Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFor a first playthrough, play the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games in release order: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), Call of Pripyat (2009), then S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (2024). Clear Sky is a prequel, so story chronology puts it first; release order lets you experience the original trilogy as players first encountered it.
All S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games in release order
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007) — The original game and first chapter of the Legends of the Zone Trilogy. GSC Game World says it launched worldwide in April 2007. GSC Game World’s series history uses the original title spelling, “Chernobyl.”
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky (2008) — The second game released, though its story is a prequel to Shadow of Chernobyl. GSC’s official trilogy site calls it the prequel chapter.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2009) — The third game in the original trilogy. Its official description follows Major Degtyarev as he investigates what happened to a lost expedition. The collection branding spells the title “Prypiat.”
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (2024) — The later sequel, released on November 20, 2024, according to its Steam publisher listing. The modern title uses “Chornobyl.”
Should you play the games in release order or story order?
Release order is the straightforward choice for a first playthrough: Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, Call of Pripyat, then Heart of Chornobyl. It begins with the original game and follows the sequence in which the first three were introduced. This is a recommendation, not an order mandated by GSC.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Heart of Chornobyl - PC | $62.72 | Buy on Amazon |
For the original trilogy’s story chronology, start with Clear Sky, then play Shadow of Chernobyl and Call of Pripyat. Add Heart of Chornobyl after the trilogy for the franchise sequence supported by the official series descriptions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the Legends of the Zone Trilogy?
Legends of the Zone Trilogy is a collection of the first three games—Shadow of Chornobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Prypiat—not a separate story chapter. SEGA’s collection listing identifies those three titles. Heart of Chornobyl is a separate sequel.
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