S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a new entry into the fan-favorite series, so if you have played it and liked it, you might be looking for other games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The game was released 15 years after the last one. It puts players in the Chornobyl exclusive zone, and some wild things are going on in the zone.
Players have to fight against not only humans and animals but also mutated beings. Then there are anomalies that make the experience even better. All good things must come to an end, and so does S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. If you are done with it, then you might be looking for a similar experience, which brings us to the list of games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
1. Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition (2021)
Metro Exodus offers an eerie experience in post-apocalyptic Russia as players go across the country on a train. Despite offering exploration, it is not exactly an open-world game. It combines linear storytelling with multi-regional semi-open-world maps. The Metro series takes major inspiration from the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, which is evident the moment you start playing it.
Players will take control of the character called Artyom as he goes across irradiated ruins of the old world, mutant-infested areas, and enemy factions on their journey atop the train called Aurora. The game focuses on survival mechanics, stealth, and crafting.
Depending on the difficulty, resources are scarce, the atmosphere is heavy, and players will start the journey that will take them across Russia and the Eastern European regions. If you are looking for games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, then Metro Exodus should be on your list. The Enhanced Edition offers better visuals, more graphical options, and ray tracing.
2. Chernobylite (2021)
As the name suggests, Chernobylite is among games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The two games not only share the backdrop but also the way they feel and play as well. The developers of Chernobylite quote S.T.A.L.K.E.R. as their inspiration for the game. The game takes place on the 3D scanned version of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone.
Players will take control of a physicist who is searching for his missing fiancée. While on the search player will come face to face with supernatural anomalies, mutants, and of course human beings. Just like most other games on the list, Chernobylite features nonlinear storytelling. Base building, crafting, and time manipulation play an important part in the gameplay.
The game is developed by the ex-S.T.A.L.K.E.R. modders, which speaks for its merits. It successfully captures the eerie atmosphere of the zone. The paranormal mystery of its setting and Tactical decision-making give the game a unique identity while still staying close to its roots.
3. Escape from Tarkov (Ongoing Beta)
Escape from Tarkov is different than other games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl because it is an extraction shooter. It means that there are both PVE and PVP elements involved. It is a survival-focused, intense, and slow tactical shooter in a multiplayer setting.
The game takes place in a fictional war-torn Russian city. Players have to amass loot, fight their way out, and survive the threat of AI enemies and enemy players. It is about getting as much loot as possible and escaping with it alive. Death means losing everything, which results in tense gameplay.
There is a major emphasis on weapon customization. Knowing the layout of the map is important for survival. The game’s setting, realism, and intense difficulty are its key features. The focus on survival will vibe with players looking for a similar experience to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. There are in-game purchases, so keep that in mind.
4. Atomic Heart (2023)
Atomic Heart is a different kind of game because it takes place in an alternate Soviet Union, and it has a lot of robots. Players have to fight against malfunctioning robots, mutants, and some strange scientific anomalies. The intensity of Atomic Heart makes it among games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
Players will take control of a KGB agent, Sergey. As he goes out on his quest. He will explore open-world areas and some weird-looking labs. Sergey will have access to melee weapons, ranged weapons, and psychic powers. The combat of the game is frantic and surreal. The game is an immersive experience with environmental storytelling.
The game can get quite unpredictable and bizarre. Atomic Heart is an immersive experience with the amount of details it has. The Soviet theme of the game, strange experiences, and intense tone offer different experiences yet a similar vibe.
5. Days Gone (2021, PC Release)
Days Gone is set in a post-apocalyptic world and takes place in the Pacific Northwest. Players have to navigate a world full of Freakers, which are basically zombies. It is a zombie game, and there are hordes of them, which is one of the game’s main features. A remaster for Days Gone was released in April 2025.
The game follows the character of Deacon St. John, who is a drifter and a biker. The game combines a story-driven narrative with open-world exploration and survival elements. There is a dynamic weather and day-night cycle that has an impact on the actions of enemies.
There are limited resources and gear to upgrade. Players can either avoid hordes or take them head-on. The setting of Days Gone is different, but both have a similar vibe. There is danger all around, as zombies are not the only things players need to worry about. If you are looking for games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, then this hits all the high notes.
6. Atomfall (2025)
Atomfall is one of the recent games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. It is set in a 1950s post-nuclear rural UK. A mysterious disaster has resulted in the creation of radiation zones in the northwest part of the country. The area is now a militarized quarantine with strange anomalies running ramped.
The game is developed by the developers of the Sniper Elite series, Rebellion. Atomfall combines investigative elements with survival elements and open-world exploration. Environmental storytelling and the paranoia of the Cold War era in Britain are prevalent.
Players have to investigate, scavenge, and survive crumbling villages and strange anomalies. The harsh tone and animalistic world of the game create a British version of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-like game.
7. The Callisto Protocol (2022)
The Callisto Protocol is set on one of Jupiter’s moons, Callisto. It is a survival horror game that puts players in a grim and haunting atmosphere. Unlike S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, The Callisto Protocol is a third-person game.
Players will take control of the character Jacob Lee. As you fight monstrosities, who are mutated human beings. You will uncover a chilling conspiracy that includes some of the biggest names in the world. The game has a heavy feel to it that focuses on combining melee attacks with ranged attacks.
Resources are scarce and require careful management. There is a focus on delivering claustrophobic feelings, environmental storytelling, and some amazing-looking visuals. The game features biological horrors, a disturbing tone, and survival mechanics, something that the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise embodies, making it among games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
8. Resident Evil Village (2021)
Resident Evil Village takes players to an Eastern European setting. The place has all kinds of monstrosities, such as werewolves, vampires, zombies, and other creatures. Players have to uncover some dark and sinister secrets as they explore the land.
Players will control the character of Ethan Winters, who was also the protagonist of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. He has to rescue his daughter from the dark forces while fighting sinister beings. There is a good balance between exploration, horror, and action. The pacing is controlled, and there are some memorable elements to the game.
Even though the game is linear, you can find some extra stuff by going off the beaten path. The environmental design, psychological horror, and eerie sound design make it among games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The game’s rural setting, old-world dread, and overall setting make it an engaging yet cold experience.
9. Sons of the Forest (2023)
In Sons of the Forest, players crash-land on an island full of dangers. There are cannibals to fight against and horrifying mutants out for blood. The game places a huge emphasis on open-ended survival. There is a shelter to craft, hunger to manage, and defenses to build
As players explore, they will uncover some of the island’s deepest secrets. Players will be joined on this quest by an AI companion. There is a realistic crafting system and dynamic seasons, which help create an immersive playthrough.
The atmosphere is heavy and eerie, which is especially prevalent in the extensive cave system and abandoned facilities. The horror is a little dimmer here, but survival is fueled by desperation, which is the reason that it is among the games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.
10. Remnant 2 (2023)
Remnant 2 is a continuation of a series that caught many by surprise. It is a co-op game that sets players in a post-apocalyptic multiverse. The world is full of monsters, and there are ruins to explore. Unlike most other games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Remnant 2, it is a multiplayer game.
It is a third-person action game that has challenging boss fights, an emphasis on precise shooting, and some interesting character moments. Exploration is the game’s main element because the game has a randomly generated world, which makes sure that no two sessions are the same.
The game places more emphasis on sci-fi and fantasy elements while presenting varied environments and an experience that has a scarcity of resources. The game’s eerie tone will make it an ideal game for players looking for a haunting and challenging experience.
If you have played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and like it, and want a similar experience, then you should be looking for games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and we just have the list for you.
