5 Best S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Games? Good Luck Choosing a Favorite!
If you’re lookin’ for the best stalker game, congrats – you’ve just entered a world where fun means existential dread. Imagine this – you’re standing in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone on a lovely and peaceful afternoon. The sun is shining, the air is… foggy, and you’re armed with nothing but strong resolution and, well, a rusty pipe. Sounds glorious, doesn’t it?
My first step into the Stalker zone was with Shadow of Chernobyl, armed with a rusty AK and believing that quick-saves would help me survive longer – nah they don’t. Within minutes, I was ambushed by bandits, toasted by an unknown anomaly, and screamed at by a Bloodsucker. And for some reason, the game made me want to keep dying… I mean, playing. Its atmosphere was unmatched – like someone bottled despair, sprinkled in radiation, and called it immersive.
Then came Clear Sky, the game that taught me what suffering really means. Imagine your stalker squad finally winning a battle, only to have a random kaboom kill everyone, including your carefully stashed loot. That’s Clear Sky in a nutshell: the best in trolling its own players. And yet, despite the bugs, I couldn’t stop myself from playing. Therefore, I decided to add it to the list of the best stalker games so the zone could get the better side of you too.
So, which is the best stalker game? It’s a loaded question with no easy answer – but I’ve got something for everyone on this list. So, without further wait, let’s dive into the radioactive rabbit hole!
Top Picks: The Best S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Games For True Battle Seekers
If you’re thinking about jumping into the best stalker games, brace yourself. These five games will have you questioning your life choices while dodging anomalies, running from mutants, and struggling to survive in a radioactive wasteland.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (2024) – I eagerly waited for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2! It’s an upgrade to the Shadow of Chernobyl, offering a massive open world, next-gen graphics, and survival mechanics.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (2007) – the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game is the first game in the series, and is the beginning of everything! It throws you into the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone with nothing but a rusty pipe and a world full of terrifying mutants.
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat (2009) – A direct sequel to The Shadow of Chernobyl. It got better at everything, the design, detail, atmosphere, and kind of decided to stop killing you so much.
Ready for more radioactive fun? Keep reading to discover the best stalker games and why they should be at the top of your gaming list!
The 5 Best Stalker Games – That Keep You Coming Back For More!
If you’re diving into the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. for the first time, I’d suggest you get ready for a series that makes you question your sanity, your choices, and honestly, why you even turned the game on in the first place. But hey, I love it – so you’ll probably love it too… eventually. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games aren’t just about surviving in a creepy, post-apocalyptic world; they’re about surviving the chaos, dodging radioactive zones, and, of course, running for your life from mutants that clearly have some sort of personal grudge against you.
What makes these open world games so great is the atmosphere, the tension, and the freedom to explore the Zone (as long as you’re ready to be eaten by a mutant at any given moment). I’ll never forget the first time I played Shadow of Chernobyl! I entered an abandoned building… only to be attacked by a never-ending rush of mutants, leaving me with no ammo and a heart racing faster than my character could run.
Now that you have a pretty good idea of what you’ll be dealing with – buckle up! Because these games will show you why S.T.A.L.K.E.R. isn’t just a game – it’s a lifestyle… one that’s guaranteed to keep you terrified but somehow still coming back for more.
1. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
| Our Score (1–10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9.5 | PC, Xbox Series X|S | 2024 | GSC Game World |
The latest entry in the series, Heart of Chornobyl, promised to bring everything the first game had to offer, and they delivered it. A million copies were sold in the first two days of its release! And here I thought I was just one of the few waiting for it.
With jaw-dropping visuals that make even the radiation look pretty and NPCs that feel almost too smart (seriously, they might outsmart you), this one redefined survival horror for me. The game’s mechanics are similar to some of the best RPG games. It’s the kind of game where even your instincts tell you – You’re not ready! And honestly? You’re probably not.
The world feels alive, with dynamic weather systems and NPCs that interact with you in a more organic way. It’s the best stalker game that will push the series forward without losing what made it special.
For newcomers, this is the best stalker game, as it’s designed with modern players in mind. Veterans, it’s nostalgic, but the zone has leveled up a notch. Bring snacks; you’ll need them to survive.
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2. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
| Our Score (1–10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 8 | PC | 2007 | GSC Game World |
As I said, Shadow of Chernobyl is where it all began. The game throws you into a radioactive Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, where survival is a constant struggle against mutants and deadly anomalies. The game mixes first-person shooter mechanics with deep RPG elements, making every decision feel difficult. Whether you’re exploring abandoned buildings, taking down enemies, or managing resources like food, ammo, and health – the tension never ends.
What makes it the best stalker game is its nerve-wracking atmosphere. You never know what’s lurking around the next corner, and the feeling of isolation can terrify the weak-hearted. Shadow of Chernobyl is quite challenging – it’s brutal, unforgiving, and constantly keeps you on edge.
If you’re new to the series, be ready for a challenging learning ride. The difficulty can be overwhelming, but you’ll get the hang of it. For veterans, this is where it all started, and it’s a reminder of how it’s a great contender to be one of the best horror games out there, that changed the survival genre forever.
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3. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
| Our Score (1–10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 9 | PC | 2009 | GSC Game World |
Call of Pripyat takes everything Shadow of Chernobyl did right and refines it. The game continues the story of the Zone, with you playing as a military agent sent to investigate a disastrous event. The gameplay is smoother, and the open world feels more expansive and alive. The improved AI and mission design make the overall experience much more enjoyable.
Unlike Shadow of Chernobyl, which could feel a little random at times, Call of Pripyat offers more structure. You’ll get a better sense of direction and a more rewarding progression system. Still, the danger and challenge remain – mutants and anomalies are still lurking, waiting for their chance to strike.
For newbies, it is the second most accessible best stalker game. For veterans, it’s a refined version that delivers a more polished and engaging adventure.
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4. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
| Our Score (1–10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 7 | PC | 2008 | GSC Game World |
Ah, Clear Sky – another one of the best stalker games! The prequel that thought, “Let’s make the Zone even harder and watch players suffer.” You play as a mercenary caught in the middle of a faction war, to uncover the truth behind the Zone’s mysterious anomalies. The game introduces new mechanics – like the ability to take control of factions, and adds more emphasis on combat strategy.
While it doesn’t hold up as well as its sequels, Clear Sky offers a deeper dive into the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe. Like other open-world games, you’ll encounter a great number of new enemies, tougher challenges, and more mysterious locations. However, the game is also infamous for its frustrating AI and some occasional bugs, making the experience feel a bit rough at times.
For newcomers, tread carefully – It’s not just the best stalker game, it’s a journey where every step could be your last because it’s like being thrown into the deep end of a radioactive pool. For veterans, it’s a test of how much you actually enjoy suffering. Good luck – you’ll need it.
5. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Lost Alpha
| Our Score (1–10) | Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| 8 | PC | 2014 | Dezowave |
Lost Alpha is a fan–made free-to-play mod that restores all the content that was cut from Shadow of Chernobyl. It offers a map much larger than other games, new weapons, and more complex AI, delivering a more expansive version of the original game. I haven’t played this game, but some of my friends who did – said to me that if you wonder what S.T.A.L.K.E.R. could have been if all its cut features were included, this is your chance to find out.
While Lost Alpha isn’t an official game, it’s incredibly well–made, with fans of the series putting their heart into it – making it another best stalker game. It does come with some bugs and rough patches, but that’s to be expected with fan-driven projects.
If you’re just starting, I’d encourage you to begin your journey with Shadow of Chernobyl and Heart of Chornobyl. For veteran gamers, well, if you haven’t given this version a shot, then maybe you should – as it sheds light on the excluded cuts.
FAQs
What order are the Stalker games?
These games should be played in release order for the best experience, so start with Shadow of Chernobyl.
Which Stalker game to play first?
I’d suggest beginning with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat. It’s more newcomer–friendly and has streamlined gameplay.
Are the Stalker games connected?
Yes! The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games are connected, especially thematically.
Are the Stalker games related to the Metro games?
Yes and No! They share some similarities like survival and horror, but they are set in entirely different settings – Stalker offers an open world while Metro games are story-driven.
