Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Evergreens

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

Add as a preferred source on Google
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.

Recommended Videos

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

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
Jesse Lennox
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jesse Lennox covers all things gaming but has a specific interest in all things PlayStation, JRPGs, and experimental indies…
Xbox Cloud Gaming could soon let players use their smartphones as controllers on TVs
Microsoft is testing a new feature that turns your smartphone into a virtual Xbox controller for gaming on supported smart TVs.
Xbox logo 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming already lets you play console games on a compatible smart TV without owning an Xbox. But there's still one piece of hardware you need to get started. A controller. Microsoft is now testing a way to get around that requirement, allowing players to use their Android phone or iPhone as a virtual gamepad. The game runs on the television, while your phone takes care of the controls.

The feature is part of two new Xbox Cloud Gaming previews, and there's an interesting difference compared to what Sony offers with its PS5.

Read more
God of War Laufey runs into a delay, but thankfully, it’s not that bad
It is now expected to land on May 20 next year.
God of War: Laufey

God of War: Laufey is one of the most highly anticipated games out there, and anyone who has been loyal to the PlayStation side of the console wars is waiting for the latest installment in the series. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a little longer to boot it up on your console. Earlier today, Santa Monica Studio announced that it’s delaying the game, which is now expected to land on May 20 next year.

The studio didn’t give a reason for the delay, but says it will use the extra time to further polish and optimize the game, so it offers players the best experience possible. Below is the full statement released by the studio:

Read more
Microsoft stuffed an Xbox Series X inside an alligator, and you could actually win it
Xbox just made the most Florida gaming console imaginable
Xbox Series X-Bite

A new special edition console from Microsoft isn't something new. Over the years, Xbox consoles have been a part of plenty of limited-edition collaborations, including a controller modeled after Deadpool's backside. But its latest creation just takes the cake.

Microsoft has stuffed an entire Xbox Series X inside a giant alligator, and the fun part is that you could take this monstrosity home. Meet the new Xbox Series X-BITE, a one-of-a-kind console that looks like an alligator swallowed Microsoft's gaming hardware whole. According to Xbox's official announcement, the bizarre creation is part of a special giveaway celebrating the company's upcoming trip to Florida.

Read more