalker camps and faction bases.

• Main Story Campaign (Ethan's Search for Rose)
  A series of interconnected chapters following Ethan Winters' desperate journey through the titular village and the domains of the Four Lords (Castle Dimitrescu, House Beneviento, Moreau's Reservoir, Heisenberg's Factory) to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Rosemary, and confront Mother Miranda. Involves exploration, puzzle-solving, intense combat encounters, and boss battles.
• Chris Redfield's Section
  A segment of the main campaign where players take control of Chris Redfield as he leads his Hound Wolf Squad on a mission related to Mother Miranda and the Megamycete, showcasing more action-oriented gameplay with military weaponry.
• Puzzle Solving (Key Items, Environmental Puzzles)
  Throughout the game, Ethan must find key items (e.g., specific keys, crests, tools like the Well Wheel or Crank) and solve environmental puzzles to progress, unlock new areas, or access valuable loot. This includes tasks like finding mask fragments in Castle Dimitrescu or navigating the non-combat horror sequences in House Beneviento.
• Boss Battles (Four Lords, Miranda, Mini-Bosses)
  Confront and defeat the unique and often multi-phase bosses that guard the end of each major area or serve as significant story encounters. This includes fighting each of the Four Lords in their transformed states and ultimately Mother Miranda.
• Optional Exploration & Treasure Hunting
  Explore optional paths, hidden rooms, and side areas within the main locations to find valuable treasures (which can be sold to The Duke), weapon parts, crafting resources, files, and Goats of Warding. Some treasures require solving small puzzles or finding combineable parts.
• The Duke's Kitchen (Hunting & Upgrades)
  Hunt animals (fish, poultry, meat) found in the village and surrounding areas. Bring the ingredients to The Duke, who can cook special meals that provide permanent upgrades to Ethan's maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed.
• Shadows of Rose Story Campaign (DLC)
  A new narrative campaign played as a teenage Rosemary Winters. She enters the Megamycete's consciousness to find a way to rid herself of her powers, facing surreal environments, new enemies (Face Eaters, Molded), and exploring her connection to the Mold. Played entirely in third-person.
• The Mercenaries / The Mercenaries Additional Orders (Game Mode)
  An arcade-style score attack mode. Players choose a character (Ethan, Chris, Lady Dimitrescu, Heisenberg) and fight through waves of enemies across various stages within a time limit, aiming for high scores by chaining kills and utilizing character-specific abilities and weapons. Unlocks new stages and potentially in-game rewards.

• Main Story Questline (The Heart of Chornobyl)
  A non-linear series of core narrative missions following Skif's journey into the depths of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone to uncover its greatest secrets, likely revolving around the mysterious 'Heart of Chornobyl.' This will involve navigating dangerous territories, interacting with various factions, making critical choices, and surviving encounters with deadly mutants and anomalies.
• Faction Quests (Duty, Freedom, Loners, Scientists, etc.)
  Optional storylines and tasks given by representatives of the Zone's major factions. Completing these will likely improve Skif's reputation with that faction, unlock unique rewards (gear, information, access to new areas), and potentially influence the balance of power within the Zone. Choices made may alienate other factions.
• Artifact Hunting Expeditions
  Venturing into dangerous anomaly fields to locate and retrieve valuable artifacts using specialized detectors and bolts. This involves careful navigation of invisible and lethal hazards, and often dealing with mutants attracted to anomalous energy.
• Stalker Contracts & Bounties (Speculative)
  Taking on jobs from traders, faction leaders, or other stalkers, such as eliminating specific mutant lairs, assassinating rival stalkers, retrieving lost items, or escorting individuals through dangerous areas. (Based on previous games & open-world tropes)
• Investigating Zone Mysteries & Legends
  Following clues from PDAs, documents, or rumors to investigate mysterious phenomena, legendary stalker tales, secret laboratories, or unexplained events within the Zone. These often lead to unique encounters or valuable discoveries.
• Clearing Mutant Lairs & Bandit Camps
  Systematically eliminating threats from specific locations to make areas safer for passage, secure resources, or fulfill faction objectives. Part of the dynamic A-Life 2.0 system might see these areas reclaimed by enemies over time if not patrolled.
• Survival & Resource Management Tasks
  Ongoing objectives driven by the game's survival mechanics: finding food and water, seeking shelter during emissions or hazardous weather, managing radiation exposure, maintaining weapon and armor durability, crafting ammunition and medical supplies, and finding safe places to rest.

The base game of Resident Evil Village is single-player only. 'The Mercenaries' is an arcade-style, single-player score attack mode. The multiplayer game 'Resident Evil RE:Verse' was intended to launch alongside Village as a free pack-in but was delayed and released later as a separate entity.

A free multiplayer update is planned for release after the main game. Details are scarce, but it's expected to include PvP modes. Co-operative elements or a standalone mode like the once-planned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Online (focused on raids) are speculative but possible.

Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (Trauma Pack with 'Samurai Edge' weapon, Mr. Everywhere weapon charm, found footage filter, save room music, additional difficulty mode 'Village of Shadows'), Collector's Edition (Deluxe content + Chris Redfield statue, SteelBook, artbook, cloth map, Trauma Pack). A 'Gold Edition' was released later, bundling the base game with the 'Winters' Expansion' (Shadows of Rose DLC, Third-Person Mode for main campaign, The Mercenaries Additional Orders).

Multiple editions have been announced: Standard, Deluxe (digital artbook, soundtrack, extra side quests, costumes/weapon skins), Ultimate (Deluxe content + Season Pass with future DLCs, more costumes/weapon skins), and physical Collector's Edition (Ultimate content + SteelBook, artbook, stalker figurine, letter, map, patches, keychain, etc.).

The 'Winters' Expansion' was the major post-launch DLC. It includes: 'Shadows of Rose' (a new story chapter playing as a teenage Rose Winters with unique powers), Third-Person Mode for the main campaign, and 'The Mercenaries Additional Orders' (new characters like Chris, Heisenberg, Lady Dimitrescu, and stages for the arcade mode).

• Q: Is Resident Evil Village a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard?
  A: Yes, Resident Evil Village directly continues the story of Ethan Winters and his wife Mia, set a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7.
• Q: Do I need to play Resident Evil 7 before Village?
  A: It is highly recommended. Village heavily references characters, events, and themes from RE7. While there's a brief recap, playing RE7 first provides crucial context for Ethan's motivations and the overarching story.
• Q: Is Resident Evil Village in first-person or third-person?
  A: The main campaign of Resident Evil Village is played in first-person. However, the 'Winters' Expansion' DLC added an optional Third-Person Mode for the main story, allowing players to experience it from an over-the-shoulder perspective.
• Q: Who are the Four Lords?
  A: The Four Lords are a group of mutated individuals who rule different territories surrounding the village, all serving Mother Miranda. They are Lady Alcina Dimitrescu (vampiric mistress of a castle), Karl Heisenberg (engineer with magnetic powers and a factory), Donna Beneviento (reclusive doll maker controlling hallucinations), and Salvatore Moreau (grotesque fish-like creature controlling a reservoir).
• Q: What is The Mercenaries mode?
  A: The Mercenaries is an arcade-style, score-based bonus mode unlocked after completing the main story. Players choose a character and must defeat waves of enemies across various stages within a time limit, chaining combos and utilizing character-specific abilities to achieve high scores and unlock rewards. The 'Additional Orders' DLC added more characters and stages.
• Q: What is 'Shadows of Rose'?
  A: 'Shadows of Rose' is a story DLC included in the 'Winters' Expansion'. It is set 16 years after the main game and follows a teenage Rosemary Winters as she delves into the consciousness of the Megamycete to find a way to remove her unwanted powers. It is played in third-person.

• Q: Is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 a direct sequel to the previous games?
  A: Yes, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a direct sequel, continuing the story and themes of the original trilogy (Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, Call of Pripyat). It features a new protagonist, Skif, but is set in the same universe and will likely reference past events and characters.
• Q: What is the A-Life 2.0 system?
  A: A-Life is a dynamic AI simulation system unique to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. A-Life 2.0 promises an even more advanced version where NPCs, factions, and mutants live out their own lives, migrate, fight, and react to changes in the Zone independently of the player's direct presence, creating a truly living and unpredictable world.
• Q: Will S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 have a non-linear story?
  A: Yes, GSC Game World has emphasized that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will feature a branching, non-linear storyline with significant player choices that lead to multiple endings and impact the state of the Zone and its factions.
• Q: What are Anomalies and Artifacts?
  A: Anomalies are dangerous, physics-defying environmental hazards found throughout the Zone (e.g., gravitational distortions, pockets of intense heat or electricity). Artifacts are rare, valuable objects formed within anomalies that possess unique beneficial properties (e.g., health regeneration, radiation absorption) but often also have negative side effects. Stalkers hunt for artifacts to sell or use.
• Q: Will there be survival mechanics like hunger, thirst, and sleep?
  A: Yes, survival mechanics such as managing hunger, thirst, sleep, radiation exposure, bleeding, and equipment degradation are core staples of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. experience and are confirmed to return in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
• Q: Is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 using Unreal Engine 5?
  A: Yes, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is being developed on Unreal Engine 5, aiming to leverage its advanced features for graphics, world detail, and dynamic systems.
• Q: Will S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 support mods?
  A: Yes, official mod support has been confirmed by GSC Game World, which is a significant aspect of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community and franchise longevity.

