S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Update 1.6 — Night of the Hunter: Darkness Reforged
9/26/2025
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Update 1.6 — Night of the Hunter: Darkness Reforged
“Don’t fear the darkness — make it fear you.”
With Update 1.6, subtitled Night of the Hunter, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl steps into a bolder, more dangerous night. Released September 23, 2025, this patch introduces a host of new features, gameplay tweaks, and quality-of-life enhancements designed to reshape how players experience the Zone after sunset.
Here’s what’s changed — and how it elevates the night stalking experience.
🔦 New Tools for Nighttime Survival
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)
The most transformative addition: Night Vision Goggles. These allow stalkers to navigate and engage under the cover of darkness — but NPCs now also carry NVGs, raising the stakes of night encounters.
You’ll need to seek out an “Old Friend” in Zaton to obtain these crucial devices.
Offset Aiming & Laser Pointer Integration
Offset aiming lets you tilt your weapon for better control in close-quarters fights.
A new high-powered laser pointer ensures accurate shooting in the deepest shadows.
Together, these features bring modern tactical realism to night combat.
🔥 A New Threat: The Fireball Anomaly
Update 1.6 introduces the Fireball anomaly, radiating scorching heat and unpredictable bursts. It forces stalkers to rethink night routes, turning exploration into a dangerous gamble.
⚔️ AI and Combat
This update delivers a major overhaul to enemy AI and mutant behavior, making the Zone feel more alive — and more lethal.
Fixed an issue where NPCs would take low cover behind trees incorrectly.
Fixed an issue where squad leaders nearby would all shout the same phrase simultaneously after a fight.
Fixed an issue where zombie NPCs could freeze midair after being headshotted.
Improved Chimera combat behavior.
Fixed an issue where Chimera could get stuck after performing a jump attack.
Fixed an issue where Chimera and Snork could jump through objects if the player was standing on top of them.
Fixed an animation issue with Bloodsucker arms during melee attacks.
Fixed an issue where Bloodsuckers could remain permanently invisible when not attacking.
Fixed an issue where Pseudodog clones would get stuck if spawned during a Retreat action.
Fixed an issue where Burers and Poltergeists were unable to use their throw ability.
Fixed an issue where Pseudogiant stomp could damage players in midair.
These changes smooth out frustrating bugs while making mutant encounters more dynamic and terrifying.
🛠 Other Gameplay & System Enhancements
NPCs can loot mutants, adding new layers of interaction and competition.
Rebalanced stash loot for improved variety and fairness.
Local save backup restoration to protect progress.
Customizable stick input curves and an Auto-Lean disable option for controller tuning.
Cosmetic updates: new face and hair options for female characters.
General bug fixes, stability improvements, and performance optimization.
🧠 What It Means for the Zone
“Night of the Hunter” doesn’t just add new gear — it fundamentally changes the way darkness, enemies, and anomalies interact with players. NPCs and mutants behave more intelligently, night combat is more tactical, and anomalies are deadlier than ever.
For veterans of the Zone, it’s a fresh layer of challenge. For newcomers, it sets the tone: nighttime in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is no longer a pause button — it’s the real fight.