STALKER 2 Has a Unique Mechanic That Makes for the Best Activity If You’re Done Hunting Artifacts

So, we all know the story by now; STALKER 2’s got bugs, a lot of bugs. Not the radioactive kind—well, those too—but the kind that brings back memories of Cyberpunk 2077’s launch period.

But, even with all its problems, there’s little denying that it’s one of the most atmospheric games of 2024. And honestly, what better way to soak in said atmosphere than by plucking away on strings at a campfire?

You Can Find and Play a Guitar at Campfires in STALKER 2

So, within The Zone of STALKER 2, you might find yourself stumbling across a Guitar at locations such a Zalissya, tucked away at a campsite where weary Stalkers pause for a breather.

Here’s the catch, though – it isn’t just some random collectible, as once you get it, you can plop down at any campfire and start strumming away at its chords.

Suddenly, of course, The Zone feels less like a death trap and more like a melancholic second home that you belong to. Only a few games let you do something like this these days – the only example we can think of is The Last of Us PART II, which lets us fiddle around on Ellie’s guitar.

But unlike that game, playing the guitar in STALKER 2 just feels different. No longer does it feel about hitting each chord perfectly; it’s more about finding a moment of calm in this chaotic, oppressive world.

The Zone, after all, is full of anomalies, mutants, and, most frightening of all, other human beings. So, when you play the guitar in the game, it becomes a reminder that even when everything’s falling apart, there’s still room for small pleasures that remind us of our humanity.

Perhaps it’s a bit of a stretch, but think about how this game came to life. It was built during a literal war that resulted in the loss of countless lives, some of which were even part of GSC Game World.

Keeping that in mind, this simple guitar, too, feels like a way to honor the resilience of those who created this world—and a moment to reflect on the real-life struggles that inspired it.

The Guitar Isn’t the Only Thing That Makes STALKER 2 Special

It would be unwise of us not to mention how much heavy work the world of STALKER 2 does for the game. From the ghostly ruins of old towns to the eerie feeling that something is watching you at all times, it’s surreal, terrifying, and breathtaking, often at the same time.

And sure, the game is about as far from perfect as any game can be, even beyond its technical problems – the world can, at times, feel empty, and the exploration or combat just doesn’t feel rewarding at times – but those flaws, in the end, just feel like another layer of unpredictability in a world that’s already off its rocker.

The million copies sold so far are proof enough that many are connecting with what STALKER 2 brings to the table. Being a little bold, though, we’d say the game still needs to receive the kind of love it deserves, and we hope that one day, GSC is able to bring this game on par with its original vision.

But with all that said, what has been your favorite thing to do in the Zone so far? Have you given strumming away at the guitar a shot yet? Let us know in the comments below!

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire