The Stalker 2 1.7 Update And Its Exciting Additions

The Stalker 2 1.7 update arrived on November 17, 2025, with a list of exciting additions for Stalker 2. Many of these changes build upon existing systems, providing more depth and utility. Alongside new additions, the latest update also addresses a significant number of bugs and issues.

The improvements to the existing systems include the A-Life system, difficulty system, and much more. The Stalker 2 1.7 update aims to enhance existing game systems, providing players with a better experience. So, before you get back into the zone, let’s see the improvements of the Stalker 2 1.7 update first.

The Major Changes Of The Stalker 2 1.7 Update

The Stalker 2 1.7 update makes several adjustments to the existing game that should’ve been there from the beginning. However, the developers have stated that they promise to make Stalker 2 just like the previous games. The first change made in the latest update is the change to the difficulty system.

In the latest update, players have the option to select the master difficulty, the hardest option to date. The master difficulty is only for the best Stalkers, capable of braving the zone by themselves with no issue. The master difficulty is only selectable at the beginning of a save and will stay the same throughout the playthrough.

In addition to the new difficulty, players can also toggle the Expedition mode in the difficulty select screen. Expedition mode offers the same save system as the hardest difficulty without the brutal challenge that comes with it. Progress will only save when exiting a Hub and during some main story moments, so keep on your toes, Stalker.

The difficulty of Stalker 2 might get interesting with the NPC and combat improvements as well. Enemies will now have a harder time spotting you in tall vegetation, thus giving you a fair fight in swamps. Enemies have learnt how to retreat, flank, and at what range they should engage, depending on the situation.

And while in a fight, or just strolling the zone, Stalkers will notice a change in their inventory. Protection and stat bars are now present in the inventory, giving you a clearer look at what your gear and items do. Stalkers can view what their gear and items do, along with how much radiation their artifacts deliver them.

On the topic of stats and items, sprinting and the beloved energy drink have received a few tweaks. Instead of sprinting, players can now jog when low on stamina, providing speed without serious stamina drain. And usually you’d chug an energy drink and get back to running, but drinking too much now causes tremors, which throws off your aim.

The Minor Changes Of The Stalker 2 1.7 Update

The Stalker 2 1.7 update also features a few minor changes that might interest a few Stalkers in the zone. The first of these is the new anomalies, of which there are two in the latest update. The first anomaly is a gravity well that pulls water from a puddle into the air, a not-so-threatening anomaly.

However, the second anomaly could pose a threat to Stalkers, or to anything that walks into it, really. The Steam anomaly shoots up a stream of boiling water when something steps into its radius, so watch your step. After that, we have better locking and re-aiming with the controller aim improvement for easier shooting.

There are many more changes made in the Stalker 2 1.7 update, but this is just a short list of the more significant changes. And what better way to experience the new update than to play it for yourself. So get on your feet and explore the zone, just be careful of your surroundings.

For more information on games and Stalker 2, stay tuned with us.