After my colleague Charlie Hall got his hands on STALKER 2 for Polygon and shared a bunch of handy beginner tips, he mentioned an extra piece of advice that I think is worth passing on to all of you: try switching to Ukrainian voice acting with English subtitles. Sure, it means you’ll have to read a bit more and stay attentive during the game, but let’s face it, STALKER 2 demands your full focus anyway. Trust me, this little tweak is a game-changer.
Now, don’t get me wrong—the English voice actors do a solid job. If you never switch over to the Ukrainian voices, you’ll still enjoy the game without ever realizing what you’re missing. (And by “enjoy,” I’m setting aside the occasional instability issues; I’m playing on an Xbox Series S through Game Pass, which has its quirks. But so far, I’ve managed just fine.)
There are compelling reasons to make the switch. First off, it’s about authenticity. STALKER 2 is crafted by the Ukrainian team at GSC Game World, with development persisting even after the 2022 Russian invasion. The series is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi saga set in Ukraine’s Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. STALKER 2 takes you deeper into this tale, exploring characters who navigate both supernatural and real-world dangers, finding solidarity in the struggle for survival. Given all this, it just feels right emotionally and artistically to hear Ukrainian being spoken by the characters.
Plus, the performances are top-notch. The voice actor playing Skif, the protagonist, delivers an outstanding performance that really shines through. Since you’ll be listening to him throughout the game, it’s definitely worth making the switch. You’ll find yourself more immersed in his world as you venture into the Zone.
