GSC Game World is creating hype for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl with the release of its latest trailer, “Gone Gold.” This trailer offers a glimpse into the game’s eerie, radioactive world while also containing subtle nods to the series’ past—especially noticeable to veteran gamers who’ve been following Stalker since its early days. Though I previously claimed that the “Smoking Barrels” trailer would be the last, I was mistaken (revealed, admittedly, in a dream). So, let’s delve into the mysterious hints from the Stalker 2 Gone Gold trailer.
Summary
BEAR Detector Return: The Stalker 2 trailer showcases the BEAR Detector, a familiar tool from Clear Sky and Call of Pripyat, hinting at access to various anomaly and artifact detection devices.
Stalker 2 USB Connection Scene:
- The protagonist uses a Dell Inspiron 2650 laptop (from 2002) to connect a USB device, possibly a Wi-Fi adapter.
Meaning of “Gone Gold”:
- The term “Gone Gold” originated in the CD-ROM era, indicating a game is finalized and ready for distribution on December 20, 2024.
Details from the Stalker 2 Gone Gold Trailer
For seasoned Stalker fans, the return of the BEAR Detector—a familiar tool from Clear Sky and Call of Pripyat—is a welcome sight. This suggests that players may have access to a range of anomalies and artifact detection devices, potentially with new additions to the series. It’s an intriguing detail, especially given that the code for such detectors was already present in Shadow of Chernobyl, but was never fully implemented.
In the trailer’s final scene, we see our protagonist connecting a USB device (possibly a Wi-Fi adapter) to a laptop. Interestingly, the laptop featured is a Dell Inspiron 2650, released back in 2002.
Fun Fact: It’s different from the Eurocom D470W IMPRESSA notebook in Stalker: Call of Pripyat, made by Canadian manufacturer Eurocom. The D470W weighs 3.5 kg, matching the in-game weight—a nod to the developer’s commitment to detail.
What Does Gone Gold Mean in the Stalker 2 Trailer?
The Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Gone Gold trailer reveals a key moment: our protagonist connecting a USB device to their laptop. While seemingly minor, it hints at the game’s imminent release.
The term “Gone Gold” dates back to the early CD-ROM era, when a game was finalized and burned onto a gold-colored CD for distribution. This milestone signifies the completion of a game’s development cycle.
For Stalker 2, the announcement holds special meaning. After years of anticipation, cancellations, and delays, the game is now set for release on November 20th. This achievement highlights the dedication of the GSC Game World team, who toiled despite numerous challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With Stalker 2 officially Gone Gold, fans can finally look forward to venturing back into the Zone.