GSC GameWorld has just released Title Update 1.5.3 for STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl and shared its full patch notes. So, let’s see what this new patch brings to the table.

Patch 1.5.3 fixes some bugs and issues related to NPCs. For instance, it fixes an issue where NPCs could spawn in the air. It also fixes an issue where some NPCs could spawn in the radiation field on the Slag Heap. Plus, it fixes an issue where some NPCs could spawn in unexpected places.

Bloodsuckers will no longer spawn in large groups or too often. Similarly, AI-Life NPCs will no longer spawn in the quest areas. A bug that could cause the door to the Skadovsk hub to be permanently closed has been fixed, too. Mutants will no longer teleport during the attack, and an issue where the interact dots could be missing for some items has been fixed.

The game should also be more stable than before. The devs stated that they have fixed 4 general crashes.

For those wondering, no. This isn’t the next big patch that GSC GameWorld promised a while ago. Instead, this patch focuses on fixing some bugs and issues that plagued the game. In other words, don’t expect the promised upgrade to UE5.5.4.

Speaking of STALKER 2, you may also want to try these mods for it. In theory, they should be compatible with this latest version. A really cool mod is this one, which adds a Parkour-like climbing system to the game. Then we have this mod that allows you to fast-travel anywhere on the map.

In December 2024, we shared a mod that let you loot all mutants in STALKER 2. This was a feature from the older STALKER games that was missing at launch. Luckily, GSC GameWorld added it later through an update. So now, you don’t need the mod anymore. Still, it shows how modders were able to bring back features that fans missed.

Another great mod you should try is this one that turns Achievements back on. Normally, the game blocks Achievements if you’re using mods. But with this mod, Achievements will work even when mods are active. So you can still unlock them while enjoying your favorite mods.

You can also download a mod that will remove the inventory carry/weight limit. I’m not a fan of this last mod, but hey, some of you may like it. There is also this mod that adds realistic death animations. Finally, we have a mod that can further improve the game’s graphics. Among other things, it can also enable GTAO. So, if you want to improve STALKER 2’s graphics, you should give it a go.

Finally, there is a mod that adds a crafting system to the game. By using it, you will be able to craft a lot of different items. This mod offers a fresh take on collecting and using items in the game. This is something that the devs should implement via a new update. At least in my opinion.

Like always, Steam will download this patch the next time you launch its client. Below, you can also find its complete changelog.

Enjoy and stay tuned for more!

STALKER 2 Patch 1.5.3 Release Notes

• Fixed an issue that caused mutants to teleport during the attack.
• Fixed an issue where NPCs could spawn in the air.
• Fixed an issue where bloodsuckers could spawn in large groups and too often.
• Fixed an issue where the door to the Skadovsk hub could be permanently closed.
• Fixed an issue where some A-Life NPCs could spawn in the quest areas.
• Fixed an issue where some NPCs could spawn in the radiation field on the Slag Heap.
• Fixed an issue where the subtitles for the intro cinematic were out of sync.
• Fixed mistakes in the credits.
• Fixed an issue where the interact dots could be missing for some items.
• Fixed an issue where the sound could be corrupted during the credits on Xbox.
• Fixed an issue where some NPCs could spawn in unexpected places.
• Fixed a bug where the left arm of an NPC could be twisted when they were only holding a pistol.
• Fixed an issue where the HUD widgets could be displayed while PDA is open on the ultra-wide monitors.
• 4 crashes fixed.

John Papadopoulos

John is the founder and Editor in Chief at DSOGaming. He is a PC gaming fan and highly supports the modding and indie communities. Before creating DSOGaming, John worked on numerous gaming websites. While he is a die-hard PC gamer, his gaming roots can be found on consoles. John loved – and still does – the 16-bit consoles, and considers SNES to be one of the best consoles. Still, the PC platform won him over consoles. That was mainly due to 3DFX and its iconic dedicated 3D accelerator graphics card, Voodoo 2. John has also written a higher degree thesis on the “The Evolution of PC graphics cards.”
Contact: Email