One of the first games shown at the Xbox E3 2021 event was STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, a next-gen only experience that's coming as an Xbox console exclusive in 2022. The STALKER 2 E3 2021 trailer was an impressive visual showcase for the game, showing off impressive graphics and intense gunplay that looks like it will no doubt please fans of the long-dormant franchise. More details on STALKER 2 have come to light since the E3 reveal, including information about its file size.
As spotted by Pure Xbox, STALKER 2's file size on Xbox Series X is listed as a staggering 150.01 GB on the Microsoft Store. We're still nearly a year away from the game's release, so it's entirely possible that the listed file size is not final, but if it is indeed that big, it wouldn't be all that surprising. Previously, developer GSC Game World said that STALKER 2 has hundreds of hours of gameplay, and that amount of content combined with its impressive graphics could very well add up to such a massive file size.
If STALKER 2 does have a 150 GB file size, it may be time for some Xbox Series X owners to upgrade their storage. Xbox Series X owners have the option of storing games on an external hard drive when they're not using them, but it may be more preferable to purchase an Xbox Series X storage expansion card. The Xbox Series X storage expansion cards work like the console's SSD and offer all the same benefits, so they're definitely something fans will want to look into once they fill up their internal storage.
STALKER 2's file size is rather intimidating, but it's just yet another example of how the game is trying to be as big and impressive as possible. STALKER 2 will have ray-tracing and may even run at 120 frames per second, all while offering incredibly detailed character models and generally impressive-looking environments. It seems having all of this requires players to dedicate a significant chunk of storage space to the game, but some may have no problem doing that if it means STALKER 2 is as massive as it sounds like it will be.
With STALKER 2 now having a specified release date, hopefully fans can look forward to new information on the game coming out on a regular basis. There's still plenty to learn about the game between now and when STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl lands on Xbox Game Pass.
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl launches April 28, 2022 for PC and Xbox Series X.
Source: Pure Xbox