Stories Untold, a free content update for owners of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, is already available on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. It adds eight missions, seven locations, six characters, three unique items and a unique weapon, with a new storyline about a dangerous signal near Malachite. (GSC Game World announcement; official patch notes)
Is Stories Untold free, and what does it include?
Yes. GSC Game World says Stories Untold is free for all owners of the base game; it is an update, not a separate paid expansion. The official patch notes count eight new missions, seven new locations, six new characters, three unique items and one unique weapon. The update is available on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. (GSC Game World announcement; official patch notes)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Amped 2 - Xbox | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Mafia 2 - Xbox 360 | $15.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Art of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl | $31.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Halo 2 - Xbox | $36.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Crew 2 - Xbox one | $8.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What is the new story about?
The questline begins with reports of a signal interfering with PDA communications near Malachite. Stalkers who hear it are said to suffer headaches, nosebleeds and hallucinations. Professor Medulin witnesses the effects, and radio enthusiast Banzai becomes involved in the investigation. Players may encounter an emergency transmission across the Zone; the update points them toward the Red Forest as they pursue the mystery. (GSC Game World)
Which new locations and characters are included?
Stories Untold adds the Fairy Tale Pioneer Camp and Old Mine in the Red Forest. It also brings activity back to existing places: Car Dump, Army Warehouses, City Boiler Room, Rail Depot near Malachite and Volkhov SAM. These are additions to the Zone rather than a wholly new region. (GSC Game World)
#1 Best Overall
- Amped 2 offers a freestyle snowboarding experience with a large and varied trick library. You'll explore vast areas of wide-open, real mountains packed with terrain parks. Play head-to-head with friends in the various multiplayer modes. When you're ready to take it to the next level, connect to Xbox Live to check rankings and challenge the world's best virtual riders. Travel the globe, and pull sick tricks in front of sponsors, photographers, and fans. The latest snowboarding magazines or videos
The official count is six new characters. Among those identified in the story description are Professor Medulin and Banzai; the announcement does not provide a full character roster in the details summarized here. Player choices can also lead to a hub appearing in the Burnt Forest, with a technician, trader, medic, guide, sleeping spot and stash. (GSC Game World)
What is the GP37V2?
The update’s unique weapon is the GP37V2, a modified GP37 with a pre-installed suppressor and low-magnification scope. Its trigger group offers single and burst fire. The built-in equipment makes it a distinct variant of the existing rifle, rather than a new weapon family. (GSC Game World)
Rank #2
How Stories Untold differs from the later S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 updates
Stories Untold is the free story-content update. It should not be confused with Back to the Zone — Update 2.0, another separate free update, or Cost of Hope, a separately announced major expansion. Xbox Wire described Cost of Hope in March 2026 as planned for summer 2026, with a new storyline, the Iron Forest and Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant regions, and new and returning characters; that announcement does not establish its eventual release status or price. (Xbox Wire)
GSC’s Update 2.0 page listed August 20, 2026 alongside Cost of Hope, but that planned date has passed. The cited page does not by itself confirm the update’s present release status. (GSC Game World)
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Crew 2 - Xbox one
Rank #4
- Master Chief can now wield two weapons at once, board Covenant vehicles and steal Covenant weapons like the incredible double energy sword
- Lead an all-new unit of super-soldiers, the ODST -- tougher, badder and deadlier versions of your old comrades
- New enemies, allies and surprises around every corner - intense combat action with enhanced AI and real-time lighting
- Immense single-player action with maassive landscapes and huge cities to explore and defend - destructible and interactive environments
- Take the action online with your Xbox Live and switch sides, to become a Covenant Elite!
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
