To start S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl – Cost of Hope, install the expansion and continue your campaign until a PDA signal opens its storyline. If you want to skip ahead, use New Game → DLC Content → Skip Ahead to The Cost of Hope and choose Early Start or Advanced Start. You do not need to begin a new save.
Check that you have access to the expansion
Cost of Hope is a paid expansion, and the base game is required. GSC says Ultimate Edition and Season Pass owners receive access automatically. Standard and Deluxe owners can purchase the expansion separately or upgrade to Ultimate Edition. The expansion launched August 20, 2026, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5/PS5 Pro. Steam’s listing also specifies that the base game is required; check the relevant store on your platform for the entitlement attached to your account. GSC’s editions page outlines edition access.
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If you do not own the base game, a physical PS5 edition is listed on GSC’s physical editions page; that is the base game, not the Cost of Hope expansion. Availability can vary by region and retailer. See GSC’s physical editions information.
Choose how you want to begin
Continue the campaign for the natural unlock
Install the DLC, load your existing campaign, and follow the PDA signal when it appears. The first part becomes available shortly after you leave the Lesser Zone. The second part unlocks after completing the main-story mission “A Minor Incident.” This route lets the expansion open as part of your progression rather than skipping campaign content.
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Skip ahead to the DLC
- From the main menu, select New Game.
- Open DLC Content.
- Select Skip Ahead to The Cost of Hope.
- Choose Early Start or Advanced Start.
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Early Start | Skips to the point where the first part of Cost of Hope is available. | Players who want to bypass some earlier campaign progress but still reach the expansion in stages. |
| Advanced Start | Places you at a later point where both parts are available. You choose Spark or Ward based on faction-related decisions from the main game; GSC says this choice does not affect the DLC content. | Players who mainly want to play the expansion. GSC recommends this option for a DLC-focused run. |
GSC’s menu guidance is general; separate platform-specific menu variations are not stated. The publisher describes the expansion as “20+ hours,” an estimate rather than a guaranteed completion time. Read GSC’s Cost of Hope expansion information.
Use an existing save or start fresh
A new game is optional. GSC says saves from previous game versions are compatible with Update 2.0 and Cost of Hope. Returning players may choose to start fresh if they want to experience earlier updates from the beginning, but that is not a requirement to access the expansion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Remove outdated mods before launching
GSC strongly recommends starting Update 2.0 and Cost of Hope without mods installed. Outdated mods can cause instability and performance issues. On Steam, unsubscribe from Workshop mods; for mod.io or custom mods, follow the corresponding cleanup instructions in GSC’s official mods FAQ. Reinstall mods only after their authors have updated them for compatibility.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Gameplay combining FPS, horror and immersive simulator
- Nonlinear history with various paths leading to its multiple endings
- Cutting-edge graphics developed with the latest photogrammetric and scanning technology
- AI systems that will keep even the most seasoned gamers on track
- Dynamic day and night and weather cycle gives even more realism to the gameplay experience
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