Nuclear wastelands are a captivating backdrop for many reasons. The environment, every living thing within it, the political landscape, they’re all completely shaped by whatever incident occurred. Much of our understanding is based on hypotheticals, as well, fueling our imaginations for what could happen. Chernobylite 2 takes those fears and injects some classic sci-fi for good measure, and after a strong crowdfunding reception, it’ll be playable soon.
Chernobylite 2 is an RPG similar to Stalker, in the sense that you’re someone on the fringes trying to eke out a living in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, an area fundamentally altered by nuclear fallout. But where the action game differs is that it features inter-dimensional travel and some truly wacky folding of time and space, all as part of acquiring more of the namesake material.
See, in-universe, chernobylite is an enigmatic substance of high value, and your character is a Planewalker – someone who traverses dimensions to find it. On your journey, you realize this isn’t just some radioactive element, adding another terrifying inflection to the mutations that spring forth from it. The first was a great horror game, and the second is shaping one like another.
The trailer that came with the crowdfunding campaign from developer The Farm 51 has you jumping into ominous doorways that look like the portals from Oblivion. The upcoming PC game‘s combat looks smoother with some added oomph, and the enemies are fierce and varied. You can see radioactive undead and some flying monstrosities, but luckily you have plenty of weapons to handle whatever emerges.
All the familiar trappings of stats and character progression remain, and a Fallout-esque emphasis on retro and ramshackle technology. Chernobylite 2 is already well clear of the initial goal, making over £130,000 on a hope for £70,000. So the project will definitely be seeing the light of day, and you’ll be able to play it sooner than you might expect.
Chernobylite 2 enters Steam Early Access on March 6, 2025. Naturally, everyone who’s backed the survival game will get a key. The roadmap so far sounds similar to the first, which also started in early access before eventually moving onto full release. Given the reception thus far, people are ready to see what the team’s been up to.
You can find out more about Chernobylite 2 on the Steam page. Our lists of the best FPS games and the best war games have plenty of other ways to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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