Powered by Capcom's RE Engine, Resident Evil Village boasts stunning visuals with highly detailed environments, lifelike character models (especially the Four Lords), and advanced lighting and shadow effects. The game features distinct visual styles for each lord's domain, from the gothic opulence of Castle Dimitrescu to the grotesque organic horror of Moreau's Reservoir. Ray tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) are available on PC and current-gen consoles, significantly enhancing visual fidelity.

Developed on Unreal Engine 5, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 aims for cutting-edge photorealistic visuals. It will leverage UE5 features like Nanite (virtualized micropolygon geometry for extreme detail) and Lumen (fully dynamic global illumination and reflections). Expect highly detailed environments, realistic weather systems, advanced lighting, and detailed character/mutant models. Motion capture and photogrammetry are being used extensively.

Original score composed by Shusaku Uchiyama, Nao Sato, and Marcin Przybyłowicz, featuring a blend of orchestral horror themes, tense ambient tracks, and folk-inspired melodies reflecting the Eastern European setting. Sound design is crucial for horror atmosfére, with distinct enemy vocalizations (Lycans' howls, Dimitrescu's pursuit), environmental creaks, and impactful weapon sounds. The game uses binaural audio for enhanced spatial awareness.

Expected to feature an atmospheric and melancholic soundtrack, possibly by MoozE (composer for previous S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games) or similar artists, blending ambient electronic, industrial, and folk elements. Immersive sound design is a hallmark, with distinct anomaly sounds, mutant roars, weapon effects, and the oppressive ambience of the Zone (wind, Geiger counter clicks, distant gunfire).

Features a first-person HUD displaying health (electrocardiogram style), ammo count, and equipped item. Inventory management is grid-based, similar to Resident Evil 4, accessible in real-time (though the game often pauses when accessing the full inventory screen). A map helps with navigation, marking key items, save points (typewriters), and locked doors. Crafting is done via a dedicated menu.

Expected to be immersive and diegetic where possible, fitting the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. aesthetic. HUD will likely display health, stamina, radiation levels, ammo, equipped detectors, and time. PDA will be crucial for map, inventory, quests, and information. Dynamic indicators for hunger, thirst, sleep, and bleeding are staples of the series.

Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist, display adjustments for brightness and contrast, options to reduce camera wobble, and various audio settings. A third-person mode was added in the Winters' Expansion, which can also be an accessibility aid for some players.

To Be Determined (TBD). Modern AAA games typically include a range of accessibility options, so it's likely S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will offer features like customizable controls, subtitle options, UI scaling, and potentially gameplay modifiers, though specifics are unconfirmed.

• Official PC system requirements from Capcom. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially with many enemies or detailed environments), and background applications. An SSD is recommended for optimal performance. Ray tracing features are demanding.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Resident Evil Village can be demanding, particularly with ray tracing enabled or at higher resolutions.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI and physics.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0. Later versions of FSR or other upscalers like DLSS might be available via official patches or mods, especially with the Winters' Expansion.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing (Global Illumination, Reflections), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Ambient Occlusion, and Screen Space Reflections heavily impact performance. The game offers FidelityFX CAS for sharpening.
• Game Name: Resident Evil Village

• Official PC system requirements from GSC Game World. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially with many anomalies, NPCs, or intense weather), and background applications. An SSD is MANDATORY. This is expected to be a very demanding title, especially at higher settings with Unreal Engine 5 features like Nanite and Lumen.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, very high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will be an extremely demanding title on PC, requiring top-tier modern laptop hardware for an optimal experience, especially at higher resolutions or with advanced UE5 features enabled.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP will be absolutely crucial.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Exceptional cooling needed to prevent severe thermal throttling in the dense and dynamic world.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Strong CPU performance (especially single-core for UE5 and A-Life 2.0) will be critical.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5) will be essential.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus would be critical for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Expected to support major upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Global Illumination (Lumen), Virtualized Geometry (Nanite detail levels), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, View Distance, Anti-Aliasing, Volumetric Effects, and Particle Density will heavily impact performance.
• Game Name: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

• Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0. Later versions of FSR or other upscalers like DLSS might be available via official patches or mods, especially with the Winters' Expansion.
• Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing (Global Illumination, Reflections), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Ambient Occlusion, and Screen Space Reflections heavily impact performance. The game offers FidelityFX CAS for sharpening.

• Upscaling Tech: Expected to support major upscaling technologies like NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS.
• Key Settings Impact: Global Illumination (Lumen), Virtualized Geometry (Nanite detail levels), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, View Distance, Anti-Aliasing, Volumetric Effects, and Particle Density will heavily impact performance.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
• C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI and physics.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP will be absolutely crucial.
• Cooling Thermals: Exceptional cooling needed to prevent severe thermal throttling in the dense and dynamic world.
• C P U Power Limits: Strong CPU performance (especially single-core for UE5 and A-Life 2.0) will be critical.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5) will be essential.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus would be critical for optimal framerates.