A few days ago I capitulated my adventure in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl and finally published the analysis. Neither of the two experiences was pleasant, at least not as pleasant as in other 2024 games that I have had to review such as Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
The week leading up to the launch was a real rollercoaster of emotions. I liked it a lot, but at the same time I had to force myself because the numerous errors were taking away all my desire to play. We all know that things are not approached in the same way when they are pleasure or obligation… and I admit that the days before the launch were self-imposed.
Luckily, things changed after the launch and prior analysis thanks to the modder community. I didn't have to wait even 24 hours to have some of the mods that fixed aspects that I personally consider design errors in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2as happens with the lives of mutants. I want to tell you which mods I used (and still use) to enjoy my experience much more.
The mods that saved my life in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
First of all, I have not used nor do I use reshades mods or others to improve the visual section. Nor the performance, because I personally have not had serious problems. They are all focused on modifying aspects of the gameplay that I simply don't like and that I consider errors. And some others to make my life easier.
The first mod I installed on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is called Grok’s Modular Mutants Health by Grokitach0 and changes one of the worst sections of the game in my opinion: the mutants. As I said in my analysis: mutants are wrong. They are an insufferable annoyance that managed to get me out of my wits and bore me to unsuspected limits. I think they are very inconsistent with the immersive, tactical and “realistic” experience that the game proposes.
They are casualty sponges and have no penalty animations. They attack without interruption or resistance and can last 15-20 shotgun shells (shooting low) on the easiest difficulty. At least in its original version, because GSC Game World has modified the lives of mutants in the first post-launch patch. So they are somewhat unbalanced.
This mod allows you to manually modify the life of the mutants to reduce it by the percentage you prefer. I decreased the life of all mutants by 80% and my experience improved to stratospheric levels. Rescuing the example of the analysis, if I catch a Bloodsucker with my shotgun at point-blank range, it cannot withstand more than two or three shots to the chest.
I think this is fairer: they keep all their offensive abilities, such as becoming invisible, speed, mind control and telekinesis powers, lack of resistance, strength… but now with a very limited life. They play it every time they decide to attack me. Combat is determined by skill and not by the number of bullets, medkits, and bandages in my inventory to tank hits without stopping.
Mobility was another of the sections that I criticized S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2especially climbing and parkour. I don't understand the criteria for selecting surfaces that the character can climb. You cannot climb or jump over obstacles that are clearly not a problem for the character.
“Have you ever wondered why Skif, a former soldier, can't even climb a three-foot-high fence or ledge?” says Kennymylenny, creator of the mod Ledge Grabbing. This is another of the mods that I have enjoyed, although I warn that it is causing some problems after the last update. There is no mystery: you can climb or jump over anything that is below your head.
I admit that I have had some problems with the weight of the inventory. I think that in general terms it is fine, but some objects like the first aid kits are too heavy. I could have finished the experience without needing a mod, but the truth is that No (or reduced) weight for ammo nades meds and food of truditu saved me from losing a few years of life during the last leg of the adventure.
This mod allows you to reduce or completely remove the weight of ammunition, grenades, medicine and food from the inventory. If you are looking to live the experience S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2don't even consider installing it. But if you want a more enjoyable experience, reducing the weight of everything by 50% will give you life. And if you want to stop worrying completely, remove the weight of everything mentioned. I repeat: you are not going to play the most genuine experience, but you will be the most comfortable in this sense.
As for the last two mods, I have already disabled one (Mouse Vertical Sensitivity Fix) because the update has solved the problem that was patched and another one is as cool as the top of a pine tree. The latter is called Classic Stalker cursor with spinning radiation symbol and it's no mystery: it changes the appearance of the mouse pointer to the original one from classic games.
I've explored NexusMods a bit while writing this article and found some interesting things I want to try, like Readable Ammo, Mutant Loot y A-Life Extended. Maybe later, because right now I have no desire to go back to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. I will, but I prefer to do it after GSC Game World has had time to polish the game with several updates.
In iGamesNews | Don't rule out STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl just yet because the modding community is doing wonders with the game
In iGamesNews | I offer you five tips to get started in STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl after 30 hours facing the dangers of its world
In iGamesNews | Even the legendary DayZ has sneaked into STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. And not once, but several times throughout La Zona.
