STALKER 2: A Massive Unreal Engine 5 World Built by Hand
Stalker 2, built using Unreal Engine 5, is shaping up to be a massive game. According to the official FAQ, its map spans over 60 square kilometers, making it one of the largest open worlds in modern video games. Despite the vast size, Stalker 2’s technical producer, Evgeniy Kulik, shared with PC Gamer that the team is not using procedural generation to develop the game’s world. Instead, every location is meticulously handcrafted.
GSC Game World is pushing Unreal Engine 5 to its limits with Stalker 2, and according to Kulik, this presents unique challenges. No other game built with the Stalker 2 Game Engine has attempted a world of this scale or diversity. In fact, the developers had to create custom tools so that the level designers and artists could fully realize the game’s vision.
“We put a lot of our talent into creating these incredible assets,” Kulik said during an interview at Gamescom. “From the vast open areas to the smallest villages, everything in Stalker 2 is crafted by hand. We didn’t rely on procedural generation, allowing us to maintain a level of detail that ensures a unique atmosphere in every location.”
The choice to handcraft the entire world of Stalker 2, despite its size, was driven by the studio’s commitment to quality. “We hold ourselves to very high standards,” Kulik explained. “Our goal was to make every location memorable and create the best possible experience. Procedural generation didn’t meet our expectations for the visual quality and gameplay we wanted, so we decided to handcraft every part of the game. It took a lot of time and effort, but we’re very satisfied with the result.”
Earlier this month, GSC Game World released an in-depth 35-minute video showcasing Stalker 2’s Swamps region, a location familiar from Stalker: Clear Sky. The studio emphasized their dedication to delivering an “authentic” Stalker experience using the Stalker 2 Unreal Engine 5 to enhance both visuals and immersion. Fans won’t have to wait much longer, Stalker 2 is set to release on November 20.
