S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl version 2.1 update ‘The Zone Lookout’ now available

Look further.

GSC Game World has released the version 2.1 update “The Zone Lookout” for post-apocalyptical first-person shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

Here are the details, via GSC Game World:

■ Look Further!
You can finally manually increase the A-Life NPC visualisation distance. Whatever console you play on or PC specs you have, you can now choose how far away you want to see A-Life NPCs.
How This Works
We created a set of presets that let you select the A-Life NPC visualisation range. To find them, go to Settings –> Game —> Visualization options and choose your option.

We recommend sticking with the default preset—it’s the safest bet for a stable run through the Zone. Push it higher and you may see effects on performance and stability. If you’d rather let the Zone decide for you, the Dynamic preset will scale the range automatically to what your PC or console can handle.
Important note: A-Life NPCs and Quest/Scripted NPCs are different entities in the Zone. To ensure game stability, the visualisation range is increased mainly for A-Life NPCs. Also, the number of presets for this setting may differ depending on your PC or console.
■ Some Adjustments
We’ve also made under-the-hood improvements and balance tweaks so that long-distance gunfights feel natural. Depending on your preset, you’ll hear fights break out much farther away. Weapon ballistics are also adjusted accordingly.
Fast Travel With Squad Leaders
As you cross the Zone, keep an eye out for friendly or neutral stalkers. With Update 2.1, a squad leader, who is now marked on your compass, can guide you to nearby destinations, but only to places along their travel route. Talk to them to see which options are available.
A word of warning: Be ready to pay good cash for this service. No one will offer to carry your bag, so make sure you aren’t overloaded. And please keep in mind that only nearby, already explored destinations are available, so don’t expect a guy from Zalissya to take you all the way to Prypiat.
■ If You Are Still Reading This—thank You!
This update is a special one. We planned it based on the feedback we’ve heard from you on social media, in forums, and in reviews, and it comes with a broad set of bug fixes on top of the new content. Continue to share it, and together we can make the Zone a better place. And massive thanks for being with the Zone all these years!