DaRmaZat Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone, a post-apocalyptic action RPG that combines a non-linear story with an open world, combat, crafting, and team and base management, has been available in Early Access on Steam since March 6. Console versions will follow later, though it remains unclear for which platforms.
We previously discussed the game’s demo extensively during our preview, where it became evident that its ambitious design comes with a number of shortcomings. However, change may be on the horizon, as the ongoing Kickstarter campaign has already far exceeded its initial goal of €95,000. At the time of writing, around €199,000 has been raised.
In Times of Inclusion, Danger Lurks in an Exclusion Zone
In Chernobylite 2, you play as Cole Grey, a so-called planewalker who travels through parallel worlds in search of the rare, energy-rich crystal known as Chernobylite. After a failed expedition, he finds himself stranded in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, constantly besieged by all manner of horrors. To survive, he must unite three rival factions while simultaneously finding a way back home.
An Ambitious Sequel to the First Game.
There is no doubt that Chernobylite 2 aims to be an ambitious follow-up to the first game. The original already captivated many players with its mix of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-inspired elements and survival RPG mechanics, despite its many limitations. With the experience gained from the first game’s Early Access period, developer The Farm 51 is now convinced that this sequel will be an even better game—partly thanks to community feedback via Steam forums, Discord, and other social media platforms.
Early Access and Future Improvements
The Early Access phase of Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone is expected to last between six and ten months. Even at this early stage, the game world already offers two to three times more content than the first game, and the final version is set to expand even further. The storyline surrounding protagonist Cole Grey is reportedly less than halfway written, making it clear that the developers are not only refining the gameplay but also further developing the narrative.
Several additions and improvements are planned on the roadmap, including a co-op mode (which is currently unavailable), a refined third-person camera, and improved controls. A positive development so far is that, compared to the demo, both AZERTY and QWERTY keyboards are now supported, quicksave functions correctly, and dodging during combat feels smoother.
Performance Optimizations Are Still Urgently Needed.
When it comes to weapons and gear, that aspect appears to be nearly complete. Additionally, a Photo Mode was recently added to this Early Access version. However, more priority should be given to the voice acting, which is currently largely AI-generated and leaves much to be desired.
The biggest concern, however, remains the game’s poor performance. Optimization is still critically needed, as the game suffers from serious performance issues, as already evident in the demo. Persistent framerate drops and microstuttering remain a problem, even with modern techniques like DLSS upscaling and Frame Generation enabled. The Farm 51 has released an initial patch, but this seems to be just the beginning of a longer optimization process.
Preliminary Thoughts
Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone remains an exceptionally ambitious but rough game in Early Access. The blend of an open world, skill-based dialogue choices, a faction system, and base-building mechanics sounds highly promising, but the current execution falls short in several areas. Murky graphics, poor optimization, the absence of the promised co-op mode, an unfinished story, and an AI-driven voice-over make the game feel like a rough draft of a potentially strong concept. However, The Farm 51 has promised significant improvements and optimizations over the next year. Whether they succeed will determine if Chernobylite 2 can match—or perhaps even surpass—the success of its predecessor.
Additional Information
Release date: March 6, 2025 (Early Access)
Reviewed on: PC. Download code provided by developer and publisher via BeyondGaming.
Developer: The Farm 51
Publisher: The Farm 51
Official website: https://chernobylgame.com
Relevant links: Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone on STEAM
