After Charlie Hall gave STALKER 2 a thorough review for Polygon and penned a helpful guide for newcomers, he shared an extra nugget of wisdom I think you’ll find valuable: switch on the Ukrainian voice acting and use English subtitles. Sure, it means you’ll be doing a bit of reading and keeping your focus sharp, but since STALKER 2 demands quite a bit of attention already, it’s a worthwhile adjustment to make.
The English voice cast holds their own; they do a fine job. So if you decide never to switch to the Ukrainian actors, you’d still have a lot of fun without realizing what you’re missing. (I should mention that the game has a few bugs here and there as of writing, especially noticeable on the Xbox Series S via Game Pass, but my experience playing hasn’t been too bad overall.)
There are several compelling reasons to make this language swap. For one thing, it adds to the authenticity. The game has its roots in Ukraine, developed by GSC Game World. Despite the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian invasion in 2022, they pushed forward. The STALKER series delves into a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi narrative set in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. As STALKER 2 continues this saga, it paints a picture of locals facing both supernatural elements and real dangers, while finding solace in their unity. Given these layers, hearing Ukrainian spoken in the game adds depth and emotional resonance.
Plus, the performances themselves are top-notch. Take Skif, the protagonist—you’ll find his voice acting particularly captivating. His performance is a standout, and since you’ll be following his journey throughout the game, switching the language can really pull you into his world and immerse you in the eerie atmosphere of the Zone.
