Developer GSC Game World has pushed Update 1.6, titled Night of the Hunter, for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The patch lands ahead of the game’s PlayStation 5 release on November 20, 2025, and it brings a mix of visible gear and deeper system work that will matter to players at launch.
Update 1.6 introduces night vision goggles and new aiming tools, while also changing AI behaviour and loot distribution under the hood. The full patch is now live on PC and other current platforms, and these changes will be in place when the PS5 edition is released.
The patch is called Night of the Hunter and includes quality-of-life additions, such as a laser sight and an offset aiming option, aimed at shooters who prefer finer control. NPC AI has been reworked to behave more dynamically in encounters, and the loot system has been rebalanced to shift item progression and drops. For the complete breakdown of everything in 1.6 see the game’s official Steam page.
GSC has previously outlined a larger slate of upgrades ahead of the PS5 launch, including a wider engine rework and PS5-specific support. That PS5 feature set will encompass full DualSense functionality and additional platform enhancements that are expected to arrive before the end of the year. More details were shared when the studio outlined a huge list of additions.
Want a closer look at the update in action? A related video is available here.
Patch Notes – 1.6
- Introduced night vision goggles, usable during night cycles.
- Added laser sight attachment for weapons.
- Added offset aiming option for finer aim control.
- NPC AI overhaul to make enemy behaviour more dynamic in combat and patrols.
- Loot system rebalanced to adjust drop rates and item progression.
This update sharpens combat and survival by providing players with new tools, while also altering the behavior of enemies and rewards. It will matter most to players who prefer stealth or careful resource management, and of course it lands before PS5 owners can play on 20th November. Share thoughts in the comments and follow us on X and Bluesky.
