Released last week, the post-apocalyptic shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl from GSC Game World is full of Easter eggs for fans – one of them references the main menu of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl.
Image Source: GSC Game World
We are talking about a dilapidated brick wall against the backdrop of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which could be seen during the launch of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl. As noted by player _teitokuma in X, there is a similar place in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
The sniper rifle leaning against the wall can be picked up, but it is of poor quality (image source: _teitokuma in X)
Since the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl has been around for 17 years, the location has changed slightly: instead of the name of the game, “The Zone Doesn’t Let Go” is written on the wall, and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is seen much further away than before.
Despite the differences, the discovery of _teitokuma caused strong emotions among fans. In the comments to the post there were people who, when looking at a familiar location in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 hear music from the “Shadows of Chernobyl” menu.
The brick wall from the main menu is not the only recognizable element of the original game implemented in the sequel. GSC has also added S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2nd place from the legendary concept art of Shadow of Chernobyl.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was released on November 20 on PC (Steam, GOG, Microsoft Store, EGS), Xbox Series X and S, and Game Pass. The first post-release patch for the project is expected before the end of this week.