How to install mods in Stalker 2

GSC Game World has revealed that Stalker 2 will officially support mods. The highly anticipated title was released on September 2024, 15 years after its predecessor, Call of Pripyat. The title, developed by GSC Game World, was released to critical and commercial acclaim for its dark, brooding atmosphere and brutal, grounded gameplay.

While the game runs well on modern platforms, it does have its share of glitches. Mod files are a great open-source option to smooth those out, while also being a great way to input custom cosmetics into the game. As such, here is a walkthrough on how to install mods in Stalker 2.

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Installing mods in Stalker 2

How to open the game files' location

To install modifications for Stalker 2, you'll need to add extra mod files to the game. However, finding these files can be a complicated process if you do not know where to look.

Opening game files in Xbox Game Pass

• Start the Xbox app.
• Right-click on Stalker 2.
• Click Manage.
• Select the Files tab.
• Click on Browse.

Opening game files in Steam

• Start the Steam App.
• Go to Library.
• Right-click on Stalker 2 (On the left-side games menu).
• Click Manage.
• Click Browse Local Files.

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Installing .pak files

.pak mod files for the game (Image via GSC Game World || Nexus Mods/KZekai)

Most mod files for the game will be categorized as .pak files. Mod files that aren't will come with their own installation guides. To install .pak mod files, you'll need to open the game files using any one of the above mentioned methods. Then you will need to navigate to the following directory:

• Stalker2\Content\Paks\~mods

If you don't find a ~mods folder, you can create one and then transfer all the .pak files into it.

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Installing .ini files

.ini mod files for the games (Image via GSC Game World || Nexus Mods/P40L0X)

If you're having issues with the game's graphical settings or facing performance issues, you will usually have to deal with modifications that use .ini files, as these files control the various internal settings for video games. Here's how to locate these .ini files for Stalker 2

• Press the Windows Button + R.
• Type in %localappdata% in the Run prompt.
• Navigate to Local\Stalker2\Saved\Config\Windows or WinGDK.
• Make backups of any file that needs to be replaced or modified (usually Engine.ini and GameUserSettings.ini).

Usually, you can open these .ini files using any Notepad app, and change some particular values correlated to the setting you want to change. You can also find and replace mod preset files that already appear with the changed values, meaning you just need to download and replace them with the original file.

However, do ensure that you make a backup copy of the file in case the mod doesn't work well with your copy of Stalker 2.